Akira Nakagomi

Specialized in Lighting Design.

Akira Nakagomi

About Akira Nakagomi

Akira Nakagomi, born in 1977,established AKIRA NAKAGOMI DESIGN in 2015. His incorporates new concepts based on the characteristics of materials and manufacturing methods, and her activities range from industrial design products to furniture, graphics, and interior design. His goal is to maximize the characteristics and beauty of project materials to create beautiful product designs that will become family heirlooms. At the same time, they consider new values and their relationship with society through experimental design.

  • Winner of 2 A' Design Awards.
  • Specialized in Lighting Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Lighting
  • Furniture
Honey Drop Lighting

Honey Drop Lighting

Lighting Design

Object Splash Proof Partition

Object Splash Proof Partition

Furniture Design

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Interview with Akira Nakagomi

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
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.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Akira Nakagomi, born in 1977,established AKIRA NAKAGOMI DESIGN in 2015. His incorporates new concepts based on the characteristics of materials and manufacturing methods, and her activities range from industrial design products to furniture, graphics, and interior design. His goal is to maximize the characteristics and beauty of materials to create beautiful product designs that will become family heirlooms. At the same time, they consider new values and their relationship with society through experimental design.
What is "design" for you?
I believe "design" they are not only to enrich our lives, but also to be spices that sometimes inspire us, or treasures to be remembered.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I like works that I can be moved by and want to cherish for many years.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
This is Tokujin Yoshioka's Honey-pop. By spreading out the layers of paper, a silhouette of a chair appears, and by hardening the seat into your own shape, you can complete the work, which is a surprising and moving experience.
When do you feel the most creative?
I feel most creative in the moments when I come up with fun and interesting ideas.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
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.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
I feel a sense of accomplishment and joy at having achieved what I designed.
What makes a design successful?
Believe in myself. Communicate that feeling to those around you and have them understand it.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
I judge a good design by whether it can make things better, not by its superficial beauty.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
I believe that designers should use their design skills to make things better and avoid making things that are self-indulgent and wasteful. We believe that by creating products that will be loved for a long time, we can avoid wasting resources and take responsibility for the environment.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
New technologies have made it possible to manufacture in small lots and have reduced the difficulty of entering the design field, resulting in an increasing variety of designs. In the future, design will become more segmented, and design skills will be used not only for superficial design, but also for processes and ways of thinking.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
Exhibition in Tokyo in June 2021. The next exhibition will be held in Tokyo in November 2022.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
Sources of inspiration are not limited to design alone; I record what I experience and what moves me or makes me happy, and then I analyze these elements and how I can reproduce them.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
I goal is to maximize the characteristics and beauty of materials to create beautiful product designs that will become family heirlooms. At the same time, they consider new values and their relationship with society through experimental design.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
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.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
Instead of just choosing a designer with a good design, it is better to listen to the designer's beliefs and choose a designer with whom you can often talk and have an experience that will create new values.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
First, we interview the client about what he or she is trying to achieve, and then we examine whether the goal is correct and whether there is anything the client himself or herself is not yet aware of. Then, we consider the appropriate materials, and search for the essence of the work to reach the feelings of as many people as possible, and repeat many considerations.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
i-mac/Solid brass/Studio Olafur Eliasson(book)/Landi Chair/ TO(watch)
Can you describe a day in your life?
Work in the morning, take a walk or do design research at noon, and work into the evening. In the evening, I also take a walk and think about ideas, etc.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
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.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
It is a good thing to observe things carefully and discover new things. The bad thing is that I think about such things all the time.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
It is whether what you design will impress you or whether you will love it for a long time.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
Rhinoceros/grasshopper/maxwellrender/Studio Olafur Eliasson(book)/Marc Newson(book)/Dieter Rams: The Complete Works(book)/KLIMT(book)
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
We consult with the contractor at the rough design drawing stage, and design the product while listening to the characteristics of the materials and the factory's technology.
What was your most important job experience?
The most important experience was when the factory told us it was technically difficult and we had to go through several meetings to get it done with everyone's help.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I love beautiful and inspiring design work. Such works of design are not for consumption, but to be treasured for a lifetime.

Designer of the Day Interview with Akira Nakagomi

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

Extended Interview with Akira Nakagomi

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
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?
My father was a carpenter, and watching him from an early age sparked my interest in manufacturing and design. I studied architecture at university, but when I became interested in product design, which was more familiar to me than architecture, I learned about Honey-pop, which was designed by Tokujin Yoshioka. I then decided to become a designer because I wanted to design products that would move and surprise people.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
We have designed sofas, chairs, tables, flower vases, clocks, etc. We would like to design boats, automobiles, and other objects of a size that encompass people.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Regardless of design, I think it is important to seek out and experience many moving and gratifying experiences.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
We believe that a good designer is not only able to design superficially, but is also able to lead things in the direction of betterment through his/her designs.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
It is not superficial, but something that improves our lives. It is also something that gives us new values, etc.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Good design enriches and calms our minds. Such a design will be used for a long time, thereby eliminating wasteful consumption.
What is your day to day look like?
I would like to design toys that will interest children in materials and mechanisms.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
Transparent wall clock. The numbers appear only where the hands pass by the clock.
What is your biggest design work?
Standard Chair(Jean Prouve) I am impressed by the structurally reasonable shape, such as the thickening of the back legs, which carry a heavy load, in the seat area, and the overall beautiful form of the chair.
Who is your favourite designer?
“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.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
I think that we should try to be sensitive to what moves us and what we think is beautiful, not only in design but in all things in life, and observe and record them.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design is not about superficial beauty, but about enriching life by approaching it from every part.

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