Li Xiang

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Li Xiang ("LX") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

LX : I went abroad for high school when I was 15 years old, and later studied architecture in Malaysia and the United Kingdom. I returned to China in 2009 to work in the China Construction Institute. In 2011, I established the X+Living.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

LX : I’ve been learning about painting ever since I was a kid. The experience of painting and learning art might cultivate my interest in beautiful things and aesthetic consciousness. So I’ve always dreamed of doing something related with this when I grow up. But it was not until the college time that I began to realize the beauty of architecture.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

LX : Be humble, be a person who is continuously inclusive and inwardly cohesive, and insist on creating, you will surely gain results.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

LX : Good design works can give the public the best demand experience in terms of functional aesthetics, humanistic care, quality experience, etc. In my opinion, a good work is a spiritual place, it can resonate with people and the times.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

LX : I think the greatest value of design is its care for its clients. In addition to shaping the functional aesthetics, jumping out of the three-dimensional world and demonstrating the designer's goodwill, so that the space can heal and warm the city and the community, this design will of course attract investment and the market.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

LX : The main thing I want to design for is not a person, but a wild animal. I hope that through space creation, I would like to express the call for the protection of wild animal and maintain natural resources. Because to protect nature is to protect ourselves.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

LX : No secrets, I just create a world I want to see. The important component is the fusion of functional aesthetics.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

LX : Volunteer for wildlife conservation.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

LX : Design is a responsibility to create beyond the limits, a desire to introduce the extraordinary into the ordinary life and is a dream I want to stick to.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

LX : My parents, they give me affirmation and support, whether studying abroad or starting a business, they always give me confidence and reliance. My family is my biggest supporter.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

LX : Several Zhongshuge bookstore branches will open soon, as well as parent-child projects, hotel projects and commercial complexes.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

LX : At present, I want to cultivate the Chinese design soil with many excellent designers in China.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

LX : The starting point of design has always been "people-oriented", and it is designed for a better life and an ideal society. With such original intention of design, it will naturally have a positive effect on the society, and the power of design is great.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

LX : I haven't thought about it. Each work is unique and brings me different satisfaction. It is the extraordinary creation contribute to today and they are all the best achievements of X+Living.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

LX : In my opinion, in the future, designers will play more roles and develop to a mixed and diversified direction with more advanced technologies and creative innovations. Design works need to have more sustainable development significance, realize more "impossible", and finally return to the heart of service.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

LX : The design concept lasts from half a day to 3 days, and the final confirmation drawing lasts about 45 days. Different projects are different.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

LX : Spatial pattern. This is the first step of my design. I will see what the spatial pattern is before I start to design.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

LX : Translate the complicated technical language into convenient functions and spatial attributes that everyone can easily perceive.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

LX : AutoCAD, 3dmax and other drawing modeling software.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

LX : They are like a story, narrating the language of the space, exposing the heart of the designer.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

LX : I will analyze their spatial layout, color aesthetics and functional attributes, and learn his advantages.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

LX : Of course, I am very happy and grateful for the efforts of the team. The honor belongs to every partner who works together, and we will be inspired at the same time. I hope everyone will remember the original intention and continue to work hard. Fame is not easy, need to go through the difficult time and suffering and then maybe will wait for the rainbow, but success is not easy, pay hard is the right, success will be inevitable.