Interview with Akira Nakagomi

Akira Nakagomi ("AN") interviewed on Wednesday, 2 November.

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

AN : 2002　　Completed the Master Course of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Hosei University 2002-2014 Worked at TOKUJIN YOSHIOKA DESIGN 2015- Established AKIRA NAKAGOMI DESIGN

How did you become a designer?

AN : My father was a carpenter, so I was interested in making things and design from an early age. I studied architecture at university, but became interested in product design, which is more familiar to me, and became a designer.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

AN : 1. to be beautiful 2. to be moving. 3. that you will want to use it for a long time. I goal is to maximize the characteristics and beauty of materials to create beautiful product designs that become heirlooms. At the same time, he considers new values and their relationship to society through experimental design. I try to create new designs that combine digital tools, the latest technology, and the handiwork of craftsmen.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

AN : The stage of coming up with an idea, designing it, and brushing it up is very exciting. I feel a sense of happiness when a product becomes a better product through design and cooperation with various craftsmen and other people.

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

AN : My father was a carpenter, and I was interested in making things from an early age because I was exposed to tools and other things from a young age.I also think it is important to have experienced many inspiring things, not only in design, but also in film, literature, photography, culture, and so on. These various valuable experiences have helped me to create my own unique identity.

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

AN : my goal is to create a design that will surprise and engage children.

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

AN : Young designers are encouraged to experience many things that move and inspire them, not only in design. We believe that those precious experiences will be expressed into your unique and wonderful design.

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

AN : It is important to enjoy designing and designing. If you don't enjoy designing or designing, there is a compromise or mistake somewhere in the process, and you need to have the courage to discover it and redo it.

What is your day to day look like?

AN : Design and paperwork in the morning, a walk and design research at lunch, then design and design work from there until the evening. Ideas are often considered late at night or early in the morning.

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

AN : We do not consciously follow trends. I only research information that comes to me naturally and interests me. On the other hand, I try to reinterpret old techniques in the modern age.

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

AN : The most important thing is to be impressed. This excitement can be in the form of a story behind the product, a technological innovation, or a new form. I believe that a good design is one that can move people.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

AN : This is the time limit for the presentation of the design, etc. There is no end in sight as we are always thinking of ways to improve the design and always thinking of ways to make it better.

What is your biggest design work?

AN : “Object”. The design of this partition is to make the image of a drip-proof partition into something that will add color to daily life.After the COVID-19 has ended, the partition will not be discarded after its role has been completed, but rather designed to become an object that will be cherished and cherished.

Who is your favourite designer?

AN : Tokujin Yoshioka's designs are very much an emotional experience and will stay with me forever.

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

AN : I live in Japan. The Japanese culture has greatly influenced my idea of designing with the best use of materials and the simplest structure possible. One of the advantages of designing in Japan is that it is easy to design something that will be loved for a long time, but it may take time for people to find it.

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

AN : I develop my own designs. I seek partners who are interested in many things, not just design.

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

AN : I can not only enrich people's lives, but also help them through design.

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

AN : 1. It is very stimulating and motivating to see the work of excellent designers from all over the world. 2. It is important that better designs are spread throughout the world. 3. I am very honored! I feel very happy to be designing.

Akira Nakagomi Profile