Jin Chen: Eyes must travel, Toes must dance.

Jin Chen architect, partner of SlowStudio.cn, graduated from the Department of Architecture of the University of Bath, the Architectural Association Diploma in London and the Master of Business Administration from Imperial College London.

Jin had Worked for Condé Nast Group’s “AD” magazine for seven years, participated in cover shooting, special content production, and reports on major furniture, design, and art exhibitions around the world. She is also keen on traveling and has set foot in 45 countries. She often participates in international art and design exhibitions and has her own unique vision for fashion, photography, architecture, interior design and art collection.

What was it like to go to high school in the UK at the age of fifteen?

I didn’t think about it that much when I was a child, but I felt that I had changed to a different environment, and it was a particularly beautiful school. It was actually very exciting! Can try many things. Looking back, I feel that high school life was very good, and I was very close to the girls in the boarding house. We went to school and lived together, and felt like family.

After returning to China, you have lived in Beijing and Shanghai respectively for many years. Looking at it now, which city do you think you are more suitable for?

I am from Beijing, and my grandparents are from Shanghai. I grew up in Beijing before I went to the UK. It stands to reason that I should be more accustomed to Beijing. However, comparing the two sides now, I still feel that Shanghai is more suitable for me, probably because of the urban planning. Beijing is very large and scattered. For example, the good schools are all in Haidian District, and young people basically gather in Sanlitun, Guomao, and Dawang Road. In addition, there is a lot of traffic jams, which is not suitable for my lifestyle. As for Shanghai, the urban planning is more humanized, the streets are relatively narrow, suitable for walking or public transportation, the shops and restaurants are scattered, and you can go shopping in any district.

You have been to so many countries, where is your favorite city?

Every city is different, it depends on the state of mind. And when you go to a city many times, it’s different every time. In my current state of mind, I like the islands of the Maldives the most. Haha, it should not be a city, because I have been “closed” in Shanghai for more than 3 years, and I want to go to this sunny place with sea.

You have been engaged in many roles. During the seven years of Condé Nast, you included visual modeling, special reports, e-commerce buyers, marketing department sales, and you also did window design in the early days. Now looking back at the work experience of the past ten years, how do you think about this kind of continuous experimentation?

It’s easier to see when you look back. I think I am a person who likes to try new things, but compared with other students, some people have been engaged in one thing, such as architectural design. My advantage is that I can observe the whole industry in a more macroscopic way. From the management level, I think it is necessary, it can be analyzed from various angles, and it is easier to find a balance when making decisions.

Is architect your favorite occupation?

I’m not sure yet. What I am doing now is what I like very much. My family education is also a kind of happy education. Try and develop my own hobbies. Since I haven’t achieved my goal of making money yet, I’m not sure yet, haha.

How do you view lifestyle and career?

I’ve been doing what I love, so maybe I’ve been practicing a lifestyle that never felt like a career. Some people choose to separate their career from their lifestyle. I think it’s good, but I haven’t tried it.

In your opinion, what does being social mean?

There are two types of social interaction. One is purposeful social interaction, usually with customers. Do things first, and then become friends after chatting. The other is pure friends, with no purpose, just get together if you like!

What is the most impressive After Party experience?

In Miami Art Basel, some galleries do After Party on the beach. Because generally Art Basel is very serious, from Switzerland and Hong Kong. Only Miami has a special party atmosphere.

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

Leonardo (Leonardo DiCaprio)? Also at Miami Art Basel. We were looking at the same picture at the time, his voice was very familiar, I thought it was someone I knew, maybe because I had watched too many movies of his, the voice was very familiar, until I turned my head, I didn’t realize it was him. He was dressed very casually, with a hat and a big beard, but he didn’t think he was handsome.

Entrepreneurship or the workplace, which one attracts you more?

Starting a business now. I want to prove myself and see how the market accepts it.

How did you meet the father of the mixed-race baby?

We met on the Internet. Actually, it’s not particularly vigorous, but we just think he’s okay, handsome, likes sports, and has a stable job.

To become a mother, did you have a period of psychological construction? What mental preparations and practical considerations have you made?

I really want to do things without the need for psychological preparation, that is, when things come, I just keep doing them. I didn’t think about it so much. The education of a designer is to solve problems, and maybe I also use this way of thinking in my life.

How do you think about marriage? Are you going to get married?

I think it is the most romantic to choose the partner without marriage. It is this stimulus of uncertainty that is needed.

Please recommend a movie.

“The Empty Room”, Kim Ki-duk is my favorite director, he lives very chicly.

Who is your idol?

My aunt, she has made a very successful career by herself, lived out her own self, and is very strong.

Have you envisioned retirement life?

I will not retire, haha, retirement in a broad sense. Because my way of life is like this, the so-called going to work is also doing what I like. After “retirement”, I am also like this.

Give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would you say?

Believe in your choice!

What is your personal slogan?

Eyes must travel, toes must dance.