Home-design expert in town to sign books
By Tanya Bricking
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Seeing as how Yip is single and working on one of the hottest home-improvement shows in the country, he's traveling this Father's Day weekend and will be here to answer questions and sign his book, "Trading Spaces Behind the Scenes" from 2 to 4 p.m. tomorrow at Z Home store, 935 Queen St. at Ward Avenue, and from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Salt Lake store, 4296 Malaai St.
Yip, 34, is known for his "nice guy" image and clean, sophisticated designs on The Learning Channel's "Trading Spaces," the hit in which two sets of neighbors have two days to redo a room in the other's house on a $1,000 budget.
Although the show hasn't filmed in Hawai'i, Yip says he'd love to do an episode here. We caught up with him for a few quick questions.
Q. Is it true that you withdrew from medical school to pursue architecture? How did your life take this career turn?
A. Well, I wouldn't say "withdrew." I was accepted into medical school, and two weeks before I was supposed to start, I decided not to go. My undergrad degree is in chemistry and economics at the University of Virginia. ... My parents encouraged me to go down the medical path. I always like building things. I really fell into design.
Q. Tell me about your childhood Lego set.
A. Massive. I would not let anything that I built get torn down. First off, I would never build cars or airplanes. I built buildings and warehouses, and I would not let anything get torn down. I could entertain myself for hours.
Q. How much does TV affect your designs? Do you design some things a little differently than you would normally just to get a reaction for television?
A. I can only speak for myself, but one of the things I really respect on the show is that TV has absolutely zero to do with my designs. In reality, this is somebody's home. It's where they live. It's where their kids live and their pets live. ... It's not just about making a pretty space. It's about creating a better way of life for them.
Q. The homeowners usually look cool and collected when they see their room and the camera is on them. What do they say when the cameras are off?
A. Usually, what I find kind of funny is a lot of people are really hesitant about crying on camera, even if they love a room. Once the camera stops rolling, the tears start rolling. Hopefully, it's tears of joy.
Q. What's the deal with choosing Katie Couric as the celebrity whose room you'd want to redo? You mention her a couple of times in your bio on the TLC Web site. Do you have a crush on her or something?
A. I do. ... She has amazing legs. I'm a leg guy. And she has beautiful, beautiful legs. I just have admiration for her skills and what she has done in life. We're from around the same town (in northern Virginia) and went to the University of Virginia. I just like that she has utilized her status to promote causes that benefit society.
Q. You mention Maui, Wailea Beach (The Four Seasons) on your Web site as a hot spot. Is that a favorite vacation spot or something?
A. My family has a vacation home in Wailea. We share the beach with The Four Seasons. I spend Christmas there. ... I really consider Hawai'i like a second home.
