Lin Chia-Yu, CEO of ININHOME Co., Ltd., Transforms Homes in Whispers of Refined Elegance

Winning this award is not just recognition of my work but also a responsibility. It reminds me to continuously maintain creativity and professionalism to deliver more valuable projects. At the same time, it motivates me to further explore the connections between people, space, and life.

For me, this honour is more than just a trophy—it is a source of strength. It reinforces the idea that the value of design lies in creating beauty that people can truly feel. I will continue to use my work to create moments that resonate deeply with people.

This achievement has brought tremendous recognition to my career, my design team, and ININHOME Co., Ltd. It has not only elevated our visibility on the international stage but also marked an important milestone, inspiring us to diversify our projects and expand globally.

Experimentation plays a vital role in our creative process, serving as a tool for exploration and breakthroughs. It allows us to go beyond simply solving problems and pushes us to create new possibilities.

For example, in one residential project, we experimented with combining diverse materials with very different textures. By carefully balancing proportions, light, and construction techniques, we created a space that felt both modern and serene. This became one of the homeowner’s favourite highlights of the project.

Inspiration frequently derives from the nuances of everyday life.

"Whispers of Refined Elegance" originated from the homeowners' aspiration for an ideal residence—one that is both modern and warm. We undertook a comprehensive redesign of the layout to better align with their lifestyle, facilitating the free flow of light and ensuring that movement within the space feels organic.

A particularly memorable moment occurred when sunlight first illuminated the newly established central axis, transforming what had previously been a closed-off wall; it was as though the space had been revitalised. This experience underscored the notion that the true power of design lies in uncovering hidden potential.

The process of design entails a series of trials, revisions, and periods of anticipation. However, when the final result resonates with individuals, the emotional fulfilment derived from this connection far outweighs any formal recognition.

The inherent value of space is not derived from its visual grandeur, but from its authentic reflection of real-life experiences. Design must sincerely address human needs through careful consideration of textures, lighting, and spatial relationships, thereby supporting the functions of everyday living.

In the project titled "Whispers of Refined Elegance," we prioritised functionality by transforming a two-unit layout into a cohesive and private dwelling. The selection of materials was intentional, serving as emotional cues rather than mere decorative elements: the tranquillity of stone, the warmth of wood, the softness of leather, and the lustre of metal were all harmoniously balanced to achieve a sense of modern, understated luxury.

When a space satisfactorily addresses both functional and emotional needs, it transcends conventional design, becoming a vessel of enduring memory.

I have always believed that design is not a one-way expression but a two-way dialogue. Many times, a client’s instinctive requests inspire me, while my design philosophy presents them with new possibilities.

For example, if a client emphasises functionality, I focus on circulation and storage solutions, but I also ensure that my vision of spatial atmosphere—through materials and lighting—is preserved. The result is often a win-win: clients enjoy a comfortable, practical space, and the design retains its poetic qualities.

Every project presents unique challenges that require careful consideration and innovative solutions. In the case of "Whispers of Refined Elegance," the primary challenge involved the integration of two aging units characterised by numerous structural beams and columns, all while maintaining a sense of balance and spatial flow.

Instead of concealing these structural elements, we harnessed them to delineate zones and transitions within the space. As sunlight traversed these materials along the central axis, the environment began to resonate with a newfound rhythm.

Another significant challenge pertained to the fusion of luxury and warmth. The clients expressed a desire for refinement that did not evoke a sense of coldness. By employing a strategic layering of materials and lighting, we enabled the stone to convey a gentle aesthetic under warm tones, effectively complementing it with wood, leather, and textiles. The resulting design successfully articulated both high quality and a sense of familial intimacy.

Design challenges should be viewed not as impediments but as opportunities for engaging meaningfully with the spatial environment. Each challenge provides valuable insights into discovering freedom within constraints, substantiating the notion that exceptional design flourishes within defined limits.

One of the most important ways I regain inspiration is by experiencing life. Travelling and observing the architecture and colours of different cultures, or even appreciating the layers and presentation of a meal, can all translate into design vocabulary.

Design is a reflection of life itself. When I immerse myself in daily experiences—whether through travel, cuisine, or conversations with clients—I often rediscover connections between people and space. Even simple details, like watching natural light shift throughout the day, can spark fresh ideas. These moments help me overcome creative blocks and find design solutions that feel authentic and human-centred.

Whether in residential or commercial projects, I firmly believe design should not exist in isolation but must closely integrate with the user’s needs. Only then can it strike the right balance between beauty and functionality.

For me, the core values are authenticity and livability. I place great importance on material textures and light details because they create emotional warmth in a space. I also infuse my personal experiences into my work—my observations of nature during travel and my reflections on culture in everyday life often serve as inspiration for my design.

Every project is a reinterpretation of life itself. It’s not simply about completing a work but about translating my understanding of how people interact with space into environments that genuinely accompany and enrich their lives.

My advice to aspiring designers is this: don’t rush to chase a “style.” Instead, focus on developing your ability to observe. Design doesn’t begin with elaborate expressions but with small details—how light enters a room, how materials influence emotions, how people move through a space. These seemingly ordinary observations are the true foundation of design.

Also, maintain an experimental mindset. Many breakthroughs are born from trial and error. Don’t fear mistakes, as they are part of the journey. Most importantly, be courageous in communicating with users. Design is not just self-expression but also listening and transforming; only by understanding people can you create spaces with genuine warmth.

Lastly, never forget to enjoy life. Inspiration often comes from travel, food, art, music, or even the scenery on a casual walk. When you truly embrace life, you naturally bring that authenticity into your design.

If I could collaborate with any designer, it would be Kelly Wearstler. Her design language skillfully juxtaposes rawness with refinement, using eclectic material and colour combinations to create unique and bold atmospheres. This resonates deeply with me.

Her creative tension aligns with our recent focus on “bringing the landscape inside”—integrating the tones and textures of mountains and rivers into the home, then complementing them with weathered stone and metal to capture the interplay of light throughout the day.

We also prioritize circulation and the cultural sensibilities of users, ensuring beauty and functionality coexist. I would love to collaborate with her to weave together architecture, nature, art, and daily life into a living canvas that breathes.