We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Shigetaka Mohizuki ("SM").
In Japan, traditional techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation are on the decline, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the skills of traditional craftsmen. As a temple carpenter and designer, he has participated in numerous architectural awards to convey the new possibilities of traditional techniques to young designers and builders by creating "attractive structural beauty" and "beauty of use" architecture based on the evolution of traditional techniques from the inheritance of traditional techniques.
Shigetaka Mohizuki Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Shigetaka Mohizuki.
Shigetaka Mohizuki Design - Hoshino Jinja Shrine
Shigetaka Mohizuki Design - Fuwaku Residential
Designer Interview of Shigetaka Mohizuki:
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SM : We pursue not only shrine and temple architecture, but also [attractive structural beauty and beauty of use], and respond to our customers by building houses that specialize in the non-standard, rather than the standardized housing. Our design houses are an evolution of tradition, breaking down the stereotypes of the anachronistic image of the palace carpenter's house and stylishly transforming our own traditional skills and techniques into a one-of-a-kind architecture that combines design and construction that no other company can match.
DI: What is "design" for you?
SM : Fascinating Structural Beauty The Beauty of Use
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SM : Design for the inheritance of technology and the evolution of tradition
DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
SM : Wood Traditional Methods Traditional Techniques
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
SM : When the evolution of tradition is realized
DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
SM : You can see the joy on the client's face.
DI: What makes a design successful?
SM : The Art of War by Sun Tzu If you know your enemy and know yourself, you will never be in danger of a hundred battles
DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
SM : This is a serious situation, as the number of professional craftsmen has declined to a critical level in today's construction specifications. Great progress cannot be made by passing on skills only on the practical side. Unless the government, media, design, forestry, and the practical side work hand in hand, traditional skills will truly disappear. From the perspective of wood mileage, the company will actively work to revitalize the forestry industry for local production for local consumption.
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?
SM : We pursue not only shrine and temple architecture, but also [attractive structural beauty and beauty of use], and respond to our customers by building houses that specialize in the non-standard, rather than the standardized housing. Our design houses are an evolution of tradition, breaking down the stereotypes of the anachronistic image of the palace carpenter's house and stylishly transforming our own traditional skills and techniques into a one-of-a-kind architecture that combines design and construction that no other company can match.
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?
SM : Japan Current construction specifications have reduced the number of professional craftsmen to below critical levels, and this is a serious situation. Great progress cannot be made by passing on skills only on the practical side. If the government, media, design, forestry, and the practical side do not work hand in hand, traditional skills will truly disappear.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
SM : To master the fundamentals thoroughly and then show one's individuality is called breaking the mold, but to do things on one's own before one has even mastered the fundamentals is called being shapeless.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
SM : Individuals Shrines and Temples
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
SM : When we see the joy on our clients' faces
DI: How can people contact you?
SM : Please use the contact form on the web page.