Design Dialogue with Ma Aiyang: Creating a Tree of Life with Light

Designing for Life, Designing for the Future

Q: From initial concepts to move-in day, how long did this project take?
Ma: About three years in total—from design development to final delivery.

Q: If you had to describe this project in one sentence, what would it be?
Ma: A perfect realization of the design vision—bringing the client’s idea of “home” vividly to life.

Q: What was your design vision for this project? What inspired you?
Ma: My philosophy is always: designing for life, designing for the future. At its core, design is about people. I wanted to create a home that feels personal and enduring—full of thoughtful details, human warmth, and timeless aesthetics. The inspiration always comes from the client—their family, their habits, their lifestyle. By customizing the space around their unique needs and preferences, I aimed to create a living experience that is both comfortable and emotionally resonant.

Light as the Tree of Life

Q: What role does lighting play in your design approach, especially for this project?
Ma: Light is more than just illumination—it's a medium for shaping atmosphere. It's where art meets technology, echoing nature and enhancing it. Lighting shifts as we move, adjusts in warmth and intensity, and interacts with our emotions. It's both visible and invisible, mirroring the rhythm of life itself.

Q: Could you highlight a space where architecture and lighting merge beautifully in this project?
Ma: One of my favorite features is the staircase lighting. Here, life and art come together in a poetic way. Inspired by the idea of “a tree of life made of light,” we used linear lights to vertically accent the curved staircase wall. Step lights follow the spiral path upward, glowing with each footstep—like ascending through a canopy of light. Lines and illumination intersect, embodying a sense of motion and life. It feels like a three-dimensional artwork that expresses both timelessness and artistic depth.

Occhio: A Pulse of Light in Minimalist Spaces

Q: Why did you choose Occhio for this project?
Ma: Personally, I’ve always liked Occhio for its clean and understated design—nothing superfluous. The brand focuses on refined quality, elegant materials, and gentle lighting, which together bring a subtle sense of sophistication and warmth to the space. It complements minimalist interiors perfectly, making them feel airy and fluid.

Q: How did Occhio’s products support your overall design vision?
Ma: In this white, minimalist home, every lighting choice serves a purpose. For example, the three Sento verticale fixtures on the TV wall are like fine accents—adding refinement to a blank surface. The Mito volo above the kitchen bar echoes the elongated form of the space. And the rose gold Mito sospeso in the living room becomes a bold, sculptural focal point—its warm tone standing out from the grey and white palette, bringing energy and contrast. Each Occhio piece enhances the space with intention and harmony.

Occhio by Your Side

We invite you to experience a new era of lighting at the Occhio Taiwan showroom.

Find your nearest Occhio space—whether it’s a showroom, private residence, or business setting. Occhio provides tailored lighting solutions for every environment, bringing refined design and intelligent light into your daily life.