Rethinking the Designer’s Role: From Aesthetic to Awareness

What is the designer’s role in shaping how people feel and live?

For many of us, design begins with aesthetics, creativity, and function. But over time, a deeper question emerges: Can we design for meaning, connection, and awareness?

Hello, my name is Chia Huei Lu. I began my journey not in architecture, but in dance. Through movement, I experienced how the body and space are inseparably linked—how light is not just visual, but emotional, even spiritual. This embodied connection to space became the thread that guided me from theatre lighting to architectural design—and ultimately, to mindfulness.

As I moved from dance into theatrical lighting, I became increasingly fascinated by how light could evoke emotion and atmosphere. Yet I also realized that theatrical performances are fleeting. I longed to create experiences that could have a more lasting impact on how people perceive their lives and environments. That’s when I transitioned to architectural lighting design—hoping to influence people’s daily experiences in more meaningful and enduring ways.

However, I encountered challenges. Architectural projects are complex, and applying theatrical concepts to functional, everyday spaces isn’t straightforward. But the pandemic became a turning point. It heightened global awareness of how our surroundings affect our mental well-being and opened up space for deeper inquiry.

During this time, I also began practicing meditation. I discovered a profound intersection between mindfulness and architectural design. Mindfulness—with its core principles of Intention, Attention, and Attitude—offered a framework that could enhance how we design and experience space.

👉 Next: Can Design Heal? Insights from the LightLife Observation Room

Are you a designer rethinking your creative path? I'd love to hear how your personal story has shaped your design focus. Share your thoughts in the Contact Form with me or explore more on the LightLife homepage.