What inspired you to become an architect?
The inspiration to become an architect came from browsing a bookstore when I was a high school student and discovering a collection of works by Mario Botta. At the time, the concept of “design” was not yet common in Japan, and architects were generally perceived as designers of buildings only. However, Botta’s involvement in a wide range of creations, from architecture to stage design and product design like furniture, struck me profoundly and sparked my interest in the profession of architecture.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
Good design is not defined by striking concepts or novel materials but by the balance and integration of necessary functions, forms, materials, details, the surrounding environment, and the client’s requirements.
Can you tell us about your favorite project and why it stands out?
Each project is unique, so I don’t have a favorite one. However, one notable project that marked a turning point for me was the Restaurant on the Sea on Teshima Island in Japan, nearly ten years ago. Before that, I had worked on various architectural projects, including residential buildings, but this project made me more aware of the connection and relationship with the region and environment. This project was the beginning of my focus on creating spaces rooted in the area, which remains a significant part of my work today.
What is your favorite architectural detail?
Not only in architecture but also in products, I consciously incorporate “curvature” at various scales. In architecture, I might add curves to the roof to soften the ceiling indoors. In interiors, I use round shapes to add variety to the flow of movement. In furniture and product design, I round the edges of materials to create a comfortable, hand-friendly feel. At the same time, adding curves to shapes brings cohesiveness to the overall form.
Do you have a favorite material?
I don’t have a particular favorite material, but I often use universal materials like wood, stone, metal, plaster, and paint. While I sometimes use new materials if necessary, I believe that design with universal materials gives the space a timeless, sustainable presence.
What is your process for starting a new project?
I start by carefully observing the project site and having multiple meetings with the client to understand their needs while paying attention to the atmosphere of the place and the people involved.
How do you balance creativity and practicality in your designs?
I believe beauty lies in the alignment of function and form. Therefore, creativity and practicality are not opposing forces; creativity thrives under appropriate practicality, and they are two sides of the same coin.
What role does the surrounding environment play in your architectural projects?
The surrounding environment is one element in considering the shape and structure of the building. Simultaneously, we need to consider the relationship between the landscape and the architecture. However, what should be emphasized is how people feel inside the building. Architecture emerges from the harmony between the interior and the external requirements.
How do you approach working with clients to understand their needs and visions?
There is no consistent method, but first and foremost, I have interviews with clients multiple times.
What architectural trends or movements do you find most inspiring?
I don’t usually pay much attention to trends or movements for inspiration. However, I do feel a strong need for movements that focus on environmental sustainability in manufacturing. I often get inspired by everyday life rather than architecture itself, finding it in comfortable living scenes, interactions with plants, or superior products.
What advice would you give to aspiring architects?
In this era, it is difficult to define the “ideal architect” for both young people and ourselves. In other words, it allows for a variety of activities that are not confined to a fixed category. Perhaps we are in a position to be presented a new way of being an architect. On the other hand, whether it is architecture, interior design, product design, or even intangible software, we cannot separate ourselves from our physical experiences, remembering this is one of the key principles for designing in these rapidly changing times.
