Interview with Tomohiro Katsuki

Tomohiro Katsuki ("TK") interviewed on Tuesday, 20 March.

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

TK : I started this work from since 2000, in Japan Osaka.I will work in Japan for seven years, I will move to Shanghai in 2007.In 2009 we established PRISM DESIGN in Shanghai and we are now in the process.

How did you become a designer?

TK : When I was in my teens, I was playing in Play Area daily.Then, I look about CAFE,Bar,Restaurant,Boutique etc.It was affected a lot and I wanted to make it.Then I attended a specialized design school and entered the design studio.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

TK : First of all, we will construct a style according to client's request.Next, we will conduct a lot of analyzes including location analysis, request arrangement, market analysis and so on.Then, we will find possibilities with the latest technology and traditional low tech modeling, in various ways.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

TK : It is similar to writing a novel.We accumulate things one by one, and eventually it has become a mysterious finale.

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

TK : I have worked part-time in various industries and interacted with various people. What is important in life is generosity to diversity and change.

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

TK : My dream is to perform designs of various genres in Multi,I would like to create an institution like a school that teaches the final result for young designer eggs.

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

TK : I would like to recommend that you should enjoy the task purely without prejudice to all things.

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

TK : I do not care about others, I want you to be pure with respect to the originality of my heart.

What is your day to day look like?

TK : I wake up everyday, drink coffee, go to work, drink coffee, listening good music, have drink coffee, Facing day to day business, drink coffee and the day is over.

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

TK : Not much trend is necessary. We are not following the trend. Our mission is to be the biggest partner of our clients' dreams.

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

TK : Balance is all important.Exterior design, function, accuracy, value to the market, production cost etc. There is a need to balance everything.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

TK : Design evolves and changes.There is no end. It is like a child.

What is your biggest design work?

TK : I have not met yet. Because it is all important Project.

Who is your favourite designer?

TK : I like Bauhaus.I want to make a school like their concept.

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

TK : My origin is Japan. And now I am working in Shanghai. Music and culture strongly influence the design.It is like a spiritual Zen.

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

TK : We are built with members who sympathize with Asia's IDENTITY regardless of race.It may be a bit like an IT company.Unspecified number, and members are changing according to circumstances.

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

TK : Participation in forums, investment in young entrepreneurs, etc. are protecting the contribution of design assets to the next generation.

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

TK : It is an important award for confirming world standards.And there is a wonderful opportunity to interact with designers active in the world.

Tomohiro Katsuki Profile