Interview with MASUO FUJIMURA

MASUO FUJIMURA ("MF") interviewed on Tuesday, 27 March.

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

MF : Born in Japan in 1964. Worked at Togashi Desigh Studio from 1990 to 1999. Established my own design studio, Fujimura Design Studio in1999. An Interior Designer who creates a wide range of designs from space to products. Works, 2000~ WEDGWOOD interior design.2004~ De'Longhi interior design.2004,WASEDA HOUSE.2007~ LE CEUSET interior design.2008,Korean Barbeque Restaurant 'An-Kissho'2009,Bansho-ji Temple Ossuary Crystal Palace.2012,Bridal Jewelry Shop 'LUZIR'2015, "Ningyocho" house, Tokyo/Japan.2016~ BELSTAFF interior design.2017, Bansho-ji Temple 'HAKURYU-KAN'and many others.

How did you become a designer?

MF : Since the age of the teens I was interested in beautiful objects which human creates.Especially, I was attracted to the organic design of Isamu Noguchi, Charles Eams.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

MF : My design always aim to be harmony with human and things. Sending our rich daily life by the harmony is my major premise.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

MF : I get inspiration for my design from insignificant occurrences in daily life. I think it is because I always have questioning , why? and I get a new idea. I feel exciting when I found the answer of these questions.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

MF : I am an Architect ,but I am influenced by industrial design like Pininfarina and Marcello Gandini. I admire their works very much.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

MF : I was born in Japan, and I am proud of our culture. I will create in the future the Japanese design only Japanese can design.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

MF : I advice that young designers have respect designers and copy their works . I think it becomes your skill someday.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

MF : I don’t take the picture of the work which I think this is very good design.If I record the design, it becomes to other people’s design.If I memorize the design once, it belongs to me.

What is your day to day look like?

MF : Before I work , I cook my breakfast and drink a cup of coffee and I refresh. When I have a time, I draw an image of furniture. The finest new design which I have not seen before was born. I am very excited about the time when the new design was born.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

MF : I check the new trend design from magazines and SNS. I follow it up by talking with designer’s friends. But I only know the trends, I do not imitate them. I need only to know as a designer.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

MF : I think that good design is harmony with beautiful and function.and it gives people the happiness and a smile .

How do you decide if your design is ready?

MF : When I give shape to my thought, it is time to be solved all of matters completely.

What is your biggest design work?

MF : “ A Place of Light where the Soul Rests”　The light charnel , Crystal Palace

Who is your favourite designer?

MF : I praise an architect Louis I. Kahn.Especially I was deeply impressed with his words “ What is the beauty of Space?The space an architect create is not natural.The beauty of space is not only just beauty itself but also the meanings are necessary.The beauty of space is the meaning of the space and is filled with the meanings.”Every spaces have meanings .

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

MF : I’m proud of the fact I was born as Japanese. I want to create design to express a heart of respect other person Japanese have.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

MF : I work with my wife. I want to create design with my wife (not group) as one of creator.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

MF : I am the member of Japan Commercial Environmental Design Association and I work as the official judge of Asia Design Prize 2018 and K.Design Awards 2018.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

MF : My design reliability is increased by participating in A’Design Award. and there are the most merit to continue the next work.

MASUO FUJIMURA Profile