Michael Young
Designing everything from bicycles to headphones and watches, Hong Kong-based British industrial designer Michael Young boasts an impressive portfolio of artwork and designs. Having recently collaborated with HomeSquare to design an indoor tree house called “Hytta,” Young talks to Jonathan Miller about his work and inspirations.
HK Magazine: Can you tell us about your background and how you began your career in industrial design?
Michael Young: Well, basically I failed all my exams at school and couldn't get into university, so I was pretty much forced into finding my own path. I knew I could draw a little, but that was about it. And it took me a while to realize that you could design things as an economic profession. It was an interesting way for me to be commercial but creative [at the same time]. Since then, I have been working as an industrial designer for 20 years. I design everything, from philosophy to way of life—that’s the way I like to do things.
HK: Why did you move to Hong Kong?
MY: I was in London for 10 years and started to work in Taiwan a lot. When I came here, I discovered a new way of working and a new way of design. I began to understand the meaning of manufacturing in a more holistic way. There was no real design scene in Hong Kong at the time, so I just followed my own instinct and decided to start something here.
HK: How would you describe your craft to someone who is unfamiliar with your work?
MY: I try to build new technologies for companies, and [create] new ways of making things work through innovation and technology. It’s a lot of fun. I am trying to show that design doesn’t have to be bullshit, and I want the products that I've designed to stand out in ten years’ time. Meanwhile, I take my clients very seriously; essentially, I work for them and not for myself.
HK: What is the concept behind the “Hytta?”
MY: It was built to create an environment where you can relax, because as we all know, Hong Kong is not the most peaceful place to live. [I chose to use a Scandinavian theme because] in many ways, Scandinavia knows what Christmas is; it’s a very warm and cozy region—I am sure Santa Claus lives over there, too. This is my first time [designing with] a Christmas theme. I take it a lighthearted way, because I am so happy that I can impact children and that they get an opportunity to see this.
HK: How do you stand up to the pressure of having to constantly come up with new designs and ideas?
MY: It depends. Sometimes I ask myself if I really have to do this for the rest of my life, but it’s all I know how to do. I have learned that everything is about evolution. It’s like being a writer, where they learn to slowly write [with clarity], which is the hardest part because this job is so much about happiness.
HK: What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
MY: Like most artists, I know I can always do better, and that is what drives me forward every day. I know this year will be a good year, because I have some good stuff coming forward.