We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Hiroki Takahashi ("HT").
Architect Hiroki Takahashi is passionate about the fusion of art and design, respecting the emotions and thoughts nurtured in history and culture. His work incorporates avant-garde expression while providing experiences that transcend the senses and move the soul. His approach is a sophisticated fusion of art and design that transforms a moment forever, created with his own unique perspective and creativity.
Hiroki Takahashi Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Hiroki Takahashi.
Hiroki Takahashi Design - Charis Interior Space
Designer Interview of Hiroki 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?
HT : My journey into architecture began with my fascination with the poetic power of space. Since childhood, I have been fascinated by the exquisite balance of light and shadow, the texture of materials, and the elegance of structures, and I began to feel that exploring these things was my life's mission. While studying architecture at university and through practice, I came into contact with various arts and philosophies and cultivated my own unique aesthetic by integrating them.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
HT : We believe that our studio is a place to weave the poetry of space. Here, our mission is to explore the essence of architecture and pursue metaphysical beauty. In the creative process, we value the dialogue between light and shadow, the memory of time that materials possess, and the moment when space resonates with people's hearts. We aim to go beyond mere functionality and efficiency and create architecture that stirs people's sensibilities, and we infuse each and every project with our philosophy. Architecture is not a standalone entity, but something that lives within the flow of culture. Therefore, we strive to create works that have universal harmony while incorporating the aesthetic sense of the times.
DI: What is "design" for you?
HT : Design goes beyond mere visual beauty and is the act of giving form to the essence of existence. In architecture, design is about weaving space, guiding light, and listening to the voice of materials. Excellent design is not just decoration, but breathes life into space and deeply resonates with human sensibilities. I also think that design is something that "carves time." Architecture grows and changes with the memories of the people who live in that place, and eventually becomes part of the landscape. Therefore, the spaces I create need to have a universal beauty that can withstand the passage of time. Design is also a question. It involves the exploration of "how humans interact with space" and "how emotions are embodied in form." I hope to express the depth of design by creating poetic architecture that goes beyond function. Design is the act of giving form to not only what is visible, but also invisible emotions, memories, and even cultural trends.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
HT : I am most passionate about architecture, which is imbued with time and memory. Architecture that goes beyond its simple function as space, and is in tune with people's emotions and thoughts, generating tranquil dialogue, is what most fascinates me about. I am particularly drawn to works that are in harmony with nature and whose beauty grows with the passage of time. I find deep joy in creating living spaces where the wind touches, the light dances, and the materials speak.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
HT : To me, "my favorite design" is not simply a shape or style, but architecture that interacts with time. In other words, my ideal design is a space that resonates with the changing natural light and embraces people's memories and emotions. The designs I like most are not just beautiful to the eye, but spaces that resonate with time, light and memories and are deeply engraved in people's hearts.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
HT : The first project I worked on for a company was a house. The house has a structure with strong character yet tranquility, and was designed to harmonize with the passage of time through the resonance of materials.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
HT : Materials are the soul of architecture. The expression of a space can change dramatically depending on the texture, aging, and how the light hits it. I am particularly attracted to materials whose beauty deepens with time. For example, the solid presence of natural stone and the dignity that comes with age have the power to elevate architecture to a poetic realm. Stone has both coldness and warmth, and its expression changes from moment to moment depending on how the light hits it. This quality of reflecting the flow of time is the starting point of my creations. In addition, the warmth of wood and the beautiful aging that occurs with use enrich the space. Wood that has been processed by hand, in particular, leaves traces of the human hand, which breathes life into the architecture. When it comes to platforms and technology, I am interested in the fusion of tradition and cutting-edge technology. Although architecture is an analog art, the use of digital technology makes it possible to create more precise designs and innovative forms. My favorite materials are those that mark time and resonate with space, and my favorite technologies are those that deepen the essence of architecture.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
HT : I feel most creative when a space is elevated into a poem. There is a harmony between mathematical order and the beauty born of chance, and in the gap between these two, the essence of architecture emerges. I also feel at the pinnacle of creativity when I contemplate the gap between history and the future. Architecture that radiates timeless beauty is woven with the ideas and technologies of each era. I hope to carve architecture into the flow of time by inheriting the spirit of past architecture while creating new value. Furthermore, I feel most creative in moments when inspiration strikes in the silence - when architecture goes beyond mere function and form and transforms into an entity that resonates with human emotions.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
HT : What I value most in design is the "dialogue between time and space." Some of the aspects I value are: the aesthetics of light and shadow, the memory of time in materials, the relationship between human and spatial sensibilities, the inheritance of culture and history, and the balance between stillness and dynamic flow
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
HT : Designing architecture is both a pure creative joy and a great sense of responsibility. When shaping a space, I imagine what the place will say to people and what kind of experience it will create. In the process, I feel the excitement of expectation and challenge, and sometimes even a sense of awe. The moment when people breathe in the completed space and sense the energy of the place is an exceptional joy. It is at these moments that I truly feel my mission as an architect.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
HT : I feel a quiet emotion when I see my designs blending into people's lives and visitors weaving their own experiences into them. It is not just a structure, but a place that evokes emotions and weaves a story over time. That is the essence of architecture, and it is in those moments that I once again realize the great power of design. At the same time, the moment it is completed is also a new beginning. Spaces are nurtured and transformed by people's hands. I hope that my designs will create value that will continue into the future.
