We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative I-Kanda Architects ("IA").
I-Kanda Architects is an award-winning architectural design practice founded by Isamu & Marley Kanda, following graduation from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. The firm creates buildings and spaces that are modern, yet enduring – equal parts purpose and sculpture; broadly ranging from lofty barn conversions to Back Bay penthouses, boutique storefronts to mountain-side cabins. The firm approaches each project as a new array of needs and desires out of which to conceive uniquely enhanced environments. Their aim is to turn constraints into possibilities - to work with clients, builders and contexts to realize ideas far beyond anyone’s initial hopes.
I-Kanda Architects Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by I-Kanda Architects.
Designer Interview of I-Kanda Architects:
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?
IA : Design runs in our family. Of the 5 of us, one is a painter, one is an industrial designer, one is a structural engineer, and one is an architect. Let’s just say it’s in our DNA.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
IA : The firm creates buildings and spaces that are modern, yet enduring – equal parts purpose and sculpture; broadly ranging from lofty barn conversions to Back Bay penthouses, boutique storefronts to mountain-side cabins. The firm approaches each project as a new array of needs and desires out of which to conceive uniquely enhanced environments. Our aim is to turn constraints into possibilities - to work with clients, builders and contexts to realize ideas far beyond anyone’s initial hopes.
DI: What is "design" for you?
IA : Design is the act of creation
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
IA : Anything, every work is an opportunity for innovation and creativity
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
IA : Anything that creates something extraordinary out of something commonplace
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
IA : Tensile structures
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
IA : Always. It's my life
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
IA : All aspects matter, it is the holistic approach to design that is most powerful
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
IA : All of them
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
IA : All of them
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
IA : Design is subjective. Concept and execution.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
IA : To create/enhance/challenge what is around us
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
IA : Technology that brings us back to nature
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
IA : AIA / Boston Society of Architects Design Awards, Spring 2018
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?
IA : Modern, geometric, curious
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?
IA : Boston, MA, USA
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
IA : Work & play, sleep & dream
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
IA : Physical model-building, hand drawing, digital camera, tape measure, CAD, Sketch-up
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
IA : There is no time management
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
IA : Forever, we are constantly reinventing, even if the project is complete
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
IA : Can you help me?
DI: Who are some of your clients?
IA : Referrals, repeat clients, friends, family
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
IA : Continue creating
DI: How can people contact you?
IA : email: info@i-kanda.com