Interview with Kokutou Uemori

Kokutou Uemori ("KU") interviewed on Monday, 19 March.

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

KU : I started to have a global idea since I worked in my father's construction office for 10 years and studied at Grenoble University.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

KU : Pay attention to local weather, climate, culture and trend of life style of the residents. Start from sketch by using our hand and work on model and renderings.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

KU : When the first idea was organized.

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

KU : It is more free to architecture because i have not been educated in construction in school.A new world opens every time you gain expertise.It seemed like a small thing that seemed to be the same was changed in the way of thinking and viewpoint, so I felt it changed into a big appealing one in my life.

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

KU : Hotel and Japanese inns, museums, city planning.

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

KU : Do not get caught up in the area of occupation and interact with various beneficial people.Opinions of books, ITN · seniors, opinions of craftsmen at the work site.

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

KU : Do not be caught up by narrow-minded ideas that tend to be within the companions of the community.

What is your day to day look like?

KU : While drinking delicious coffee, check the schedule of the day · mail · design NEWS.

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

KU : It is necessary to know the design trend as a professional. I will not follow upWill be affected.

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

KU : To have rationality and a story in the design.Or accidentality.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

KU : It is completed once it reaches an agreement with the client, but it may be reconsidered in the process of construction.Client satisfaction and my satisfaction when the building was completed.

What is your biggest design work?

KU : "Tei "degree of site understanding and client mutual understanding.I am satisfied with just completed KOKUBU

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

KU : A town that is historical and calm, suitable for human 's scale all over the world.Music is part of the most creative process.Naturally my culture has an influence.It is in the city of 300,000 in the southwestern part of Japan.The development of society and good design are mutually complementary, and if one is missing it is not a development.

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

KU : My father is partner. It is easy to work because it has the same aesthetic sense and life style.I am sympathetic to people who can enjoy living, education, honesty, and above all else.Do not work too much.

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

KU : Even for low-cost buildings with severe budget, they are actively realized.

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

KU : Since I was awarded the domestic big design award, I wanted to know what kind of evaluation was received overseas.By receiving overseas awards, business opportunities increase, and with overseas architects and designers,I think that exchanges make me more rich.

Kokutou Uemori Profile