We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Ryuji Kojo, Toshihiro Obata ("RKTO").
An architectural design firm led by Ryuji Kojo and Toshihiro Obata. Based in Fukuoka, they handle a wide range of design projects nationwide, including commercial spaces, residential architecture, interiors, furniture, and products. Recent notable works include "GC Nagasaki Dental Station" (2023), "Sushi Koji" (2022), "fan" (2022), and "House in Unzen" (2021). Major awards include the GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2024 GOLD (2023), KUKAN DESIGN AWARD 2023 (2023), JID AWARD 2023 Interior Product division (2023), JAPAN WOOD DESIGN AWARD 2023 (2023), and JID AWARD 2022 NEXT AGE division (2022).
Ryuji Kojo, Toshihiro Obata Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Ryuji Kojo, Toshihiro Obata.
Ryuji Kojo, Toshihiro Obata Design - Sushi Koji Restaurant
Designer Interview of Ryuji Kojo, Toshihiro Obata:
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?
RKTO : I have been interested in design since I started studying architecture at the age of 15, and it was around that time that I became aware of my desire to become a designer. My interest in architecture was sparked when my family built a new house during my childhood. I remember being deeply fascinated by the craftsmanship of the carpenters.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
RKTO : A design firm founded in 2019 by a duo of architects. They discover the spark for their designs from a unique perspective that has yet to be seen in the world, and while immediately addressing challenges together, they produce designs that one person alone couldn't achieve.
DI: What is "design" for you?
RKTO : Creating an atmosphere.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
RKTO : Creating an atmosphere in a space.
DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
RKTO : The Bruder Klaus Field Chapel, designed by Peter Zumthor. It possesses a remarkable charm with its communal aspect, as local farmers played a central role in its construction, alongside its striking architectural form. One can feel the shimmer of nature within its serene atmosphere, and the seamless integration of the building and its surroundings is truly moving.
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
RKTO : We value natural materials very highly, such as wood, stone, and paper.
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
RKTO : When a design that responds to the environment is completed, and you experience it.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
RKTO : ・The movement and scale of the human body ・The relationship between the human body and materials ・Sensory scale of space ・The intangible essence emitted by the architectural form
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
RKTO : Quietly, the heart is calm.
DI: What makes a design successful?
RKTO : Repeating the study.
DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
RKTO : There are various design methodologies, but in the realm of space, the ability to experience their allure is paramount. It's essential to consider the sustainability and longevity of each design.
DI: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
RKTO : Creating something modern has become saturated. In new architectural approaches, the significance and meaning inherent in the very form and structure of buildings and edifices are deemed crucial. Specifically, the emphasis is shifting towards buildings' designs and shapes carrying symbolic meanings and purposes beyond mere aesthetics. I believe that the future lies in designs that, while possessing uniqueness, seamlessly blend into their surroundings on a scale closer to the individual, rather than just considering environmental or societal aspects.
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?
RKTO : We live in the city of Fukuoka, Japan. We are particularly influenced by Japan's cultural heritage. A strength of designing in this country is the acceptance of spaces with "Ma" (間 / margin). A weakness is that the mentality of scrap-and-build still lingers.
DI: Can you talk a little about your design process?
RKTO : First, We visit the site and listen to the client's needs. These processes are particularly crucial for discovering what is truly necessary. Afterward, We move on to studies using sketches, models, and other tools to further refine the design.
DI: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
RKTO : ・SPADE CHAIR / Faye Toogood ・KABUTO CHAIR / Isamu Kenmochi ・AKARI / Isamu Noguchi ・Light Capsule / Peter Ivy ・cutlery / Jasper Morrison
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
RKTO : Interacting with many objects and people.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
RKTO : Intuition
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
RKTO : We are utilizing Google.
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
RKTO : How do you think about space?
DI: What was your most important job experience?
RKTO : Sushi Koji
DI: Who are some of your clients?
RKTO : GC Corporation, Ryokan Yoshidaya, Potama Co. Ltd.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
RKTO : design with a live atmosphere.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
RKTO : It depends on the project, but in many cases, We design it ourself.
DI: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
RKTO : Yes, there are several. Many projects are currently underway, and We look forward to unveiling exciting new things.
DI: How can people contact you?
RKTO : Emails and phone calls from HP