Dan Deng
1. Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.
My name is Dan Deng.Holding a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and Space Planning, magna cum laude, from South China University of Technology,Dan has more than ten year’s experience working in the high-end luxury market across multiple interior sectors, working with multiple hotel brands with projects across the globe ranging from Europe to SoutheastAsia .He has a keen insight into new design trends and is skilled in blending artistic diversity within his designs. This forward and fresh approach toward the design process allows him to explore many unique possibilities and solutions.
2. What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?
Because my father worked in an architectural institute, he deeply influenced me.
3. Tell us more about your agency/company, job profile, and what you do.
The matter of design is no more than designing, we focus on design itself to resolve project issues.
The matter of design is not limited to designing, we attend to go beyond designing to promote project value with strategies.
Established in Shenzhen in 2018, Nothing But Design had studios set up in Hong Kong and Beijing. The scope of services covers architecture, hospitality, restaurant, club house, office, integrated residence, selected private residence.
Our team members have worked with international and domestic top design companies, with hands on interior design experience in different regions and brands, not only within China, but also in South-east Asia and other continents. We are familiar with various hotel design specifications and standards, proficient in integrating operational needs into design, fully exploring the logic behind brand strategies and positioning, and have keen insight into the current situation and development trend of the industry.
We have hands on experience in managing large-scale projects and also the ability to provide optimization solutions in fast responds.Our team has high-end international brand hotel design experience such as, Marriott, InterContinental, Hilton, MGM, Accor, One & Only, Chedi, Capella?we also focuses on the exploration and research of mid-end and boutique hotels; Based in China and Hongkong, out looking worldwide, to provide international design services.
4. What does “design” mean to you?
This means survival and ideals.
5. What’s your favorite kind of design and why?
My favorite design type is hotel interior design because it encompasses a wide range of elements. After working on hotel designs, other projects like commercial spaces and private residences feel effortless.
6. To you, what makes a “good” design?
A harmonious and understanding team of clients.
7. How did you come up with the idea for your award-winning design?
The city's culture and modern design elements of the project's location.
8. What was your main source of inspiration for this design?
We have extracted traditional Chinese cultural concepts and integrated modern design techniques.
9. Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?
This translation means "Traditional Chinese culture and cultural heritage have had a significant impact on me.
10. Congratulations! As the winner of the London Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?
Thank you for the recognition from the London Design Awards! This honor is truly extraordinary and a validation of our team's hard work. Winning this award inspires us to continue pursuing innovation and excellence, creating unique spatial experiences for our clients. We are grateful for the trust and support of our clients; without them, this achievement would not have been possible. The teamwork and professional talent within our team have been indispensable, and we will continue to work together, striving for more outstanding designs. Once again, thank you to the London Design Awards; this recognition will motivate us to keep progressing and creating even better interior design works!
11. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the London Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
In the design of this restaurant, we have strived to create a unique, comfortable, and impressive dining environment. We pay attention to details, pursue innovative design elements, and ensure the functionality and practicality of the interior space.
There are several reasons for choosing to participate in this project. Firstly, the restaurant is a challenging field in interior design, and we enjoy showcasing creativity and talent in such spaces. We aim to create a unique dining experience for customers and provide them with an enjoyable time.
12. What were the main challenges you faced during the design process, and how did you overcome them?
In the process of designing the restaurant interior, we faced three major challenges: space constraints, balancing customer needs with design vision, and determining a style that suits the restaurant's theme. Through meticulous planning, close collaboration with the client, innovative design thinking, and teamwork, we successfully overcame these challenges, creating a unique, comfortable, and inviting interior environment for the restaurant. Challenges have propelled our growth and inspired us to continuously pursue excellence in design.
13. How do you think winning this award will impact your future as a designer?
Winning this award will enhance my reputation and visibility, attracting more projects and collaboration opportunities, driving me to continuously learn and innovate. Additionally, it provides me with a platform for showcasing and networking, bolstering my confidence and motivation, and helping me become a better designer, striving for excellence.
14. What are your top three (3) favorite things about the design industry?
I enjoy signing projects, designing them, and seeing them successfully completed.
15. What sets your design apart from others in the same category?
By incorporating unique design concepts, emphasizing user experience, utilizing innovative materials and technology, paying attention to meticulous detailing, providing targeted solutions, collaborating closely with clients, and effective promotion, you can make your designs stand out among similar projects, gaining more recognition and opportunities.
16. Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, the design industry will move towards sustainability, digitization and intelligence, customization, health and well-being, and diverse cross-disciplinary development. Designers will focus on environmental protection, technological applications, personalization, humanization, and cross-cultural integration, creating innovative, sustainable, and inclusive design works. These trends will bring new opportunities and challenges to the design industry.
17. What advice do you have for aspiring designers who want to create award-winning designs?
To become an award-winning designer, here are some suggestions:
a.Continuously learn and improve your skills.
b.Expand your horizons and draw inspiration from various sources.
c.Love design and maintain your passion for it.
d.Dare to innovate and break through traditional boundaries.
e.Communicate and collaborate effectively with clients.
f.Pay attention to details and prioritize quality.
g.Persevere and stay persistent in your efforts.
h.Participate in design competitions and exhibitions.
i.Collaborate with other designers.
j.Establish a personal design brand to showcase your work and style.
18. What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?
Here are the recommended resources to improve skills in the design industry:
a.Online courses and educational platforms.
b.Design books and magazines.
c.Design blogs and websites.
d.Design communities and forums.
e.Participate in design competitions and challenges.
f.Practical projects and internships.
g.Observe and learn from outstanding works.
h.Drawing and handicrafts.
i.Use design software and tools.
j.Accept feedback and self-evaluate.
19. Tell us something you have never told anyone else.
In fact, our design fees are not high, haha.
20. Who has inspired you in your life and why?
He is a very famous contemporary writer in China, his name is Yu Hua, and he has a work called "To Live." He is the person who has had the greatest influence on me.
21. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
I am still exploring on the path to success. I want to share a Chinese proverb with everyone: "Learning knows no bounds."
