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Interview with Seike Hisashi |
Home > Designer Interviews > Seike Hisashi |
Editor Frank Scott (FS) from DesignPRWire has interviewed designer Seike Hisashi (SH) for A’ Design Award and Competition. You can access the full profile of Seike Hisashi 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?
SH: At the age of ten, during a school lesson, I received praise from my teacher for designing a residential layout. On that occasion, I was introduced to a renowned architect who shared my surname. This was when I learned about the profession of spatial design. It was at that moment that I decided my future dream was to become a spatial designer.
FS: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
SH: I founded TDW*ROOT in 2001. Initially, I worked as part of a unit team with a senior colleague from my previous company. It was through an interior design project we encountered that I began working independently in 2006.
FS: What is "design" for you?
SH: For me, design is synonymous with the very essence of life itself.
FS: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
SH: I am thrilled whenever I encounter a genre with which I have had no prior involvement.
FS: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
SH: I am fond of the SUPERLEGGERA chair designed by Gio Ponti. The first time I saw it in person, I was struck by its beauty and felt a profound sense of awe and admiration.
FS: What was the first thing you designed for a company?
SH: The first practical design I created was for an Italian restaurant.
FS: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
SH: I am fond of materials such as plaster and concrete, which can be transformed into various shapes and textures by human hands.
FS: When do you feel the most creative?
SH: It is when I discover the harmony between materials and space.
FS: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
SH: It involves considering how the materials used can resonate with the space.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
SH: I am excited by the prospect of imagining something that has never existed before.
FS: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
SH: Simultaneously finding relief and envisioning everyone's reactions, I experience a sense of excitement and anticipation.
FS: What makes a design successful?
SH: It is the resonance between the creators and users of objects and experiences, encompassing both design and production aspects.
FS: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
SH: It pertains to the overall balance.
FS: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
SH: Believing in the power of design, I feel there is a responsibility to propose the force of design in an unequivocal direction.
FS: How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
SH: I believe that design can further advance the resonance between virtual spaces like the metaverse and physical spaces.
FS: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
SH: I lack experience in exhibitions.
FS: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
SH: I am inspired by exposure to Japanese culture.
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?
SH: The designs of architects from the generation of Tadao Ando and Yoshiji Takehara, such as Ando-san and Takehara-san, embody my ideals. I aspire to create spaces that prioritize simplicity and accentuate the qualities of materials.
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?
SH: Having studied many buildings in Japan, I have been influenced by the simple yet distinct Japanese aesthetic in spaces.
FS: How do you work with companies?
SH: The thoughts of the clients who will utilize the completed space are crucial. I endeavor to encourage them to articulate their ideas to us in as much detail as possible.
FS: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
SH: Same as number 20.
FS: Can you talk a little about your design process?
SH: This also echoes a similar sentiment, as we seek to delve deeply into who will be utilizing the space, how they envision its use, why they chose our company, and other pertinent details. We use this information to flesh out the design accordingly.
FS: What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
SH: In my home, I have a table and bench that I designed myself, while in my office, there is a Charles & Ray Eames' La Chaise.
FS: Can you describe a day in your life?
SH: If I were to describe my life in a day, I would consider the current moment akin to a brief afternoon break before exerting further effort until dinner time.
FS: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
SH: I believe it is important for young individuals to recognize the unique design opportunities available to them precisely because of their youth. I encourage them to fully embrace and enjoy the design process without overthinking, allowing themselves to engage with it wholeheartedly.
FS: From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
SH: One advantage of my profession is encountering many excellent designs. However, one disadvantage is that I often find myself consumed by thoughts of design, which can lead to days passing by unnoticed.
FS: What is your "golden rule" in design?
SH: I believe that "design resides in the details," and this philosophy guides my approach to design.
FS: What skills are most important for a designer?
SH: I consider the ability to joyfully pursue tasks that others may find tedious to be a valuable attribute.
FS: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
SH: When facing design challenges, I often recall the works of architects from the generation of Tadao Ando and Yoshiji Takehara for inspiration.
FS: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
SH: For me, contemplating design is synonymous with living, so I navigate through it without any particular management.
FS: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
SH: It usually takes about half a year.
FS: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
SH: I am often asked about the reason behind becoming a designer.
FS: What was your most important job experience?
SH: As each experience is significant, it is challenging to choose just one.
FS: Who are some of your clients?
SH: The clients for the submissions I provided this time range from major Japanese corporations to individual chefs.
FS: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
SH: It is a design job that involves constant discovery of new things. This is because there is joy in the realization of something previously unknown, even if it is just one thing.
FS: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
SH: As a relatively unknown designer in Japan, I have been able to sustain my career over the long term. I would like to create opportunities for aspiring designers to understand that even someone like me can encounter fulfilling work.
FS: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
SH: While I often serve as the starting point for ideas, there are many aspects that I cannot evaluate on my own. Therefore, I see myself as part of a team, collaborating with construction companies and craftsmen while seeking their input and advice.
FS: Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
SH: Our works are utilized in various public spaces, and it is not conducive to fostering preconceptions about the image of these places based on design. Therefore, we are honestly unable to disclose them during the planning stages.
FS: How can people contact you?
SH: It is possible to make inquiries and contact us through our website.
FS: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
SH: Not.
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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