Header: Yue Che
Yue Che is a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design who is quickly growing in the world of interior design after winning the “Emerging Interior Designer of the Year 2022” for her project “Ally – A Center for Children Psychological Trauma Recovery”.
Yue owns a versatile portfolio of projects, ranging from residential communities to health clinics, all unique challenges in different environments. Her works, such as the Sanshi Country Senior Community in China and the Cosmo Behavioral Health Clinic in Chicago, are empathetic at their core, showing Yue’s sensitivity to the needs of the communities.
In this interview, we discover a designer who designs with her feelings, using design to create spaces that improve quality of life.
Photo credit: Yue Che
Photo credit: Yue Che
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Hi! I am from China and am currently an interior design graduate student about to finish my degree at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I am passionate about art and travel, and I always keep an observant and creative eye on life, which I consider my source of inspiration. Outside of school, I also work as a freelance architectural illustrator, helping people portray what their homes look like.
How did you discover your passion for interior design and decide to join the Savannah College of Art and Design?
I began studying drawing and art as a child, which laid the foundation for my aesthetic pursuits. Through my four years of undergraduate studies in environmental design, I became concerned with integrating and utilizing people and their surroundings. To explore the perceptual experience and emotional changes of human beings in space, as well as the balance of aesthetics and function in space, I decided to further my interior design skills and attempt to create meaningful spaces through the professional knowledge and advanced resources provided by SCAD.
What was your design inspiration behind “Ally – A center for Children Psychological Trauma Recovery”?
Children’s mental health has been neglected. I initially researched designs to address children’s trauma out of curiosity and found that there was a lack of relevant designs on the market. So, my original intention was to create a new design paradigm and awaken the public’s attention to children’s mental health.
After case studies and interviews with experts, I found that communication therapy and horticultural therapy were the most effective solutions that could be easily accepted and understood by children. Those were the inspirations that informed the entire design solution, which is dedicated to providing them with an equal, connected, and relaxing environment.
What do you see as the strengths of your winning project, and what does this award mean to you personally?
The project is meaningful in that it seeks an innovative approach based on theory and research to solve current social issues through interior design and urges the audience to be more aware of the mental health and real requirements of vulnerable people, including children and the elderly. I am honoured that this design is recognized, and this award will inspire me to continue to improve my skills in this field moving forward!
How do you think your own culture and environment have shaped your personal and professional creative vision?
Creativity is deeply rooted in culture. Growing up in an environment of collectivist culture has shaped me to be inclusive and open-minded, and to always maintain empathy for others. In addition, blending diverse cultural experiences with a more holistic perspective and integrated approach helps me to listen to more different voices and enhances my personal creative and critical thinking.
What are you working on now? When will you finish your studies?
I will graduate in December 2022 and it has been a rewarding and impressive time at SCAD. I’m currently learning the skills to convey interior design effects better and looking for a great opportunity to put all my knowledge and skills into practice.
Last, what can we wish you for the future?
The courage to make mistakes, the determination to pioneer, and many more amazing and meaningful designs!
Photo credit: Yue Che
Photo credit: Yue Che
