Interview with KEIJI HARADA

KEIJI HARADA ("KH") interviewed on Friday, 8 May.

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

KH : I mainly work in interior design, focusing on residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces. I value calm atmospheres and material expression while creating spaces that respond naturally to people and place. Although many of my projects are small in scale, I always approach each detail with great care and attention.

How did you become a designer?

KH : From an early age, I was interested in space and light, and I decided to become an architect to create experiences that remain in people’s memories. After working at architectural offices, I established my own practice to pursue quiet and meaningful architecture rooted in everyday life.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

KH : The three most important aspects of my work are spatial calmness, natural light, and materiality. I begin each project by carefully reading the site and surroundings, then develop the spatial structure through sketches and physical models.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

KH : During the design process, I experience deep concentration and quiet excitement. I am most inspired when an idea gradually takes shape as space, and relationships between light, materials, and atmosphere become visible.

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

KH : What shaped me most was the habit of carefully observing everyday life. Rather than pursuing dramatic expression, I value spaces where people can naturally feel calm and comfortable. Conversations with craftspeople and construction teams have also deeply influenced me.

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

KH : In the future, I hope to continue creating timeless and quiet architecture, especially in residential and hospitality projects. I want to deepen my exploration of regional context and the relationship between architecture and nature.

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

KH : I encourage young designers not to follow trends too closely, but instead to trust their own sensibility and powers of observation. Continuing to think deeply over time eventually leads to originality.

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

KH : I believe it is important not to rush success, but to carefully cultivate one’s own values and perspective. Good architecture is created through accumulated thoughtfulness and sincerity rather than superficial expression.

What is your day to day look like?

KH : Most of my day is spent designing, drawing, and visiting construction sites. Even during travel or ordinary moments, I often continue thinking about architecture and quietly reflecting on space.

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

KH : I do not focus heavily on trends, but I remain interested in changes in society and daily life. More important than following trends is creating spaces that genuinely belong to their place and context.

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

KH : I believe excellent design does not demand attention excessively, but instead feels naturally connected to people and place. It should deepen in value over time and remain meaningful for many years.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

KH : I consider a design complete when the space feels natural and balanced, and when a sense of calmness emerges without unnecessary elements. Refining simplicity is an important part of my process.

What is your biggest design work?

KH : It is difficult to choose only one project as my greatest work because each project has its own unique value. I feel strongest attachment to projects where I could deeply engage with site, light, and everyday life

Who is your favourite designer?

KH : Rather than one specific person, I have been influenced by architects and artists who possess a quiet strength. I have also learned greatly from Japanese architecture, contemporary architecture, and traditional craftsmanship.

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

KH : Everyday life and culture in Japan strongly influence my architecture. I believe my appreciation for simplicity and spatial emptiness has naturally developed through daily life and surrounding landscapes.

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

KH : Although my studio is small, I value approaching every project with sincerity and care. Rather than pursuing scale, I focus on quality and meaningful dialogue throughout the design process.

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

KH : While my activities are modest, I hope architecture can positively influence local communities and everyday life. I also value sharing architectural culture through dialogue with younger generations and craftspeople.

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

KH : Participating in the A’ Design Award gave me an opportunity to reconsider my work from an international perspective. Receiving recognition across different cultures and values has been both encouraging and educational for me.

KEIJI HARADA Profile