Takanori Urata

Specialized in Kitchenware Design.

Takanori Urata

About Takanori Urata

Embracing a thoroughly modern design style, TAKANORI URATA DESIGN INC. has become one of the most in-demand design firms in the region, celebrated for an ability to create exceptional spaces that are- in every way – unique. Though Takanori works primarily in the architecture and interior design spheres, he has also built a reputation on the back of other pursuits and in other markets, namely, in the package and graphic design industry. Throughout it all, Takanori’s signature remains apparent: crisp, clean and elegant. This has driven TAKANORI URATA DESIGN to thrive in sectors that require a certain sense of modernity, think modern condominiums, cosmetic companies and pharmaceutical clients. In those areas, Takanori has truly flourished, harnessing a skill for large open spaces that remain, at their core, entirely functional. Yet, the root of TAKANORI URATA DESIGN’s success lies in Takanori’s skill in communication, as he explains in more detail here. “I interview my clients first and try to understand exactly what they want. I pay attention to how my work satisfies their needs. Then I suggest a design which is improved on and refine over time. I aim to always exceed my client’s expectations and surprise them. Once they decide to move ahead with my office, I provide services that meet my client’s needs to gain their trust and establish a long-term partnership.” This is made all the more impressive when you consider that TAKANORI URATA DESIGN is a two-person operation. “There’s only two people, including myself. It is a small office, but I always try my best for my clients. I believe that my best will be evaluated as success, and it will lead to the next offer of work from my clients.” In a way that is to be very much expected for the firm, Takanori prefers to carve his own path in the sector and ignore the transient fashions and trends that come and go year on year. “I don’t mind so much about today’s trends. I always concentrate on my client’s needs first. Then, I imagine and create a design for them. I love long-life design which is simple, but never fails to be interesting. I aim for timelessness in my work and go from there.” Finally, Takanori offers some insight into TAKANORI URATA DESIGN’s future. “I don't know what will happen in future. So, I think I should try hard to make my design skill up so that I can meet variety needs from clients.”

  • Winner of 4 A' Design Awards.
  • Specialized in Kitchenware Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Kitchenware
  • Camping Gear
  • Lighting
  • Kitchen Furniture
Sakura Cup

Sakura Cup

Kitchenware Design

Cell Tent

Cell Tent

Camping Gear Design

Lead Recycled Cork LED Lantern

Lead Recycled Cork LED Lantern

Lighting Design

Metal Cup

Metal Cup

Kitchen Furniture Design

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Interview with Takanori Urata

