We had the good fortune of connecting with Shun Cheng Hsieh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shun Cheng, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Hello, I’m Shun Cheng Hsieh. I was born and raised in Taiwan, where my interest in industrial design took root around junior high school. Inspired by designers who cleverly solved problems through research, aesthetics, and design skills, I aspired to join their ranks. Fortuitously, I was admitted to the Industrial Design Department at Shih Chien University, one of Taiwan’s most renowned design schools. This opportunity provided me with a solid foundation in industrial design skills. During my final year, I discovered a passion for footwear design, captivated by the harmonious integration of function, form, and materials. My education and experiences have profoundly influenced my approach to design, allowing me to fully immerse myself in creating impactful, aesthetic solutions.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been deeply passionate about sketching, particularly when it comes to footwear. My curiosity drives me to observe various elements—objects, products, animals—and integrate their unique functions into my designs. This continuous process of observation and integration keeps me endlessly fascinated and engaged with my work.

Reaching this point in my career hasn’t been easy. Although I’m always striving to learn and grow rather than labeling myself as a professional, I’ve faced numerous challenges along the way. The journey here, especially moving to the United States to study and pursue my career, required significant sacrifice and support. I am incredibly grateful for my family’s unwavering support throughout this process.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to remain a perpetual student of design. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn and to improve.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Planning the perfect week in New York City for my best friend would definitely be exciting, given all the incredible options. We’d start with brunch at Dudley’s, one of my favorite spots, followed by a leisurely walk around Soho to soak in the vibrant art and shopping scene. Since I live in Long Island City, I’d take them to Yumpling next. It’s a place close to my heart, serving authentic Taiwanese cuisine that reminds me of home—I’d love for my friend to experience these flavors.

We’d also make a trip to Flushing to indulge in some authentic Chinese hot pot at Chongqing Lao Zao, a must-try for any visitor. If we’re looking to catch some sports, snagging tickets to see MLB or NBA games would be ideal, offering us a taste of the thrilling sports culture here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, I’d love to give a huge shoutout to Dr. D’Wayne Edwards. Participating in the Pensole Footwear Academy in 2018 was a pivotal moment for me, thanks to his guidance. At Pensole, I deepened my knowledge not only in footwear design but also learned the importance of conveying messages and making an impact through design. The support from the cohort and staff, including Juliusz Ślaski, Erik Palmquist, and Hope Kemp-Hanson, was invaluable. Their inspiration played a crucial role in my development and continued passion for footwear design.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Jaden Zhai and Will Huang. Together, we’ve built a vibrant community of footwear designers in New York City. I cherish our time spent exchanging ideas and collaborating—it has been both enriching and inspiring.

Website: https://shunsdesign.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shun-cheng-hsieh-2717a8172

Image Credits
Shun Cheng

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