Kris Lin

Kris Lin is the founder and Design Director of KLID (Kris Lin International Design). Since its inception in 2001, KLID, headquartered in Shanghai, has earned international acclaim, receiving numerous awards for its outstanding contributions to architectural interior space design. Boasting a 23-year career, Kris Lin consistently shines on the global stage. His dedication to pushing the boundaries of design excellence is showcased in his two published collections, “KLID vision Ⅰ” (2006) and “KLID vision Ⅱ” (2020). Join Asia Designers Directory as we engage in a conversation with Kris, delving into his multi-disciplinary approach and the driving forces behind his remarkable success.

Kris Lin是KLID（Kris Lin International Design）的创始人兼设计总监。自2001年成立以来，总部位于上海的KLID以其在建筑室内空间设计方面的杰出贡献而赢得了国际赞誉，获得了众多奖项。拥有23年的职业生涯，Kris Lin在全球舞台上一直备受赞誉。他对推动设计卓越的执着在他的两个出版物中得以生动展示，分别是2006年的“KLID vision Ⅰ”和2020年的“KLID vision Ⅱ”。在这采访，亚洲设计师目录与Kris进行对话，深入探讨他的多学科方法以及他卓越成功背后的驱动力。

Can you describe your design philosophy and how it has evolved throughout your career? What principles or values guide your creative process?

请描述您的设计理念以及您是如何建立您的职业生涯？

At the heart of my designs lies the guiding principle of “Four-in-One Integrated Design” to seamlessly blend architecture, interior, furnishing and landscaping. My goal is to craft spaces that offer a complete and harmonious sensory experience. I strive to balance tradition and the new, adhering to constant renewal and focusing on every design detail. I personally oversee architectural, landscape, and interior design, while a professional team handles art and furnishings to ensure holistic integration of the project.

Beginning my career in Taiwan, I’ve spent over two decades building my career mainly in Shanghai. As the founder and design director of Kris Lin International Design, my focus is delivering innovative and reliable design solutions to our clients. We take pride in bringing creativity to life through numerous iconic projects in major cities, showcasing our unique insights and commitment to exceptional design.

我的设计理念核心是”四位一体集成设计”，旨在融合建筑、室内、软装饰与景观，实现综合而和谐的空间体验。我坚持在继承传统与推动创新之间寻找平衡，秉承“达者常新，观之有道”的哲学，专注于每一个设计细节。我亲自主导建筑、景观、室内设计，而艺术与软装陈设则由专业团队负责，确保每个项目的一体化和完整性。

从台湾起步，20多年的职业生涯主要在上海发展，我创立并领导Kris Lin International Design ，致力于为客户提供创新且可靠的设计解决方案，打造出众多具有影响力的一线城市标志性项目，每一作品都力图展现独特的洞察力和创新性。

Where do you draw inspiration for your designs? How do you stay creative and ensure your work remains innovative in a rapidly changing industry?

哪些原则或价值观指导您的创作过程？您的设计灵感从何而来？

In my designs, I see each project as a fresh journey. I draw inspiration from local culture, natural landscapes, and everyday life to shape my creative process. I delve into the stories of each place, aiming to bring them to life through my designs while ensuring both aesthetics and functionality.

I believe design is more than just buildings and spaces; it’s about being a part of people’s lives. Hence, I strive to make my works not only visually appealing but also practical and inviting. Balancing modern technology and art, I infuse my designs with character while maintaining a human touch. This process is part of an ongoing exploration and commitment to aesthetics, the environment, and the quality of living.

在我的设计中，我喜欢将每个项目视为一次新的旅程。我从周围的地域文化、自然风光和人们的日常生活中汲取灵感，这些都深深影响着我的创作。我会深入了解每一个地方的故事，尝试通过我的设计让这些故事活起来，同时也确保它们既美观又实用。

我认为设计不只是建筑和空间，它是人们生活的一部分，所以我尽量让自己的作品既温暖人心，也贴近实际。我努力在现代科技和艺术之间找到平衡，让我的设计既有创新的灵魂，也不失人性的温度。这样的过程不仅是对每个项目的投入，更是对美学、环境和人类生活质量的持续探索和承诺。

How would you describe your distinctive design aesthetic, and how do you incorporate cultural elements into your work?

您觉得多年来消费者模式发生什么变化，而如此的变化是否影响您的设计创作？

Over the years, I have witnessed how consumer demands have evolved, prompting continuous adjustments to my design approach. Today, there’s a heightened emphasis on personalisation and environmental sustainability – integral considerations in my design process.

When it comes to crafting personalised designs, I start out with a casual conversation with each client to understand the project and the story behind it. I then blend this understanding into everything from architecture, interior layout, soft furnishings, and landscape planning. The idea is to create spaces that are not just practical but also stand out, capturing the spirit and identity of the project. I am inclined towards eco-friendly materials and employ smarter ways to conserve energy, like making the most of natural light and ventilation. This way, I aim to make a positive impact on the environment.

