Meet Tzu-Hao Kuo | Architectural Lighting Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tzu-Hao Kuo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tzu-Hao, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I’m a lighting designer with a background in architectural design and professional interior design experience. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently found myself in competition with peers within the same field. In the early stages of my career, I embraced a simple philosophy: I could progressively improve and surpass others over time by putting in a bit more effort each day than my counterparts. During this period, the concept of work-life balance rarely crossed my mind; my singular focus was on my work, and I dedicated all my time to it.

However, as time passed, I realized that someone else might achieve similar or even greater success sooner and more efficiently. As I aged, my capacity to devote myself entirely to my work diminished. Increasing responsibilities and roles demanded their share of time and effort.

Moreover, I’ve learned that an excess of work with adequate periods of rest benefits my creative abilities. A truly exceptional design is born from a rich life experience and is nurtured by the inspiration drawn from everyday life. Quality rest and a balanced lifestyle serve as catalysts for innovative and impactful designs.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m from Taiwan and relocated to New York five years ago to pursue a master’s in Lighting Design. Presently, I serve as a lighting designer at BR+A Consulting Engineers, stationed in their New York office.

My background lies in architecture, an arena known for its intense competition. Throughout my academic journey, I wanted to collaborate with my exceptionally gifted peers in the future. After completing my undergraduate, I contemplated how to make this aspiration reality. My focus shifted towards combining my architectural interests with the professional realm. Drawing from three years of experience within an interior architecture firm, I saw lighting design as the missing link I had been searching for. Positioned as a relatively novel element under the expansive umbrella of architecture, it has power over spatial design, a realm in endless evolution. With this vision, I applied for a master’s program at Parsons School of Design in New York.

The pursuit of my dream introduced its first challenge – adjusting to studying abroad and navigating cultural disparities and language barriers. I found that dedicating more effort and time was the sole route to keeping pace with the accelerated learning environment. As I approached graduation, the pandemic took hold, opening the second challenge – the inquiry for employment. Patience and readiness became critical in awaiting the opportune moment.

Presently, my focus revolves around overcoming the latest challenge – securing my place in New York, widely recognized as the hub of lighting design. Fortuitously, my master’s degree granted me a three-year working visa. However, sustaining this journey demanded more effort, pushing me to delve into various aspects of the lighting world, extending beyond design. I pursued a lighting certification and even took on the role of a speaker at the esteemed lighting conference and trade show, LEDucation. One endeavor attested to my professional understanding, while the other involved sharing my research within the lighting community.

Without a doubt, the path was complex and fraught with visa application difficulties. Yet, in retrospect, my progress in a relatively brief span is nothing short of impressive. In this process, I gained invaluable experiences that laid a strong foundation for my pursuits in lighting design.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever my friends explore New York, I recommend a fascinating visit to Dia Beacon. A train ride from Grand Central Terminal brings us to a contemporary art haven by the peaceful Hudson River. The journey itself is a warm-up to the magic that awaits.

Once entering Dia Beacon, the interplay of natural light through the expansive industrial windows is striking. Sunlight hits on artworks’ surfaces, creating shadows and highlights that add depth to every piece. The gallery’s clever design allows us to engage intimately with each exhibit as if the light is an artist’s tool.

Richard Serra’s massive sculptures and Dan Flavin’s dynamic light installations are engrossing among the exhibits. The museum’s atmosphere changes as the day progresses, with the changing quality of light casting new perspectives on the art.

When our curiosity is satisfied, we can rest at the museum’s café or walk in the cute small town. A trip to Dia Beacon is a charming escape from the city’s urban rhythm, a chance to connect with art and light in harmony by the river’s edge.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to express my appreciation to my mentors in Lighting design – Brooke Silber, my current director; Nancy Lok, my project manager; and Derek Porter, my esteemed professor at school. These individuals have significantly shaped my design philosophy and skill set in Lighting. Derek, my professor at Parsons School of Design, was pivotal in introducing me to the world of lighting design. Through his guidance, I gained insights into how Lighting can transform the ambiance of a space and impact our overall well-being. During my second year at school, I had the privilege of working as his research assistant. Our collaboration extended to various projects, from art installations to retail spaces and high-end residential designs. This hands-on experience provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the design process early in my career, exposing me to diverse approaches to lighting design.

Brooke, my director at work, extended her support during a challenging time – the pandemic – when recruiting activities were frozen. She opened a valuable opportunity to join the team, entrusting me with the belief that my skills could bring unique value to our endeavors.

Over the past three years, my project manager, Nancy, has been an integral part of my journey. Her close collaboration and guidance have laid a solid foundation and equipped me with essential practical skills, fostering my growth into an independent professional.

I attribute a significant portion of my design career achievements to the guidance and mentorship of these individuals. I am fortunate to have crossed paths with them and am deeply grateful for the invaluable assistance they’ve provided along the way.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haozgoing/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tzu-hao-kuo/

Image Credits
BR+A Consulting Engineers Payette Robert Benson Photography Sasaki TKD Architects