We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Jun Watanabe ("JW").
Jun Watanabe is an award-winning designer that helps make the World a better place with their original and innovative creations and advanced design works.
Jun Watanabe Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Jun Watanabe.
Jun Watanabe Design - Arabica Riyadh Roastery Cafe
Designer Interview of Jun Watanabe:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
JW : I decided to become a designer at the age of 16, when I felt a strong desire to devote myself to mastering a craft. Determined to channel my artistic strengths into a professional pursuit, I majored in product design at university. Eager to expand my creative range beyond products, I later joined Nomura Co., Ltd., where I work across a broad spectrum of disciplines — from spatial design to product design consulting, graphic design, and packaging design.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
JW : Nomura Co., Ltd. has a history of over 130 years. Our business spans the entire process of spatial creation — from research, planning, and consulting to design, engineering, production, construction, as well as operation and management.
DI: What is "design" for you?
JW : For me, design is a means to help a client’s business succeed. That’s why, no matter the project, I begin by clarifying the benefits and value the design must deliver. At the same time, I have a deep appreciation for academic and experimental design, and I truly enjoy exploring those realms as well
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
JW : What I enjoy most is developing the framework and concept of a design. There’s a unique satisfaction when the concept and design align perfectly to achieve the set goal — a feeling similar to solving a complex equation or discovering a coherent storyline. Of course, there are times when the path is unclear and the process can be challenging, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
JW : My favorite design is Isamu Noguchi’s AKARI series. I’ve admired it since my university days for its durability, ease of assembly, lightness, beauty, and use of traditional techniques — as well as its minimal, simple packaging. It’s a product that achieves maximum impact with minimal resources, which I find truly inspiring.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
JW : The first project I designed for a company was an exhibition booth. I went on to design several more booths after that. While I now work primarily on commercial spaces, the skills I developed back then — organizing information and building logical frameworks — continue to serve me well today.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
JW : Lately, I’ve been fascinated by the potential of AI. If used appropriately, I believe it has the power not only to enhance design, but also to unlock new technologies, skills, and forms of creativity across many fields.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
JW : I feel most creative when an idea emerges that addresses multiple challenges at once — such as client profit, social relevance, functionality, and visual appeal. It’s not easy to create something universally perfect, but I strive to design with a consistent narrative while solving problems from multiple angles.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
JW : I always start by considering the purpose of the design, as I believe that’s the most important aspect. At the same time, I focus on how effectively my design can achieve that purpose.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
JW : I feel a mix of uncertainty and anticipation. I design with the belief and expectation that things will work out, but I also constantly question myself along the way, asking if this is truly the best solution.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
JW : When a design is realized, my first feeling is relief. I’m genuinely happy when I see sales increase, when the space is filled with customers, or when I discover unexpected insights through the outcome.
DI: What makes a design successful?
JW : I believe a successful design requires maintaining both micro and macro perspectives, as well as an objective point of view — always keeping in mind how to enhance the client’s profit and value.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
JW : I first consider how much profit or value the design generates. As a designer, I’m naturally drawn to beauty, but when working with a client, I prioritize whether the design contributes to their business.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
JW : I believe it is a designer’s responsibility to minimize any negative impact on society and the environment. That means always being mindful of the broader context surrounding what we create.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
JW : I think design evolves alongside technology and culture. In our networked world, design is developing in two parallel directions — on one hand, a leveling effect where people around the globe share similar design ideas, and on the other, the refinement and evolution of unique designs rooted in distinct local communities.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
JW : My last exhibition was in Tokyo last year, held in conjunction with receiving another award. At the moment, I have no plans for an upcoming exhibition.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
JW : I draw most of my aesthetic inspiration from nature, my concepts and logic from daily news, and my sense of functionality from everyday observation. Even when I travel, I focus on observing nature and traditional crafts not found in urban environments to refine my sensibilities.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
JW : I aim to clearly define the purpose of the design and the outcomes it should achieve, and then develop a design that maximizes those outcomes. Everything else is kept to a minimum. While many of my works tend to be simple, I also consider lively and casual expressions when they serve the project’s objectives.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
JW : I live in Tokyo, Japan. Modern Japanese life has evolved beautifully by openly incorporating elements from other cultures. In the same way, I don’t fixate on my own stylistic identity. Instead, I embrace the client’s requirements and focus on delivering the best possible results — in that sense, I think my approach is influenced by Japan’s cultural openness.