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 joiner, and I was influenced by his woodworking at home, so making things was something I did for fun from an early age. I also loved drawing pictures. When I was in junior high school, I first decided that I wanted to be a designer, so I went to a high school specializing in design. After high school, I went on to study design at Kuwasawa Design School, a well-known design school in Japan. After that, I worked for a large company that mainly builds commercial facilities, and then I worked for Tokujin Yoshioka, a world-renowned designer, to study design. Currently, I left Tokujin Yoshioka's office to run my own design firm.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
My design studio has been in business for almost 10 years now. My firm has a wide range of design experience, including architecture, interior design, product design, and logo design. I also founded the award-winning metal cup brand, sunsetclimax, in 2014. sunsetclimax is also my company. We plan, design, manufacture, and sell beautifully designed camping equipment.
What is "design" for you?
For me, design is one of the acts of making the world a better place. When good design and people meet, their feelings are uplifted and they can enjoy their everyday life. If there are more people who are happy every day, the world will be a better place.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
I like to design anything, but if I have to choose one, I like to design architecture the best.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
I like the window display design using scarves at Hermes Ginza Tokyo, which was created by my mentor Tokujin Yoshioka.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
The first product I designed for my brand, sunsetclimax, was a Tarp for camping. It's a beautiful piece; it won the Good Design Award in Japan in 2018.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
My favorite materials are steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and other metal materials.
When do you feel the most creative?
When I am working with the client, the construction company, and the craftspeople to try to complete the project.
Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
I focus on functionality. I am not interested in designs that are beautiful only in appearance. I think functional beauty is important.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
I feel excited, but at the same time I am anxious about whether I will be able to realize my design.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
It is not so much emotion as gratitude. I am filled with gratitude to the client who gave me the opportunity to design, and to the people involved who helped me to realize the project. I am filled with gratitude to the client who gave me the opportunity to design, and to the people involved who helped make it happen.
What makes a design successful?
I think it is to listen to the client and understand what they are looking for.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Rather than directly appealing to or imposing social or environmental issues, I believe that by combining good design with social and environmental issues in a sensible way, we can I believe it is the responsibility of designers to solve social and environmental problems without imposition.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
The Corona pandemic has increased the number of online interactions, but I think it is very important for people to communicate with each other in person. I hope that things will return to normal soon.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
Last year I participated in an exhibition related to the Corona pandemic. I am thinking about participating in the next exhibition this fall with a new theme.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
Inspiration comes from listening to the client's thoughts. By listening to the client's thoughts and feelings, I sometimes come up with ideas that I would never have thought of on my own.
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 believe that the fusion of the client's idea and my design creates a unique design. I also aim for a design that is orthodox, yet long-lasting, simple and elegant.
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 near Tokyo, Japan. My office is in Tokyo. I find that Japan has many seemingly simple but well-selected materials and simple, elegant objects that are very good examples for my designs. I do not feel that there are any drawbacks.
How do you work with companies?
I work for companies so that they can develop with my designs.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
I offer suggestions on how design can increase a company's value.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
First, we carefully listen to Kleinand's thoughts. After many meetings with the client and the craftsmen, we create the ideal design that the client is aiming for.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
1：Tolomeo Table Artemide 2：usm haller table 3：usm haller cabinet 4 : My New Flame Ingo Maurer 5 : Landi Chair Vitra.
Can you describe a day in your life?
To have a day that I wouldn't regret if my life ended today.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
I would recommend that they experience a wide range of work and play, including work they don't like, while they are young
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Positive aspects are that you can always be curious and put in youthful. The negative is that there is no end. (I really feel that the lack of endings is also a positive)
What skills are most important for a designer?
When I was in my 20s, I gained experience in construction management and estimating at the company I worked for. There, I was able to understand the entire project flow, which is a very important skill for me. In my opinion, a designer needs to know not only how to design, but also how the design process is realized.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
I always carry a notebook with me. I draw a lot of handwritten sketches of ideas, notes, etc. My camera is also a very important tool for me. I also utilize a PC. I use a variety of applications such as CAD software, Illustrator, Photoshop, 3D modeling and rendering software.
Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
Time is limited, so I try not to waste it. I always think about what to do and in what order so that I can do two or three things at the same time in one action. For example, I move efficiently when I am working on a drawing. When considering ideas, I think about them while playing or exercising. 31. I am always thinking about how to design something from the beginning to the end.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
It varies considerably from project to project, but it can take as long as several years to complete.
What was your most important job experience?
Among the many work experiences I had under Tokujin Yoshioka, I had many important experiences when I was involved in the Swarovski store design project.
Who are some of your clients?
Architectural developers, dispensary companies, hotels, hardware manufacturers, private owners, etc.
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
I like any design work as long as I can work with clients and craftsmen who share my sensibilities.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I would like to add more items to my brand sunsetclimax. I have endless ideas for tents, tables, etc.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I do all my own design work. I also meet with the factories and craftsmen.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I am designing a tent for camping for my brand, sunsetclimax. It is a very elegant design. Enjoy!
How can people contact you?
You can contact me by email at takanori@urata-design.comまで.

