Interview with Kazunori Takeishi

Kazunori Takeishi ("KT") interviewed on Saturday, 17 March.

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

KT : After graduating from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music in Tokyo in 2002, I did my post-grad at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. I worked a few years for architecture firms in Tokyo before starting out my own design atelier in 2011, Monocircus.

How did you become a designer?

KT : I was always interested in painting, art and architecture as a student. I was very inspired by my tutors in university and my mentor in Cranbrook Academy. I worked very hard during the few years working in architecture firms but somehow I had a frustration that my ideas are not being realized and the work somehow lacked a certain sense of satisfaction in me. So I moved on to start my own design studio.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

KT : A very important aspect I treasure in the designing process is about being able to speak and convey the idea in language. I talk about the idea to my partner and have discussions about it. Another important aspect is about being out and about in the midst of Nature as a lot of my work are inspired by natural flora and fauna. Part of the process of thinking is also about drawing and sketching before moving on to execute the design and complete the details on the computer.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

KT : The most exciting phase in designing would be the brain storming part of it. The trigger of the design idea is important too but it is the translating process of that trigger into a form, structure and shape, and into a sound convincing design.

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

KT : I think the willingness of learn is very important, such as learning a new tool. Also the openness to new ideas.

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

KT : I hope to be able to carry on my work, maintain my business and continue creative work. I hope to be able to work on various kinds of projects, small-scale as well as large-scale, not limiting myself to any specific agenda.

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

KT : I do not really consider myself to be successful... at least not yet. But I think my advice would be to continue to open up and Learn and be adventurous.

What is your day to day look like?

KT : I get myself updated with news, not just design news but general news. I set targets for the day. Small targets such as what needs to get done. On off work days, I try to get out and about, away from my computer and my desk, doing sports or fishing.

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

KT : I do not actually keep up with latest design trends. I try not to be influences by trends or the latest fashion. My target is to be the one to set a trend.

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

KT : A good design would be something that everyone can relate to easily.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

KT : I think of a design as ready when I feel convinced that all aspects of the design is sensible. It has a lot to do with a personal sense and touch which is difficult to explain.

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

KT : I think the Japanese culture of life as a whole naturally forms a part of the style of my work. The certain quietness and dynamism is something I treasure.

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

KT : It is an honor to be named the designer of the day. Through the A' design award, my work was able to reach an audience that I would not have been able to reach without the award.

Kazunori Takeishi Profile