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Interview with Keisuke Fukui |
Home > Designer Interviews > Keisuke Fukui |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Keisuke Fukui (KF) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Keisuke Fukui by clicking here.
FS: 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?
KF: My father was an architect and earned his living by construction work. Therefore, architecture and crafting were always a part of my life since childhood. I also loved drawing and crafting, which naturally attracted me to spatial design and led me to pursue a career in architecture.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
KF: At Kamakura Studio, we value recognizing and maximizing the interesting elements that are at the core of each project, such as the surrounding environment and the personality and demands of our clients. Our designs are based on the belief that by deeply connecting with buildings and their environment, people can lead a more sustainable and affluent life. Thus, we prioritize "maximizing and visualizing various connections."
FS: What is "design" for you?
KF: For us, design is about organizing and directing the mechanisms of things to increase their value.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
KF: I love architectural design involving many people. Not only in public architecture but also in individual and corporate architecture, we consciously consider the public aspect. This consideration does not lead to losses for the companies or individuals, rather, by being aware of the public aspect, respect for the companies and individuals increases, which we believe, and explain, results in benefits for our clients.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
KF: : My favorite design is the Oya History Museum in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. This museum utilizes a former quarry where stones were once extracted. The original quarry lines have been incorporated into the museum, serving as its layout and pathways. As a result, the space overflows with a unique charm, a charm that emerges when a structure designed for one purpose is repurposed for another. This resonates with the philosophical approach I am currently exploring in my work.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
KF: The first thing I designed was a community hall for the local residents. This hall, designed for 500 local residents, was previously a gloomy place rumored to be haunted by 'ghosts' among the children. To transform this place, I calculated and analyzed the movement of light during the winter solstice, positioning part of the building where light could be captured. The light reflected off the ceiling and walls was designed to brightly illuminate the streets and parks. I also created a large veranda to open the interior space to the street and park, so people's presence would radiate brightness. As a result, not only the building but also the whole area's impression brightened, as if the design of a single architecture had the effect of designing the entire city.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
KF: My favorite material is natural materials / My favorite platform is XX / My favorite technique is the craftsmanship of artisans.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
KF: I like seeing situations that turn negatives into positives. When something that seemed worthless is transformed into something of value.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
KF: I value turning negative situations into positives. I emphasize transforming situations that seem to have no value into something valuable.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
KF: It makes me feel excited.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
KF: I feel moved not when a design is realized, but when it is used, and it brings about a happy situation.
FS: What makes a design successful?
KF: I think the dialogue with the client and the dialogue with the site environment are important.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
KF: It's about how the presence of architecture shines in its place, and how much it can evoke a myriad of images.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
KF: Accepting the past and present and serving as a bridge to a better future.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
KF: With the rise of AI, I think designers will be able to focus more on the creative aspects. However, the advent of AI might also mean that less attractive designers could go out of business. This is because, with simple tools accessible to everyone, creation becomes open to all. A future may come where only those who can do what others can't, who can design things that no one else can think of, who are like 'wizards', can call themselves designers.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
KF: The last exhibition was held in Yokohama in March 2023. The date of the next exhibition is yet to be decided.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
KF: I think it's about gathering lots of information. The source or type of media for collecting information doesn't matter. I take inspiration from everything, even from comics, social media, or from the scenery and flora and fauna I see on walks.
FS: 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?
KF: I always think about wanting to raise the impression and value of the place after the building is built, more than before it was built. Also, as I mentioned earlier, I value turning negative situations into positives and transforming situations that seem to have no value into something valuable.
FS: 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?
KF: I am from Chiba Prefecture, next to Tokyo. Of course, this influences me. I often feel that the style of Japanese architects is very different from that of architects abroad. The advantage of living in Japan and designing here is that I can create my works relatively freely. The downside is that construction costs have skyrocketed.
FS: How do you work with companies?
KF: I work on design supervision for tenant buildings, shops, and large facilities, but I approach my work with the same attitude whether I'm dealing with individual clients or corporations. However, for corporate clients, I am more conscious of branding. By creating documents that are easy for corporate decision-makers to approve, I ensure that projects proceed smoothly.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
KF: Although I approach every architecture project in the same way fundamentally, when dealing with corporate clients, I put greater emphasis on the company's branding. I believe businesses should refer to an architect's previous works when searching for the right architect.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
KF: I start by observing the site, studying the local culture, and listening to the client's needs. Then, I prepare a comprehensive proposal. I believe the best design is one that not only fulfills the client's requests but also fits into the local area and can impact its future, even if the client did not request that.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
KF: Various Apple products, a pair of scissors given to me by my grandmother when I was young, gardening tools for plant management, a cutting board made of solid Hinoki cypress wood, and a roll-up pencil case for storing colored pencils.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
KF: I strive to live as simply as possible. I have children, so I prioritize meaningful conversations with them.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
KF: As we're still young, we continue to learn and refine our skills by following the examples of our seniors.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
KF: Adopting a mindset that transforms zero into one can add depth to daily life and make everything feel like a learning opportunity, which is a positive point. It can be difficult to forget that you're a designer in daily life, which might be a negative point, but I've never perceived it as such.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
KF: Moving my hands and thinking for myself.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
KF: Keeping passion alive. Also, I guess being able to maintain a personal stake while viewing matters objectively from a higher perspective.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
KF: A sketchbook and pencil.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
KF: To increase my concentration time, I aim to finish tasks that can be done quickly as fast as possible.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
KF: It depends on the scale of the architecture. Generally, it takes about six months to a year. For more complex projects, it can take around three to five years.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
KF: How do you come up with ideas? I am asked.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
KF: All past experiences are important. All future work will become our nourishment.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
KF: Our clients vary, ranging from individuals to corporations. While many of our clients are wealthy, we certainly have clients who are not.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
KF: I find it exciting when complex conditions and requests are resolved in a very simple way. Also, it feels rewarding when, even after completion, the building vividly recalls expectations without explanation, not fading over time, in the minds of its users.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
KF: It's always a pleasure to see an increase in fans of our firm. I believe as this base grows, so will the scope of our interactions.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
KF: We work as part of a team.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
KF: I think "HOUSE M" in Osaka will turn out to be a fantastic piece of architecture.
FS: How can people contact you?
KF: Please contact us through the inquiry section on our website or email us directly.
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
KF: Why do people seek connection? Why do people fight? We are in the process of developing a philosophy that will fully explain why. If anyone is interested, please contact us.
FS: Thank you for providing us with this opportunity to interview you.
A’ Design Award and Competitions grants rights to press members and bloggers to use parts of this interview. This interview is provided as it is; DesignPRWire and A' Design Award and Competitions cannot be held responsible for the answers given by participating designers.
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