DI: What makes a design successful?
HT : Successful design is created when many elements work in harmony. It's important not just to be beautiful, but to also be functional, sustainable and create an emotional connection. Elements include: A clear concept and philosophy, dialogue with people, innovation and a spirit of experimentation, a fusion of functionality and beauty, and deep consideration for the environment. When these elements resonate with each other, architecture is born that is not just beautiful, but leaves a deep impression on people's hearts. That is what we can call truly successful design.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
HT : While I create designs that have their own unique value, it is also meaningful to find unique beauty and value in the work of others. When judging the quality of a design, I consider the following points: whether it clearly embodies my philosophy, whether it resonates with and interacts with the designs of others, the time value of the work, and whether it respects the differences of others while adhering to my own beliefs.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
HT : I believe that design goes beyond the beauty of form and has a deep effect on the human spirit. Architecture is not just a space; the experiences created there nurture people's memories and emotions and become a part of their lives. Therefore, designers are responsible not just to design functions and structures, but to create architecture as a vessel for thought.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
HT : The future of design will be all about the search for meaning. People are no longer just looking for beauty, but for the stories and ideas that spaces contain. Design will increasingly evolve to be in tune with individual sensibilities and generate deeper dialogue.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
HT : The most recent is Good Design Exhibition 2022. The next one is A'DESIGNAWARD 2025.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
HT : nfinity represents the expanse of possibilities, and white represents the beginning. A moment highlights eternity, and beauty is connected to the divine. I design architecture by considering the essence of existence.
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?
HT : My designs pursue the pure beauty of form. The tension of the form, the texture of the material, and the movement of light define the space, and I design them to be memorable. I believe that architecture stirs emotions beyond its function, and that it has meaning just by standing there.
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?
HT : My designs are rooted in Japanese tradition and culture, and I place importance on the concept of "Ma" and the beauty of materials. I incorporate the transition of light and harmony with nature, and pursue the creation of rich expressions in silence. My core is to create architecture that lives in the modern age while inheriting tradition.
DI: How do you work with companies?
HT : Collaboration with companies begins with sharing common values and goals. By harmonizing with the company's philosophy and direction, it can take on a deeper meaning. For example, by incorporating the brand's identity into the space, it is possible to visualize the company's ideas and provide visitors with a sensory experience. In addition, by repeatedly engaging in dialogue with the company when selecting materials and technologies, it is possible to develop innovative yet sustainable forms. Through such collaboration, design is not just an expression, but plays an important role in embodying the company's philosophy.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
HT : I think it would be good for companies to share their design aesthetic and thought process.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
HT : The design process begins with the exploration of a concept, which is then sublimated into form through the selection of materials and structure. We proceed with the design while questioning the meaning of space and considering the harmony of light, shadow, and texture. Combining intuition and theory, we ultimately result in architecture that resonates with time.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
HT : Pottery, fountain pens, suits, shoes, solid wood table
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
HT : Mornings are a time of hope, and I treasure time with my family. While I am comforted by the carefree behavior of my cat, I explore shapes through drawing during the day and visualize my thoughts. In the evenings, I meditate during quiet walks. And at night, I sleep with gratitude.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
HT : Give form to your aspirations, give it form to your ideas, and make it into something that you think is the best. It's all within yourself.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
HT : The good thing about being a designer is that you have creative freedom and can offer new perspectives to the world. You have the power to express your thoughts through shapes and spaces and to influence people's senses and thoughts. On the other hand, you are required to be flexible to meet the changing times and demands, and you may be conflicted between originality and practicality. It may be the fate of a designer to constantly ask questions between creativity and constraints.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
HT : The identity of intuition and logic
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
HT : An intuitive sense of form. It is wrapped in mathematical beauty. The key is the power of observation to pursue even the smallest details.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
HT : Vectorworks, Adobe, history books, philosophy books, mathematics
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
HT : The key to time management is to organize your thoughts and clarify your priorities. First, you define the core concept of the design and build your work based on that to reduce unnecessary trial and error. Next, you can make progress efficiently by balancing the time you spend focusing on the details with the time you spend looking at the big picture. It is also important to have space to think deeply, so I am conscious of leaving room to maintain the purity of the design.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
HT : Varies by project
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
HT : Thought Process
DI: What was your most important job experience?
HT : It's a special time where joy and celebration intersect. It's a place where people share important moments and the space is filled with emotion and warmth. Being there made me realize that design is not just decoration, but has a role to play in shaping emotions and memories.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
HT : My clients include people with a wide range of values: some are looking for a tranquil villa, some want to open an extraordinary restaurant, some are pursuing designs that create surprise and excitement, some want to visually express their company branding, and some seek sophisticated beauty in their everyday lives.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
HT : When the client's idea of beauty and my idea of beauty combine to create something new
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
HT : My vision for the future is to contribute to the world of design and creativity with deeper insight. In particular, I would like to explore the integration of intuition and logic, and engage in dialogue that will generate new perspectives. My goal is to pursue timeless values and refine the beauty of form.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
HT : I develop my own designs