We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Hitoshi Motomura ("HM").
We have opened an interior design office in Tokyo. The place is Ginza, Tokyo. We efficiently design a small space in the city center. And we will make a well-balanced design according to the budget and construction period. We will realize the owner's request and image using high technology and abundant experience. We aim for a simple and timeless design that does not limit the usage too much. We will continue to enjoy the time until the design is completed with the owner.
Hitoshi Motomura Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Hitoshi Motomura.
Hitoshi Motomura Design - Vento High Stool
Hitoshi Motomura Design - Mode Armchair
Designer Interview of Hitoshi Motomura:
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?
HM : I entered art college because I learned about the field of design and wanted to be a designer.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
HM : We are an interior design firm located in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan. My main work is interior design for restaurants and commercial facilities.
DI: What is "design" for you?
HM : I think it is the first priority among many things. A necessary element in choosing something.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
HM : I like simple furniture. I especially like chairs.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
HM : I especially like Mario Bellini's cab. I think the design is simple and sophisticated, and the curves that can be seen in the details and the sharp silhouette that makes use of the material of leather are wonderful.
DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
HM : Office layout and big table
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
HM : When thinking about a flat layout
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
HM : To discover a line that kills two birds with one stone.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
HM : Fun and uplifting.
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
HM : I think it is most enjoyable when it is completed in my imagination, just before it is realized.
DI: What makes a design successful?
HM : One stroke and contemplation
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
HM : I think it is important to see if the design can retain its beauty. I think a design that breaks or gets dirty easily is not good.
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
HM : To show that sensitivity is essential to the essence of the words functional and efficient.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
HM : I believe that we are constantly evolving. The finished products around us are becoming simpler, yet more complex in function. I don't think that pursuit will ever stop.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
HM : We do not 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?
HM : Most of the inspiration comes from the words of the client, "This is what I want to do.
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?
HM : The design emphasizes simplicity and ease of use. This design style is brushed up by solving various problems.
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?
HM : I live in Tokyo. Cons are that it is a city of miscellaneous, mass consumption, and scrap-and-build. Pros are that there is still a spirit of tradition and design that lives on in the new.
DI: How do you work with companies?
HM : I am willing to cooperate generously if requested.
DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
HM : I feel that companies are ordering too much and as a result, only the same things are being made. I think we can do a good job with designers by making the direction of the companies as clear as the choice of designers.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
HM : There is nothing set in stone.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
HM : MODE (armchair we made this time), i phone, Alfa Romeo MITO, ruler, thermal cup
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
HM : Be humble and don't listen to design stories told by older designers.
DI: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
HM : The good thing is that I can see things from different angles. The bad part is that I stick to what I like.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
HM : To be less line and more selective.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
HM : The ability to see and feel.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
HM : Paper and pen. mac and vector works.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
HM : When we design as a team, we divide the roles.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
HM : 1 to 3 months
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
HM : Why did you become a designer?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
HM : To have designed a bar as one designer for the first time.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
HM : Restaurant owner, construction company
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
HM : Stand lights, light fixtures Because they are important elements that set the mood of the space.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
HM : I want to do more product design as well as interior design.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
HM : Develop by myself or work in a team.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
HM : I have, but I will keep it to myself.
DI: How can people contact you?
HM : Email me(in English), call me (in Japanese only).