Designer of the Day Interview with Takanori Urata

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
Let me tell you about my background. When I was in junior high school, I first decided that I wanted to be a designer and entered a high school specializing in design. After graduating from the Kuwasawa Design School, a well-known design school in Japan, I started working for a design and construction company that dealt mainly with commercial facilities. After working there for about six years, I joined the office of Tokujin Yoshioka, a world-renowned designer. I worked at Yoshioka's office for about 10 years and participated in various domestic and international projects as a person in charge, such as for Issey Miyake, Swarovski, and Cartier. It was a very valuable experience for me. After that, I became independent and set up my own design studio. It has been about 10 years since I set up my own studio. The award-winning product, the cup brand sunsetclimax, was launched in 2014. sunsetclimax is also my own brand. sunsetclimax is also my company. We plan, design, manufacture and sell beautifully designed camping equipment in Japan.
How did you become a designer?
My father was a joiner and now works in the construction industry, and because of the influence of woodworking at home at the time, making things was one of my favorite pastimes from an early age. I also loved drawing pictures. When I was in junior high school, my older sister told me about the profession of a designer, and I decided for the first time that I wanted to be a designer, so I entered a high school specializing in design. After graduating from high school, I went on to study design at the Kuwasawa Design School, a well-known design school in Japan. What motivated me to become a designer was the fun and curiosity of seeing my ideas become reality. It is a pure feeling. Now, as a designer, I hope that the world will be cheered up a little by seeing the things and architecture I have designed. Through my designs, I am working with a sense of mission to contribute to the development of manufacturing technology in small and medium-sized Japanese companies and to improve society.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
Process 1: Hand sketches, validation with mock-up models by your own hands. Process 2: More precise verification by CAD or 3D modeling, verification of texture and lighting by rendering software. Process 3: We ask craftsmen and factories to make prototypes using actual materials, adjust manufacturing constraints, and make changes to enhance the system. Even after the product is completed and delivered to the user, we actively listen to the user's opinions and make fine adjustments.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
When I am designing, feelings of elation coexist with feelings of uncertainty as to whether I will be able to realize the project. I really like the right amount of tension. I am very happy every time when I am going through trial and error with the client, the construction company, and the craftsmen to complete the project.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
I believe it is the education I received from my parents. They were born near the end of World War II and lived through a difficult time as Japan rebuilt. We are able to live happily in Japan today only because our predecessors, including my parents, struggled hard to rebuild Japan. My parents gave me an education that was sometimes very strict, sometimes gentle, and very loving. As a result, I developed a strong mentality. They talked to me many times about what a person should be and how to live for the society and for Japan. I think it is very important for individuals to always think about what they can do for everyone, not only for designers but for people in any profession. It is important to make the world a better place by making the most of each individual's strengths, and to continue to do so.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
I run two companies, TAKANORI URATA DESIGN INC. which mainly deals with architecture and interior design, and sunsetclimax, a brand of camping equipment. As for my dreams for both companies, for example, I would like to design and operate my own campsites. The campground would have architecture that I designed myself and a beautiful landscape design. I would also like to see users of our products enjoying themselves there. I would also like to grow safe, pesticide-free rice and vegetables, and enjoy delicious, safe food. My dreams are endless.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
I recommend experiencing a wide range of work and play, including jobs you don't like, while you are young. Many experiences will shape a person. Studying by reading books is important, but it is also necessary to actually go out into the field and experience interacting with people. When I was in my 20s, I gained experience in construction management and cost estimating at the company I worked for. To be honest, it was not my favorite job because it was different from design work. However, I was able to grasp the flow of a project as a whole, which is a very important skill for me. In my opinion, a designer needs to know not only how to design, but also how the whole process of designing comes to fruition.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
I don't consider myself successful at all, and I am proud to say that I am developing every day. What I always try to do is to think from different people's point of view: designers, clients, users, etc. I think it is important to think from the point of view of many different people. Would this be helpful to you?
What is your day to day look like?
In my mind, work, play, and life are all connected to my design. I can do this because I love being involved in design with all my heart. One thing I value is to exercise moderately and eat a healthy diet. Being sound in mind and body is more important than anything else. Because design comes from me.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
To be honest, I am not interested in trends at all. I like long-life designs that are simple but loved for many years, and I aim to be a designer who can create such designs. And I want to aim to create products that are filled with the spirit of craftsmanship.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
Functionality is important to me. I am not interested in designs that are beautiful only in appearance. I consider a design that combines functional beauty to be good.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
I honestly don't think it's ever finished. Even after the product reaches the user, we listen to various interviews and are constantly making improvements. It's a lot of work, but that's the real thrill of it. Design is never ending.
What is your biggest design work?
My first design for my brand, sunsetclimax, is the Tarp. It is a tarp that is used as a shelter from the sun or rain when camping, but usually people can gather under the tarp to enjoy meals and conversation, just like in a living room at home. The tarp is made of various materials that I negotiated and purchased from textile companies and local factories, and is fully functional as a tarp (water resistance, UV shielding), environmentally friendly, and beautiful. It is a beautiful tarp. It is a product with such an appeal that when the tarp is set up in nature, the air around it changes completely, and it already has a large number of fans. We believe that we have been able to contribute to the fulfilling camping life of our users, albeit only a little. Of course, we will continue to do so in the future.
Who is your favourite designer?
My mentor, Tokujin Yoshioka, is in my opinion the coolest designer as a fan. If I had to name one designer who has passed away, it would be Ingo Maurer, who passed away in recent years. The reason is that Ingo Maurer's designs are fun and without logic, in contrast to the simple and functional beauty of design that I aim for, and have a unique worldview that no one else can imitate. I admire it very much because it is something I do not have.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
My favorite city is Tokyo. It is a very complex and unique city with many different features in one city called Tokyo. To be honest, I don't think the cityscape is very beautiful. The area around Tokyo Station has become more beautiful in recent years. I like music, I like listening to music, but I also play guitar and drums by myself. I also play guitar and drums by myself. I used to play in a group when I was a student. I love music. My office is in Tokyo. In Japan, there are many things that look rustic but are made of carefully selected materials, simple and elegant, and I feel that there are many good examples for my designs. I am currently working on several architectural and interior design projects, as well as developing new products for sunsetclimax (tents, etc.).
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I basically work alone, but my wife provides support. For the time being, I do not plan to recruit staff. If I were to hire someone, what I would want is for that person to always work in a positive manner. In reality, it can be hard and difficult, but it is important to understand what the company (and the designer, who is the president of the company) is trying to achieve and to be involved in the work.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Instead of directly addressing or pushing social and environmental issues, do you try to combine good design with social and environmental issues in a tasteful way? I believe it is the responsibility of designers to realize solutions to social and environmental problems without imposition. My power alone is very small, but it is important for each of us to work together.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
We believe that it is very important to enhance the value of our products by gaining recognition in international competitions in order to increase user satisfaction. In the past, we have entered other projects in design competitions in Japan, Germany, the U.S., and Asia, and have received several awards, but we thought it would be more valuable to receive recognition in a design competition in Italy, a country with many beautiful designs. That is why we applied for the competition. Every time I enter an international competition, excellent designs are chosen, which is a great learning experience and motivates me to do my best again. I am very honored to have been selected as Designer of the Day. I am not satisfied with the status quo and want to grow every day.

