Interview with Hsuan-Chih Vic Chou, ZK Interior Design, Taiwan

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Hsuan-Chih Vic Chou

As founder of ZK Interior Design, Vic uses practicality in his designs to negate the shortcomings of spaces and create beautiful designs in the process.



Interview with the 2021 MUSE Design Awards Winner - Hsuan-Chih Vic Chou

1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.

After graduating from university, I was admitted to the Department of Architecture of Chung Yuan Christian University for advanced studies. At the same time, I started my design career. I really love design. I enjoyed the process of working with my clients. I had found a great sense of accomplishment in this process. In 2005, I established my own company, ZK interior design.

2What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?

My father is a calligrapher, and my mother is a painter for Chinese painting. I grew up in a family of artists, I have always been very interested in design. It is without a question for me.

3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.

I enjoyed working with my clients. Naturally, I was recommended to friends and family members of my clients whenever they need a designer. I established my own company, ZK interior design in 2005. Most of my projects are residential spaces.

4What does “design” mean to you?

Design means providing functional solutions for life. A designed space presents and decorates the living environment with functionality and beautiful elements.

5What’s your favorite kind of design and why?

The design with temperament and connotation gives me a sense of peace and tranquility.

6To you, what makes a “good” design?

Good design is to use practically the negativity and shortcomings of space to create beauty and functionality.

7Describe your design style and its main characteristics.

I like to use different materials to create a contrasting beauty and present a harmonious effect through balance.

8Tell us about your design process.

I always communicate with clients to understand their habits, understand their preferences, and integrate designs to create the space for the clients.

9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?

In the tradition and custom of Taiwan, wood grain is representative of taste and style. Therefore, in many works, there is an important part of the design that is related to the application and presentation of wood. But considering sustainability, we have to find alternative solutions.

10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2021 MUSE Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

I am very happy to be recognized by MUSE Design Awards with a Gold Award. The original concept of the MUSE Design Award is to encourage continuous breakthrough and original creativity. This Gold Award for us is a very big affirmation for our company and team.

11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2021 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

I created this design work, Dynamics of Lights and Shadows, for the male and female owners who have their own different preferences and styles. Through planning and the division of space, we created a richer spatial expression in the limited space for the husband and wife. We believe that the concept of this work has continuous breakthroughs in creativity and is in line with the concept of the MUSE Design Award. Therefore, we chose this work to submit.

12What was the biggest challenge with this project?

The husband and wife like completely different styles. The warm style contradicts the industrial style. How to present the two elements in the same project and create a beauty of contrast? The planning and the proportions were the biggest challenges for a designer. I am glad that this design is accepted and recognized.

13How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?

Receiving this award is a blessing. It makes our company and team members more confident. This award allows our team to be proud and brave. It encourages us to follow our creativity in future conceptual development. I believe that our future design will be more affirmed.

14What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?

As a designer, I love to create design perfect home for my clients. When I can continue to use my creativity and imagination, I feel happy. I feel honored and joyful when my design is recognized.

15What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?

I live in Taiwan. It is a small place compared with other places. But this place we live in is a blessed land that accepts diversity and multiculturalism due to the special historical background. This historical and cultural background trains designers to be able to learn and integrate any concept design. The cultural adaptability we have allows us to be creative. We dare to envision. This is the most special thing.

16Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?

People will have more ideas and thoughts for the connotation of life. The concept of combining design and life will spread to every family. Therefore, the development of design in the future will still be based on humans. I believe that it will get better and better.

17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?

Only when we lay the foundation can we complete the creation.

18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?

On-site field visits and training are crucial. Learn as many design concepts as possible. Explore the world. Find your own path.

19 Who has inspired you in your life and why?

My mother has been a great impact on my design. She is a painter. I have been influenced by my mother since I was a child. I have been inspired by her ideas and aesthetics which she enlightened me through senses.

20What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

Each space or house has its unique and the most suitable configuration and planning. You are on the path of creating it. If you don't see and feel that in your design, you just have not found it yet.



Winning Entries

Dynamics of Lights and Shadows | 2021

Interview with Hsuan-Chih Vic Chou, ZK Interior Design, Taiwan

Walking into the foyer entrance, the storage area on the left is the starting point of the black and white contrast, exhibiting light and shadow. From the...
(read more at MUSE Design Awards)


ZK Interior Design


ZK Interior Design is an award-winning interior design studio based in Taiwan.

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