What made you decide to become a designer?
My journey to becoming a designer wasn't sparked by a single moment but developed over a period of nurturing my passion and innate tendencies into a professional career. It was during this gradual process that I began to understand and embrace my profound love for design. As an architecture student, I initially didn't realize how sensitive I was to colors, aesthetics, the natural appearance of things, and that I possessed a strong visual memory—far more pronounced than my recall for text, physics, or other areas. This sensitivity allowed me to view the world through a unique lens, appreciating the subtle details that compose the bigger picture. This realization maybe marks the beginning of my journey as a designer. Can you tell us more about your design background? I received my training in Australia and have spent over a decade working for prestigious firms such as MAD Architects, SCDA, and Formwerkz across various regions including Singapore, Beijing, and Malaysia. My work is deeply influenced by the contemporary architecture of Southeast Asia, Oceania, and global architectural trends. Recently, I founded StudioTiltedCircle, an architecture office committed to crafting sophisticated designs that enhance the quality of life and space.
How do you stay inspired and keep coming up with creative ideas? Traveling undeniably keeps my thoughts fluid; observing the lives of others inspires diverse approaches to life's challenges. Additionally, experiencing and studying the work of other architects is a tremendous source of inspiration. Understanding their thought processes and construction methods is part of a lifelong learning journey.
What does good design mean to you? To me, good design encapsulates a harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetic appeal, and thoughtful consideration for the user's experience. It's about creating spaces and objects that not only serve their intended purpose effectively but also evoke emotion and enhance the quality of life. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as travel, studying other architects' work, and the inherent beauty of nature, good design reflects a deep understanding of context, culture, and human behavior. It's a continuous process of exploration and refinement, driven by a passion for creating meaningful and impactful experiences for people.
What is the most challenging thing in your profession? Securing quality projects remains our primary challenge as we are relatively new to the industry. We are actively seeking recognition and acknowledgment from both our peers and potential clients. Please, explain the best project you are most proud of and why. All of our projects undergo rigorous study and research to achieve sophisticated designs that reflect the local identity. For instance, our Chin Liang Reservoir Museum is a result of careful consideration, employing a simple gesture of lifting and pushing down to unveil the reservoir buried underground, integrating with the surrounding landscape of Chin Liang Park. This museum seamlessly blends with other historically significant architectural landmarks in the area, becoming an integral part of the local venue.
What is your biggest design career moment? How does this milestone impact your career? My biggest design career moment was leading a high-profile project for a prominent client. This milestone not only validated my skills and expertise but also provided an invaluable opportunity to showcase my capabilities on a larger scale.
How do you learn and grow your knowledge and design skills? Applying lessons gleaned from exceptional works, experimenting with concepts through various mediums, and seeking fresh perspectives for visual and substantive interpretations are key to my creative process. I believe in continual learning and constant production as essential methods for sharpening my skills.
What would you say will be future of design? We believe the future of design is more user friendly, sustainable, more importantly, more meaningful and impactful experience for people. What are your career plans for the future? We aim to pursue a select number of projects, focusing on delivering exceptional quality at a consistent pace. Our goal is to create distinctive designs that embody our vision of contemporary architecture.
Where can people find your projects and get in touch with you? www.studiotiltedcircle.com
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Email: hello@studiotiltedcircle.com