Extended Interview with Takanori Urata

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
My father was a joiner, and he worked with wood at home, so I started making things for fun at an early age. I also really liked drawing. When I was in junior high school, I first decided that I wanted to be a designer, so I went to a high school specializing in design. After high school, I went on to study design at Kuwasawa Design School, a well-known design school in Japan. After that, I worked for a large company that mainly builds commercial facilities, and then I worked for Tokujin Yoshioka, a world-renowned designer, to study design. He has now left Tokujin Yoshioka's office to run his own design firm.
How did you become a designer?
The joy of seeing something I envisioned become a reality, the communication that is created with various people before that thing is completed, and the joy that comes from knowing that the thing I designed will be used by others. I think that one of the things that I can do is to become a designer because I think that the joy of seeing something that I have designed become a reality, the communication that is created with various people before it is completed, and the new joy and communication that is created when people use what I have designed is one of the things that makes me happy. To be honest, I don't think you have to be a designer, but I became one by a series of coincidences.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
I love to design anything, but if I had to choose one, I would say designing architecture is my favorite.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
Am I a legendary designer? I am still developing. But if I were to give any advice to young designers, I would recommend that they experience a wide range of work and play, including unpleasant work, while they are young.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
We believe that a good designer is one who can respond flexibly to the client's requirements. I think a great designer is flexible enough to respond to the client's needs, but also has originality that is unique to that designer.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
Even if it looks simple at first glance, I think a long-life design that never gets old is great.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
I want many people, companies, and countries to actively invest in design. Good design makes the world more peaceful.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
My mentor, Tokujin Yoshioka's designs and his attitude towards design are very influential for me. Others include Sori Yanagi, Ingo Maurer, and architect Tadao Ando. There are many more.
What is your biggest design work?
I like the design of the window display with scarves at Hermes Ginza Tokyo, which was created by my mentor Tokujin Yoshioka. When the woman in the image on the screen blows her breath on the scarf, the scarf actually shakes as it is aerated. I was present at the completion of the display as the person in charge, and I still can't forget the emotion I felt.
Who is your favourite designer?
The design of Tokyo Station in Japan, for example, is great. It is not so much the detailing of the architecture. I think it is the fact that it creates various encounters between people in and around the architecture itself that is great.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
It is to have strong faith and perseverance to never give up on anything. I believe it is thanks to my parents' education. Parental education is very important.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
It is difficult to imagine. I play drums as a hobby, so I would be a drummer. I like cars, so I would be a builder who restores classic cars.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
My wife, who is my greatest understanding. She understands that I am immersed in design.

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