Vancouver multi-disciplinary designer Becki Chan has done spectacular things for spaces big and bigger, from brand interiors to public installations. Primarily interested in interactive design, Chan must have read our minds when she recently decided to go smaller and wearable. The resulting line of minimal silver jewellery, GREY by Becki Chan, is a continuation of the structural, geometric aesthetic that runs through her creations, but on a more intimate level.

In addition to her background in design, Chan also runs PechaKucha Night Vancouver, wherein she organizes creative and interesting locals who take the stage and deliver presentations on what inspires and connects them to their larger communities. If you’re not familiar with the format, each presenter is allowed 20 images, and each image is shown for 20 seconds. This gives each presenter 6 minutes and 40 seconds to tell their story before the lights dim and the next presenter is announced – a formula that keeps audience interest levels topped up.

The line-up of speakers for PKN is always impressive, but as Volume 42 approaches (June 08, 7:30pm at the Vancouver Playhouse), we wanted to catch up with the talented woman behind the event. Here are the results of our talk with Becki Chan…

What neighbourhood do you live in and what makes it home? Downtown. I love our location. Everything I need is within a 10 block radius: all of my jewellery suppliers, theatres, restaurants, bars, cheap take-out and the seawall.

Coffee or tea? Americano.

What keeps you up at night? I am a workaholic. I will aways find a new project to keep me up at night.

Dogs or cats? Cats!

Shoe of choice? Sneakers. I choose comfort over anything.

Favourite Vancouver building? Robson Square.

Brand interior that you would love to design? Issey Miyake.

Famous person – living or dead – that you would like to meet? Sol Le Witt.

The Vancouver restaurant you wish was open 24 hours? Guu.

First album that made you love music? CrazySexyCool – TLC.

What was the last live concert you saw? Sigur Ros. It was awesome.

If you could change one thing about Vancouver, what would it be? Free education. This is how we can have a better future.

The different career path that you could have gone on? Jewellery design. This is what I am pursuing right now.

Three films you would gladly watch again? Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Adaptation and Anomalisa. I am a huge Kaufman fan.

Three favourite dishes in Vancouver? Changmai Curry Noodles from Fat Mao; Katsu Curry from Guu Original; Tsukemen from The Ramen Butcher.

Name your last unexpected or weird source of inspiration. A random goose outside Richmond’s City Hall.

Last book you read? “From Design To Design” by Masaaki Hiromura

Most underrated material? Concrete.

The material that you haven’t used, but would like to. Csarite.

If you could design ANYTHING, what would it be? A baby mobile. It is on my to do list this year.

If you could be any animal for the day, what would you be? Cat! But then I would probably end up napping all day.

If you could live in any era of the past, which one would it be? 60s modern art era.

The song that you could listen to on repeat for an hour? Cards & Quarters – Local Natives [listen].

The best thing about working for yourself? Freedom 🙂

The worst thing about working for yourself? Loneliness 🙁

The strange talent that you possess? Hoola hooping.

The strange talent that you wish you possessed? Riding a bike.

What is the one animal that scares you the most? Mouse / rat.

If you had a motto, what would it be? If you build it, they will come.

Scariest situation you’ve ever been in? 7 car collision. I was in the middle of this car accident. It felt like I got hit multiple times.

The one thing that, without fail, perks you up when you’re having a bad day? Noodle soup.

You’ve had a long day, but it’s finally over. What’s your drink of choice? Shochu.

What object of no monetary value will you keep dearly until you die? My large collection of buttons that I’ve been collecting since I was a child.

The most beautiful place in the world? Hong Kong. My hometown.