We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Sayoko Shibuya ("SS").
Born in Nagoya, Japan. Sayoko was educated in Architecture, Interior and furniture design both in England and Japan. It was during her undergraduate studies in London, Sayoko broadened her design spectrum to incorporate furniture design whilst also developing spatial practice. At Master’s level (at Goldsmiths, University of London), she deepened her understanding of theory behind the designs. Experienced two cultural experiences; Japanese and British, it brought understanding of differences and the similarities in her everyday life. This cultural background has even more broadened her imagination for design, which based in simplicity and minimal. She also experiments with material its natural ability or explore their potential possibility.
Sayoko Shibuya Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Sayoko Shibuya.
Designer Interview of Sayoko Shibuya:
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SS : I enjoy all sort of three dimensional items to create. Larger scale, smaller scale or even spatial design.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
SS : My favourite is definitely wood. It is not easy material to work with, but I would love to see its characteristic features and take it into designs.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
SS : As soon as seeing its realisation, of course feeling achievement in my mind but also carefully see if there is any improvements could be made more.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
SS : I like observing people, reading and walking. Ideas is everywhere.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
SS : Stepping out aside to see the design from third point of view.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
SS : I do use a variety of machines, software and hand sketching. Starting with rough sketches and notes, reserch, develop with 3D CAD software, physical mock ups with soft wood, or even card board, testing materials with wood, metal, casting any sort of ways.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
SS : I would make mock ups as soon as I get rough design. As problems always come up during making and developing processes. To solve the problems and develop projects, this is the best ways for me.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
SS : I am always fascinated with wood. It is not easy material to work with, as every piece has different features and characters, that is why I can not stop liking it.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
SS : I am curretnly workng on a new project which is creating products/furniture with some sort of texture on the material's surface.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
SS : I usually do work by myself, and sometimes discuss projects with my friends who are also designers. I am also interested in working as a team, so if there's a chance I would love to.
DI: How can people contact you?
SS : You could rearch me by email, it is probably the easiest way.