We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Seiji Takahashi ("ST").
Seiji Takahashi is a Japanese Architect. He is currently based in Nagoya,Aichi,Japan where he’s been running his own Architecture’ KIRYU ATELIER＆T Architects Co., Ltd’. The firm works in the diverse segments of Interior and Architecture of Residential, Villa,Commercials, Corporates, Hospitals and Factory.Their designs are highly detailed, and they are constantly pursuing creativity and beauty.
Seiji Takahashi Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Seiji Takahashi.
Seiji Takahashi Design - Villa K Private Home
Designer Interview of Seiji Takahashi:
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?
ST : When I was in high school, my parents rebuilt our house, and that was the trigger that sparked my interest in architecture. In university, I studied architecture and became fascinated by the works of architects such as Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Tadao Ando.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
ST : Based in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, I design a wide range of buildings, including commercial architecture, residential homes, offices, and factories. Recently, I have often been sought after for unique designs that cannot be found elsewhere.
DI: What is "design" for you?
ST : Through my own expression, I shape the thoughts of my clients into reality, and it is a job that brings inspiration and hope to people in the world.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
ST : It is when I am trusted by clients and given a certain level of freedom to design.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
ST : There are many influences, but I was deeply inspired by the beautiful details of Carlo Scarpa's work, especially the Tomba Brion.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
ST : It is a restaurant and office building located within a golf course. The building's structure is made of concrete, wood, and steel, and I designed it with a focus on how the spaces created by each material can appear beautiful.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
ST : Concrete, stone, and glass. twinmotion.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
ST : The initial moments of creating a design—those are the creative and inspiring, happy times.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
ST : The client's vision and the philosophy behind the design.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
ST : Nothingness.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
ST : A sense of happiness.
DI: What makes a design successful?
ST : Listening carefully to the client's voice and thoroughly revisiting my design multiple times.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
ST : Whether the space is simple and beautiful, and whether the client's needs are properly expressed.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
ST : Once a building is constructed, it remains there for decades or even centuries. Designers must be mindful of this and consider the surrounding environment in which the building is placed.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
ST : As technology continues to advance, the fusion of art and technology will reach even higher dimensions.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
ST : I don't particularly hold exhibitions.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
ST : I try to read between the lines of each word from the client and understand the deeper meaning.
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?
ST : I always mindful of creating simple and beautiful designs where the structural design that influences the shape of the building seamlessly becomes part of the overall aesthetic.
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?
ST : Living in Japan, you observe that the country boasts a rich history and architecture with beautiful details, crafted with the meticulous care unique to the Japanese people. You believe that, much like food, works originating from Japan's spirit should be recognized and appreciated globally. However, due to Japan's island nature, one challenge is that many people tend to be content within the country and do not push out into the world.
DI: How do you work with companies?
ST : I don't have any particular collaboration.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
ST : Respecting and trusting the designer.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
ST : First, I listen carefully to the client's words. Then, I identify and organize the true desires hidden within those words. After that, I guide the design toward a simple and beautiful form by repeatedly sketching.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
ST : Rotring mechanical pencil, RAMY's scribble, Montblanc fountain pen and ballpoint pen, iPad.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
ST : My routine involves waking up at 5:00 AM, followed by stretching and exercising, and organizing tasks for the day. From 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, you work and attend meetings. In the evening, cook, watch movies, and read. It seems like a productive and fulfilling schedule!
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
ST : Experience is a treasure that no one can take away. Never give up on what you truly want to do. Eventually, those experiences will connect and form a single, meaningful line.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
ST : I find fulfillment in creating something from nothing, especially when it benefits people and society. The downside is that evaluation comes from third parties, so it can be very challenging and requires great resilience and patience to thrive in this field.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
ST : Essential, creative, beautiful.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
ST : Constantly striving for a higher level and never being satisfied with the current situation.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
ST : Sketching, 3D computer graphics.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
ST : In the initial stage, I don’t set a strict timeline and instead wait for ideas to come naturally during daily life. After that, I assign roles and manage time to move the process forward.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
ST : 3 months to 1 year
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
ST : How do you find clients?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
ST : After graduating from university, I studied under the architect MITURU KIRYU.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
ST : Affluent individuals with a high sense of design.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
ST : Sketching in the initial stage. Creating something from nothing is very stimulating and inspiring.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
ST : By completing each task with high precision, I want to design architecture all around the world.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
ST : I adjust the team structure according to the scale of each project and move forward accordingly.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
ST : Nothing in particular.
DI: How can people contact you?
ST : At first, email is preferable.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
ST : Nothing in particular.