As a designer, I understand my role goes beyond creating beautiful spaces; it involves making these spaces genuinely livable, comfortable, and positively impacting the world. Each project presents a new challenge, making the design process inherently intriguing. Through my designs, I aspire to introduce beauty to people’s lives.

在过去的23年里，我见证了消费者的需求如何变化，这些变化让我不断地调整我的设计方法。现在，人们更加注重个性化和环境的可持续性，这已经成为我设计时的重要考虑因素。

在处理个性化设计时，我努力营造一种轻松的对话氛围，就像与朋友交谈一样。我深入聆听每个客户的需求和故事，无论是公共建筑、办公室还是其他空间，我都致力于理解它们的独特性。然后，我将这些理解巧妙地融入到建筑设计、室内布局、软装饰及景观规划中。我的目标是创造出既实用又具有特色的空间，使每个项目都能反映出其所在社区或机构的精神和个性。在可持续性方面，我也努力做得更好。我选择环保的材料，用更智能的方式节约能源，比如利用自然光和通风。尽我所能，一步步来，希望能对环境有所帮助。

我知道作为一个设计师，我的工作不只是创造美丽的空间，还要让这些空间真正适合居住，让人们感到舒适，同时对这个世界有所贡献。每个项目都是一个新的挑战，但这正是让设计充满乐趣的地方。我希望能通过我的设计，让更多的人感受到美好。

Can you share a few projects that are particularly meaningful to you and why?

您能与我们分享一下您在APSDA Awards 2023中得奖的项目以及这份荣誉带来的意义？

At the APSDA Awards 2023, we received recognition for our White Mountain Club House project located in Nanjing’s Xuanwu District. This project delves into and harmonises with Nanjing’s distinct urban characteristics and natural beauty, especially the stunning backdrop of mountains, Xuanwu Lake, and Purple Mountain. It’s a testament to our commitment to converge urban life and nature.

In terms of design, we employed a topographical architectural strategy, blending natural elements with modern design concepts, drawing inspiration from the mountains and waters to create a harmonious visual and spatial experience with the surrounding environment. Distinctive petal-shaped landscape stairs and flowing roof forms are designed to lead people  to the underground space, while floor-to-ceiling glass allows more natural light to stream in and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor.

The space is more than just practical—it’s a refreshing take on urban living with its seamless and open design. It not only enhances the spatial experience but also showcases design excellence. This recognition is meaningful for us; it acknowledges not only our design philosophy and approach but also motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation.

在APSDA Awards 2023中，我们以[WHITE MOUNTAIN CLUB HOUSE]项目荣获奖项，这是一项位于南京玄武区的创新设计。项目深入挖掘和响应南京独特的城市基因及自然景观，尤其是其群山、玄武湖和紫金山的壮丽环境，展现了我们对城市生活与自然和谐共生的探索和实践。

设计上，我们采取了地貌式建筑策略，融合自然元素和现代设计理念，以山水为灵感，创造出与周围环境和谐相融的动态视觉和空间体验。特色的花瓣造型景观楼梯和流动的屋面形态旨在引导人们自然地流动至地下空间，而落地玻璃的引入大大增强了自然光的渗透，模糊了室内外界限。

整个空间既满足了多功能的实用性需求，又以其流动性和开放性激发了城市生活的活力和想象，这种设计不仅优化了空间感，也象征着我们对于创新和卓越设计的不懈追求。这份荣誉对我们来说意义重大，它不仅是对我们设计理念和实践的认可，也激励我们继续追求创新。

Are there key lessons or insights that have been particularly valuable in your career?

在您的职业生涯中，有哪些关键的见解对您特别有价值？

I believe exceptional design should not only meet current needs but also possess the foresight to anticipate the future. It should be timeless and enduring in conveying beauty and value over time. In every project, I immerse myself in the cultural and environmental context, staying on a constant learning curve and adapting to emerging technologies and materials. This all-encompassing approach fuels my career trajectory.

I’m committed to crafting adaptable, personalised spatial experiences that tell a seamless story, blending effortlessly with local culture and the environment. My goal is to shape unique experiences while positively impacting the environmental. This fervour to design serves as the impetus for me to continuously innovate and creating lasting value to the wider community.

对我来说，最有价值的见解源于这样一个信念：卓越的设计不仅要满足现时需求，更应具有预见未来的能力，它能够超越时间的束缚，持久地传递美感与价值。在每个项目中，我深入考虑文化和环境背景，并结合对新技术和材料的不断学习与适应，这种综合性思考是我不断前进的驱动力。

我致力于为人们创造灵活、个性化的空间体验，让每个空间都能讲述与地域文化和环境相融合的故事，创造独特的体验，并提升环境质量。这种对设计的深刻理解和不懈追求，驱动我不断创新，为用户和社会创造更多价值。

(The interview was originally conducted in Mandarin and subsequently translated into English.)