What sparked the idea for your award-winning project, and how did it take shape?

My award-winning project was inspired by a deep interest in Spanish culture and the challenge of creating an authentic dining experience. It was like going on an adventure! Even though I hadn’t been to Spain, I immersed myself in researching everything from history to gastronomy, folktales, and traditions. It began with a simple restaurant idea, then grew into this amazing multisensory experience. The project pushed my creativity beyond boundaries, and I learned so much throughout the process. Looking back, it’s remarkable how a project that started with curiosity and excitement turned into something I’m truly proud of. Sometimes, the best ideas come from stepping out of your comfort zone!

How does your personal style or philosophy influence your designs?

Since starting as a student, I’ve lived by my ‘Always DARE and ASK’ philosophy. DARE encourages me to pursue Dreams, raise my Aesthetic sense, stay Realistic, and be Enthusiastic about opportunities. ASK reminds me to maintain a good Attitude, improve Skills, and enrich Knowledge.

For me, interior design goes beyond aesthetics and materials. It’s about creating spaces that influence people’s behavior and well-being through elements like color, lighting, and materials. I believe every design element has unique value and potential to make a significant impact.

What was the most challenging aspect of this project, and how did you tackle it?

From the beginning of this project, I faced quite a few challenges. The restaurant was about Spain, a culture I was fascinated about but had limited knowledge of. I couldn’t speak Spanish, nor did I have any Spanish friends or acquaintances familiar with the culture. Besides, in Vietnam at that time, Latino culture wasn’t as popular as some others, which limited my real experience to Spain environment. 

However, these difficulties became my motivation to conduct thorough research about Spain. Before forming any design ideas, I immersed myself in Spanish culture. I spent nearly a month in various libraries studying books, and scoured the internet for articles and documentaries on Spanish history, culture, and gastronomy. To get a real taste of the culture, I visited every Spanish restaurant I could find in my city, savoring meals and engaging with chefs and staff to gain firsthand insights.

This journey of discovery not only helped me overcome the initial difficulties but became the backbone of my design.

Winning an International Design Award is a huge achievement—what does this recognition mean to you?

I was over the moon when knowing I’d won the Gold medal for my work, and was titled Emerging Interior Designer of the Year! This prestigious competition allowed me to showcase my work alongside thousands of talented designers from around the world, with judging by top industry professionals.

The recognition has boosted my confidence in my design skills and creativity. It’s also shown that my work has universal appeal, which fills me with pride and joy. I’m thrilled that my design is reaching a wider audience.

This achievement is a significant milestone in my career—one that I’ll always cherish and use as motivation for future projects. It’s truly exciting to see my hard work recognized on such a global stage!

Can you share some insights into your creative process? Do you follow a structured approach or let inspiration lead the way?

My creative process blends structure and inspiration. I begin with the fundamentals: understanding project requirements and developing a functional layout. Then, I move to the “storytelling process”, where inspiration guides me in exploring unique concepts. For every project, I try to balance creativity and practicality. I use a structured approach for the basics, then let inspiration shape the unique aspects of each design. This method helps me create spaces that are both visually appealing and functional, with the end-user in mind.

Did this project push you to explore new materials, techniques, or technologies?

Absolutely! This project pushed me to explore new materials and techniques extensively.

To create an authentic Spanish atmosphere, I researched building techniques and materials from some Spainish historical eras. This led me to work with a diverse range of materials I’d never used before. The design featured strong accents, vibrant colors, intricate textures, and bold patterns, all requiring careful consideration and placement. I learned to meticulously mix and match different materials in harmony, ensuring each element contributed to the overall design without overwhelming the viewer. 

This project taught me how to create a cohesive design while preserving the unique qualities of each material. It truly helped me grow as a designer, encouraging me to think outside the box and use materials in innovative ways. 

What role does sustainability play in your design work?

Sustainability and human well-being are crucial in my design work. I approach it from various angles, but in this project specifically, the most prominent aspect was how to deal with the site itself. The project involved renovating an old French colonial villa that had been abandoned for years after serving multiple purposes. Instead of tearing it down completely, I investigated to reuse and recycle parts of the structure. This approach turned potential disadvantages into highlights of the design. I believe sustainable design goes beyond environmental responsibility. It’s about creating spaces that people will love, use, and maintain for years to come. This longevity is, in my view, the ultimate form of sustainability in design.

What advice would you give to aspiring designers looking to make an impact in their field?

Well, here is my perspective: Your biggest challenge can be a significant contribution your greatest asset. It’s all about how you tell your story. Try weaving bits of real life into your designs – culture, history, and experiences. When you do that, your work becomes more than just a job but a meaningful creation you’re proud of. Develop your own design philosophy too. It’s like your personal signature in the design world. It’ll not only push you forward but also make your work stand out in the best way possible.

How do you balance function, innovation, and aesthetics in your designs?

Balancing function, innovation, and aesthetics is vital, but the emphasis shifts based on the project type. For hospitality projects, I focus on creating memorable experiences. Office spaces prioritize functionality, employee well-being, and embrace the company branding. Educational facilities demand designs that support diverse learning needs and different occupancy types. Residential designs revolve around the client’s lifestyle. Regardless of the project, every design element should serve a purpose, look good, and bring something meaningful. It’s about finding the sweet spot where function, innovation, and aesthetics complement each other. Great design isn’t about perfecting one aspect but creating harmony between all elements existing in it. When this balance is achieved, the space truly comes alive.

What’s next for you? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations in the works?

My goal is to collaborate with talented designers worldwide. I’m eager to learn from their creative processes and see how they tell stories through design. To me, design is a universal language, much like math or science, connecting people across cultures. That’s why I’m so enthusiastic about international collaborations. 

Currently, I have some exciting projects that I believe these works will challenge me to grow in many aspects, push my creative boundaries, and allow me to bring my perspective to diverse projects. I’m looking forward to these new adventures in design and can’t wait to see how they’ll shape my creative journey!