We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative KAZ Shirane ("KS").

International renowned artist KAZ Shirane (Masakazu Shirane), operates in spatial art and interior design. Trained as an architect, KAZ Shirane has worked in several architectural offices in Tokyo, London, Shanghai and he was honored to design the Tokyo Tower Top Deck. His work has been exhibited in various locations around the world such as USA, China, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE, Bahrain, and Japan. KAZ Shirane has collaborated with prestigious brands such as Rolls-Royce, Tiffany & Co., Sony and Capital One, to create astonishing bespoke installations

KAZ Shirane Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by KAZ Shirane.

Designer Interview of KAZ Shirane:

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?

KS : I am an artist using the mirror. Interactive space is my initial concept that means the visitor can design the space by themselves. So the mirror is the best material to realize my concept.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

KS : My studio focuses on Art that creates new life.

DI: What is "design" for you?

KS : For me, the design is a solution for the client. My studio aims to suggest beyond more. So My studio focuses on Art.

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

KS : I like to see a design that I have never seen. Also, I love to know their background that has their own style.

DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?

KS : I start to know what they don't like. If they are very clear, it makes to reduce wasted time for us.

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

KS : We prefer to light weighting material.For example, paper, metal, glass.

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

KS : While walking along neighborhood after discuss.

DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

KS : What is the challenge for me? then what is the benefit of the client.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

KS : As always, I feel I don't have enough time when I design. I always ask my self, are you enjoying?

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

KS : First of all, I wanted to see how to feel in the work. second of all, what is happening here? Finally, Was it realize what I wanted to do?

DI: What makes a design successful?

KS : To hear everything including what the client and team member said. Also, to understand what I wanted to do.

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

KS : Good. Because it is very difficult to be judged as good for design. I consider what bad was. but it seems good is very important.

DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

KS : for society, it is very important to mention something new. For the environment, We should think about what we are making.

DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

KS : Technology design will be the mainstream. On the other hand, the hand-made object will be also important.

DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

KS : in Russia in August 2018.

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

KS : During the working. I always seek how to make the idea. But the only way I know right now is working and working.

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?

KS : As I mentioned, I am always using a mirror. I noticed through my work if we can focus on one thing. the scene would be spread. The is my discovery.

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?

KS : Currently living in Tokyo, Japan. My concept "Interactive space" was affected by an old Japanese house that has fusuma, moving the slide door. It inspired me to come to appear the concept.

DI: How do you work with companies?

KS : To know what our goal is. then make it beyond of our thought.

DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

KS : To know why you chose the designer. The designer devotes 100% to you, however, sometimes conflict may have happened. Because during communication, we miss the most important thing, goal. sometimes some designer doesn't hear anything the client requirement. If so, you can find another one. it is close to your goal. This is my opinion.

DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?

KS : At first, I hear all over the project from the client. then I start to hear the detail more. e.g. what you don't like.

DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

KS : 1. laptop2. sketchbook3. color pencil4. knife5. ruler

DI: Can you describe a day in your life?

KS : I always wokinng in the client time. So if there are several project around the world that makes me confused!!

DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

KS : if you won't take a risk, you won't get any benefit. And if you are not suitable in your place, don't hesite move another place.

DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

KS : There is no negative thing to be a designer if you wish. There is only positive thing in the process of being a createor.

DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?

KS : Even if I work for new project, I develop previous work. In other work, I won't think from nothing.

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

KS : Communication, to think deeply

DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

KS : I develop own software to realize my project that makes also me to reduce a lot of time but to create many ideas. That's the reason I focus on my thing.

DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

KS : Depend on the project, for permanent project, it took one year half. When exhibit previouswork in other place, it won't take long time.

DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

KS : What is inspiration for you?

DI: What was your most important job experience?

KS : I start to create temporary exhibition work. So my dream was to create permanent work.I only have one permanent project in Tokyo, Japan.

DI: Who are some of your clients?

KS : Rolls Royce Mortor Cars, Sony, British American Tabaco Company, Fashion Walk,

DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

KS : As always, when I start to work for new project, it was excited.

DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?

KS : I will create S,M,L,XL

DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

KS : I work with my collegue.

DI: How can people contact you?

KS : Please access to my website: KAZ SHIRANE.net

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

KS : Enjoyourselves with all!