Since I was a little boy, I had a strong passion for drawing. My math notebooks were filled with small drawings rather than math problems, which often resulted in reprimands from my teachers. While I dreamed of attending an art school, I hesitated due to my parents' disapproval. As a result, I chose to pursue Interior Architecture, a field that was perceived to incorporate artistic elements and required drawing skills.
Afterwards, I secured a position at a design firm and remained there for approximately three years. While I didn't have a grandiose ambition, my primary desire was to engage in design work that aligned with my personal creative freedom, rather than being subject to constant interference. Consequently, I joined forces with a like-minded friend and established a company called "INTOEX." It has been 18 years since our inception, and we have been actively involved in the business ever since.
In our fast-paced era, time seems to pass by swiftly, and countless designs and spaces emerge and vanish rapidly. However, only a select few spaces manage to endure and fulfill their intended purpose, becoming noteworthy subjects of conversation. It is my sincere aspiration that the spaces created by my company have the ability to persist for an extended period. In pursuit of this goal, we, as members of INTOEX, are consistently dedicated to crafting spaces that are different yet inherently not wrong in their essence.
I hold the belief that design originates from embracing differences. In my perspective, a design truly becomes innovative and captivating when it constantly evolves and offers fresh perspectives. At the core of our design philosophy lies the human element. Recognizing that it is humans who not only give shape to designs but also interact with them, we strive to embody this concept and empathize with the experiences of each user. Ideally, the resulting form should transcend existence and become a phenomenon that actively involves people in the design process.
To ensure the long-lasting effectiveness of a design, it is vital for a space to be fundamentally accurate and devoid of errors. In essence, anyone can create a shape, but as a designer, it is imperative to imbue the space with the precise function that aligns with its intended purpose. If the functionality is not appropriately conveyed, it hinders the true essence of the space.
Design embodies a human presence. Yes, design is a person. As spaces are utilized by people and become settings where dreams are built and cherished memories are formed, they hold the capacity to foster a relationship with individuals. Much like a person, a space can possess unique characteristics, individuality, and even reflect the personality and mindset of its users. When discussing unchanging standards for these aspects, it ultimately boils down to people.
Every project holds value and leaves an indelible mark. In regard to the level of design completion, the more recent a project is, the greater its degree of completeness tends to be. As I pursue perfection, I recognize that there is always an opportunity for growth and enhancement when I evaluate my previous undertakings.
To avoid self-embarrassment, I prioritize my current project and look forward to future endeavors. We constantly aspire to be a group capable of embracing change, allowing our projects to encompass diversity. Consequently, I find myself not entirely satisfied with any particular space. Ultimately, it is the relationships formed that bring contentment. When we encounter exceptional clients through our spaces, it is the bond that endures, as their trust in us and collaborative efforts lead to fruitful outcomes.
When considering finishing materials, I am fond of those that evoke inspiration through their raw and natural textures. Consequently, I actively seek out new materials instead of conventional sources. Furthermore, I do not have a specific preference for any particular brand when it comes to lighting or furniture. Instead, I prefer to design and incorporate custom elements into a space rather than relying on branded products.
I am not the type of individual who approaches things with utmost seriousness in isolation. I find that, when I engage in heartfelt discussions with my team members regarding diverse designs and associated narratives, unexpectedly brilliant ideas and processes come to life. It is within the organic flow of conversation and deliberation that creativity seems to flourish, sparking innovative concepts.
I believe that the essential key lies in trust and diversity. We are fortunate to have clients who entrust us with ongoing projects, and through our consistent reliability and diverse approaches to innovation, we derive the energy and motivation to persevere with each undertaking. This symbiotic relationship of trust and exploration fuels our drive to deliver excellence in every project we undertake.
I constantly draw inspiration from the elements I encounter in my daily life and through my experiences. Therefore, I consider it crucial for a designer to be exposed to a diverse range of experiences. It is through this wealth of experiences that I am led to discover new ideas and conceptual frameworks. Additionally, I find great inspiration in creations by others, be it a form, shape, or even a social phenomenon, as long as I approach them from a design perspective. In essence, everything I achieve as a designer stems from the culmination of my experiences.
I reside in South Korea. It is evident that K-Pop and the Hallyu (Korean Wave) phenomenon have played a significant role in promoting and popularizing Korean culture worldwide. However, when it comes to architecture and spaces, the global awareness and recognition of Korean designs are relatively limited.
South Korea takes pride in its rich heritage, spanning 5000 years, which has contributed to a distinct architectural style and a unique understanding of space. These characteristics set Korean architecture apart from that of neighboring countries. In my projects, I naturally incorporate the understanding and elements of space that Korea possesses. This includes a focus on the seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces, as well as an appreciation for the aesthetic of unplanned visibility based on “emptied intentions” rather than a design solely focused on outward appearance.
As a designer, embarking on the journey of creating something new can be both exhilarating and mysterious. However, the challenge lies in the ability to promptly ascertain whether the time and effort invested in producing such outcomes are truly worthwhile and yield the expected benefits. It often requires significant time and patience to await recognition and acknowledgement of the results.
I strongly believe that communication skills are paramount for designers. This proficiency enables designers to effectively articulate their ideas and concepts to themselves, as well as to persuasively convey their envisioned images to teammates and clients. The success of convincing others and effectively presenting the final product relies on the power of ideas expressed through language as the medium of communication.
As designers, we find ourselves in a perpetual battle against time. While the constraints of absolute time are fixed, we can maximize our efficiency by merging multiple ideas. I believe the essence of the design process lies in the steps of not only consolidating the ideas of numerous individuals and a limited timeframe into a unified concept through collaboration but also progressing through several stages of consultation to create a refined end result. By connecting the power of collective thinking and iterative feedback, we can effectively expand the impact and potential of the given time frame.