DI: How do you work with companies?
JW : Most often, I receive a design request and then work closely with the client, listening to their situation and proposing solutions. In some cases, I also provide consulting services, offering advice on products and services.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
JW : Designers understand both the scope of what can be solved through design and the means to achieve it. However, perspectives can differ, so I believe it’s important to clearly define the challenges you want to solve through design and to engage in plenty of communication. To find the right designer, I recommend looking for someone whose past work demonstrates the ability to address challenges similar to yours.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
JW : The process varies depending on the project, but it often follows this flow: 1.Research on the design subject 2.Clarifying the purpose and expected outcomes 3.Developing the design concept 4.Establishing the design code 5.Creating the design 6.Refining the design based on cost considerations and construction or manufacturing methods
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
JW : 1.A bed and shelves made of iron and wood (self-built) 2.A wooden deck in the garden (self-built) 3.A handcrafted knife from an artisan in Osaka (exceptionally sharp) 4.A Weber barbecue grill (great for strengthening connections with family and neighbors) 5.LEGO (I’m always impressed by the creativity in my son’s builds)
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
JW : Wake up Handle urgent work Breakfast, housework, take my son to school On the commute: check schedule, develop ideas, read Meetings and project work On the commute back: review next day’s schedule, develop ideas, read Return home Prepare for bed (finish any remaining work if needed) Sleep
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
JW : Don’t just study the appearance of great design — study the process behind it. And remember: design is not self-expression, but a means of generating profit and value.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
JW : The downside is that the aesthetic side of design often gets all the attention. The upside is having the privilege to create things that resonate with people’s emotions.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
JW : My golden rule is to create, through design, the profit that the client needs. If this is overlooked, design stops being a business tool and becomes mere self-expression.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
JW : The ability to stay curious and maintain a positive perspective is essential. For a designer, the capacity to approach any subject with genuine interest is one of the most important skills.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
JW : My main tools are a laptop, an iPad, and pen and paper. In terms of software, I primarily use Rhino, Revit, Vectorworks, Illustrator, and Photoshop. I often find that scenes and objects I come across while traveling become valuable sources of inspiration.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
JW : I start by deciding the completion date for each task. I keep necessary materials on my iPad and iPhone so I can work on ideas and design concepts during travel time, making the most efficient use of my schedule.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
JW : The timeframe varies greatly depending on the subject of the design. For spatial design, some projects take around six months, while others can extend over five years. On average, most of my projects last one to two years.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
JW : The question I’m asked most often is about the concept behind my designs. That’s why I always aim to create concepts I can explain clearly and concisely — something I believe is also essential for clients, who often need to articulate the concept in various situations.
DI: What was your most important job experience?
JW : My most important job experiences have been those where the results were unexpected — both successes and failures. Early in my career, I encountered many such situations. I believe the accumulation of those experiences has been key to my growth.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
JW : My clients include developers, manufacturers, and store operators. Some are large corporations, while others are family-run businesses. I truly enjoy the variety of working with such a diverse range of clients.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
JW : I especially enjoy projects where design can have a significant impact on the client’s profit or value. The greater the impact, the more pressure there is — but that’s also what makes the work so rewarding.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
JW : For now, I want to take on a wide variety of projects to further develop my experience and skills. In particular, I’d like to increase my involvement in areas that go beyond traditional design — such as branding, services, and technological development.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
JW : Most of my projects are team-based. I enjoy exchanging ideas freely, regardless of hierarchy, and working together to find the best possible solution.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
JW : I’m currently working on the rebranding of a traditional Japanese restaurant. Rebranding is exciting for me because it allows design to play a role from many different angles.
DI: How can people contact you?
JW : Please contact me by email: j.watanabe@nomura-g.jp
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
JW : For me, design is a shared journey. It comes to life through the ideas, skills, and dedication of clients, team members, craftsmen, engineers, and many others. I always aim to keep those conversations open, because they are where the most powerful ideas take shape.