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Interview with Masanori Goto

Masanori Goto is a Japanese interior and architectural designer. He believes that incorporating the traditions and culture of a region into spaces is essential for the development of local…

Masanori Goto

Designer of the Day Interview

19 May 2024

When I graduated from a two-year interior design college, I consulted with my teacher about wanting to work in a design firm. My teacher said, "It's impossible unless you attend a four-year architecture program." Unwilling to give up, I reached out to architects on social media for advice. One of them trained me to work as an interior designer. It was a great experience that made me believe that with passion, anything is possible. I'm grateful to the people who inspired me and provided new insights while working in several design firms thereafter.

I tend to get bored easily, so I quickly lose interest in regular jobs. Design, however, offers new discoveries and excitement with each project. It's the only field that has never bored me. That's why I decided to focus on design.

I consider what material would best represent the project.
Then, I think about what form to shape it into. Sometimes, I reverse this order.

Designing evokes a range of emotions. From the thrill of the initial idea to the satisfaction of seeing the final product, each phase offers its own excitement. What I love most is shaping experiences and making a meaningful impact. Designing fulfills me and brings happiness by turning imagination into reality.

I'm not very good at drawing pictures.
In this age where 3D design has become easy for anyone to do, it has turned me into a designer.

I want to create a design that no designer has ever made before.
To do that, I need to seek out new materials and techniques.

Don't listen to those who say it's impossible.
Those who have achieved something never give up on turning their dreams into reality.

Designers who merely replicate ideas found in magazines or on Pinterest are boring. Seek originality instead

I'm brainstorming designs while listening to music with a cup of coffee in hand.
I enjoy being mentally active while also in a relaxed state.
NICE MUSIC + COFFEE = GOOD DESIGN = GOOD LIFE.

I believe following trends amounts to copying someone else, so I refrain from doing so. Original designs are what create trends.

Designing a sports car with many features for the elderly would not be appreciated. Designers should always consider "who the design is made to impress"

If I still feel good about it a week later, I'll call it "done". Right after finishing, it's often just me patting myself on the back. But if, a few days later, I take a good, hard look at the design and think, "Yeah, that's perfect," then I can confidently say it's done.

Junno's Table in Tokyo is a special project for me. This restaurant offers dishes that blend Japanese culture with multinational cuisine. To reflect this fusion in the space, I meticulously incorporated illuminated rattan, crafted one by one. The rattan, illuminated to glow, is crafted by artisans from a shop dating back to 1926 in Hiroshima. As a native of Hiroshima, I demonstrate my respect for culture and locality by using this historically significant material as a designer.

I respect many designers. It becomes challenging for designers born later to create original works compared to their predecessors, but even in such circumstances, I want to feel inspired by great designers and strive to create original works.

I am inspired by many aspects of Japanese culture. Interior designers play a crucial role in sustaining culture. I believe it's essential to devise ways to make tradition and culture appear more beautiful.

Respecting the project team members is paramount. By showing respect and appreciation to those who create materials, better materials can be produced, resulting in even more splendid interior designs.

I believe it's most important for designers to incorporate tradition and culture into their designs to ensure their longevity. I aspire to integrate the beauty of tradition and culture specific to each location as much as possible into my spatial designs.

2024年 marks the first year I challenged myself for awards. Winning will boost my confidence and help me gain clients' trust.

Interview about Junno's Table Restaurant Design Interview

Design Legend Interview

2 June 2024

When I graduated from a two-year interior design college, I consulted with my teacher about wanting to work in a design firm. My teacher said, "It's impossible unless you attend a four-year architecture program." Unwilling to give up, I reached out to architects on social media for advice. One of them trained me to work as an interior designer. It was a great experience that made me believe that with passion, anything is possible. I'm grateful to the people who inspired me and provided new insights while working in several design firms thereafter.

I tend to get bored easily, so I quickly lose interest in regular jobs. Design, however, offers new discoveries and excitement with each project. It's the only field that has never bored me. That's why I decided to focus on design.

I decided to become a designer, feeling that creative work was a good fit for me.

I engage in interior and architectural design, but I also want to design industrial products. I'm also interested in taking on projects outside of Japan.

Don't listen to those who say it's impossible.
Those who have achieved something never give up on turning their dreams into reality.

Good designers exceed their clients' requests.
Great designers go beyond their clients' requests, inspiring with innovative ideas.

The most important thing is originality. Designs that are commonplace don't stick in people's memories.

People have five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. In spatial design, all of these are involved, and outstanding design has the power to move people. That's the true value of design

I want to design things that improve people's lives. For example, in countries suffering from water scarcity, I'd like to design impactful wells that provide immediate access to clean water for everyone. This requires not just design but also simultaneous consideration of infrastructure.

