Pictured here is one of Tu's interior designs.[Photo/China Daily]

For James K.S. Tu, making homes beautiful and comfortable has been a lifelong ambition.

Founder and president of Audi International Interior Design Co Ltd, Tu built the Taipei-headquartered company into a leading player in markets on both sides of the Straits through his knack for design and continuous pursuit of excellence.

A born artist, Tu has had a rich interest in painting since childhood, which helped him succeed as a student of architecture in Taiwan-based Chung Yuan Christian University.

"My classmates would complain about their design assignments, saying they are too difficult. But I found them easy for me, and I could get good results without too much efforts," Tu recalled.

Tu's design talent enabled him to venture into the design industry when he was only a sophomore. After several years of work, he went back to his alma mater for a master's degree in interior design to further enrich his knowledge and sharpen his skills as a designer.

Tu established his company in 1986. Since he does not drink or smoke, which are popular means of socializing in Chinese culture, his family members and friends thought there was little chance his business would succeed.

Unexpectedly, the little-known startup forged ahead rapidly."The fierce competition in our industry lies in designs," said Tu.

"I can beat my competitors as long as property owners allow me to show them my designs." Dedicated to the industry, he and his team have always been driven to come up with the best possible solution for any property owner.

This attitude has won the company a good reputation and more clients as a result. His popularity also has a lot to do with his respect for property owners.