Studio Atelier11

I graduated from a 5-year architecture university in Korea and obtained a Master's degree in Architecture from Yonsei University. After acquiring my architect certification, I have been operating the Atelier11 architectural office for over 15 years. I was born and raised on Jeju Island in Korea. The stones, land, wind, and mountains of Jeju have been the nourishment for my architecture.

The reason I decided to become a designer is that I wanted to create spaces that harmonize with the beauty of nature. Through architecture, my goal is to provide people with comfort and beauty, making the spaces they live in not just buildings, but integral parts of their lives. I wanted to act as a bridge connecting people with nature, and that is the motivation behind my design work. Additionally, I see design as a process of solving problems. Finding the optimal solutions while considering people's needs and environmental constraints is incredibly interesting and challenging. The sense of achievement and fulfillment I gain from this process keeps me continually dedicated to design.

I am engaged in architectural design and work on projects across various fields. Recently, I have been primarily designing unique single-family homes and cafes for Airbnb.

I believe it is no exaggeration to say that continuous learning, reading, and field trips have shaped who I am today. I think only those who maintain a learning attitude can create good designs.

A good designer understands the fundamental design principles and techniques well and creates practical and beautiful designs that meet user needs. They clearly understand the project's goals and present designs that effectively achieve those goals. In contrast, a great designer creates value beyond that. They uncover hidden user needs, propose innovative solutions, and bring positive changes to people's lives through design. Great designers do not just follow trends; they create new trends and push the boundaries of design. They possess creativity and vision, elevating design to a perfect harmony of art and function.

As an architect, I believe that for a building design to be truly excellent, it must satisfy three fundamental elements: structure, function, and aesthetics. Based on this foundation, the emphasis on specific aspects may vary depending on the designer. A really good design will be one where the architect's profound thoughts are reflected on the basis of these three elements.

I believe that good design is created when it fulfills both aesthetic and functional requirements. Such design inherently enhances our quality of life. Aesthetically pleasing design provides visual enjoyment and emotional satisfaction. Beautiful spaces and products positively impact our daily lives and promote psychological well-being, contributing to overall life satisfaction. Functionally excellent design meets user needs and offers convenience and efficiency in the use of products or spaces. It reduces everyday inconveniences and increases comfort and productivity for the user. Overall, good design creates value for us, which is why everyone should invest in it.

I am thinking of designing a small memorial space for my late father. I want to create a space that reflects the loneliness he felt as an outsider settling in Jeju, and paradoxically, the sense of place that Jeju became his true home. This memorial will also encompass my memories of him.

The dream project I haven't yet had time to realize is designing a small memorial space for my late father. I want to create a space that reflects the loneliness he felt as an outsider settling in Jeju, and paradoxically, the sense of place that Jeju became his true home. This memorial will also encompass my memories of him.

Louis Kahn's sense of order. A space where silence and light overlap within it.

My greatest design is Studio Atelier11, which won the A'Design Award. The land where Studio Atelier11 now stands was a very small, seemingly worthless triangular lot. Through my architectural skills, I was able to construct the building, breathing life into the site.

Opening new perspectives for people while being highly functional and useful—this is my definition of design.