I have purchased a piece of land on top of a hill overlooking the sea for my future self, but I haven't designed any buildings yet. Since nothing has been designed yet, I'm excited about the endless possibilities.

The important thing is to learn more about traditional materials and to discover new technologies and materials.

I respect many designers. It becomes challenging for designers born later to create original works compared to their predecessors, but even in such circumstances, I want to feel inspired by great designers and strive to create original works.

Yayoi Kusama. expresses her uniqueness through dots alone. This is remarkable.

I believe following trends amounts to copying someone else, so I refrain from doing so. Original designs are what create trends.

movie producer. because i like creating.

Design is the magic that moves hearts, enriches minds, and transforms lives into something wonderful.

When someone says "it's impossible anyway," it sparks a determination in me to achieve it. I believe it's important to believe in oneself.

Curiosity, imagination, initiative.

Waiting for limited opportunities.

This year is my first time participating in design awards. I think it's a great way to boost motivation by participating in awards.

Getting many people to use the products I've designed.

esign is a crucial element in boosting sales. Designers are expected to understand clients' needs and create maximum impact accordingly.

Design helps create a better society by improving usability, solving problems, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusivity.

Junno's Table in Tokyo is a special project for me. This restaurant offers dishes that blend Japanese culture with multinational cuisine. To reflect this fusion in the space, I meticulously incorporated illuminated rattan, crafted one by one. The rattan, illuminated to glow, is crafted by artisans from a shop dating back to 1926 in Hiroshima. As a native of Hiroshima, I demonstrate my respect for culture and locality by using this historically significant material as a designer.

I hope that new designers are also given opportunities.

The relationship between designers and AI is becoming increasingly important.
It's crucial to stay informed and utilize AI as a tool in our work.

It depends on the scale. Also, it depends on emotions and motivation. Therefore, it's important for designers to maintain a relaxing environment.

I consider what material would best represent the project.
Then, I think about what form to shape it into. Sometimes, I reverse this order.

Strive for originality, not imitation.

Designers both set trends with their innovative ideas and respond to existing trends, creating a dynamic relationship between design and cultural influences.

Technology enables designers to innovate, visualize ideas, streamline workflows, and collaborate effectively, driving the design process forward.

Vectorworks for Drawing, Sketchup and Twinmotion for 3D design.
Photoshop and Illustrator for Graphics and Logo.

Color, materials, and ambiance are integral to design, shaping aesthetics, functionality, and mood. They evoke emotions, convey messages, and contribute to the overall atmosphere of a space or product.

When I see a great design, I'm curious to know about the inspiration and thought process that led the designer to create it.

For an interior designer, every artisan is a partner; they contribute accents that enhance the interior.

I don't research other designers because if I become too interested in them, I might unconsciously end up copying their designs. I do use Pinterest, but only to check if there are any designs similar to what I'm considering. If I find something similar, I change my design.

Book about the stories of artisans crafting traditional crafts. Good craftsmen are essential for good materials.
I design with utmost respect for them.

Curiosity is the most important thing as Designer.

I'm focusing on the present moment, so I'm not thinking about unrealistic things.

I was selected as a FINALIST for the Architizer A+Award.
Out of the five individuals chosen from around the world, being one of them is truly an honor.

Additionally, I have been honored with the 'Most Viewed & Most Popular' award for two consecutive terms by Frame Magazine.
It's not only gratifying to receive recognition from judges but also to be chosen by people worldwide.

color: White,Black,Brown,Gold and Silver.
Place: between Mountain and Ocean.
Food: Shushi
Season: Spring and Autumn
Brand: None. Real Material is the most important thing for me.

i found my first mentor at Social media when i was 20.

It's important to place myself in an environment where relaxation is constant.
Stress hinders the emergence of good ideas.

Of course not. i wanted to be a Soccer Player.

I don't know about that long future, but i know i won't exist.

check my website and Instagram!

website
https://masanorigoto.com/

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/g.masanori/

Designer Interview

19 May 2024

I tend to get bored easily, so I quickly lose interest in regular jobs. Design, however, offers new discoveries and excitement with each project. It's the only field that has never bored me. That's why I decided to focus on design.

I dislike copying other designs. By incorporating new materials and inspirations, I always strive to create designs that are unique and different from others.

I enjoy using materials crafted with new technologies and finding unconventional uses for traditional materials that nobody had ever imagined.

I love traditional Japanese lacquerware and kimonos. By incorporating these into my designs, I aim to allow many people to experience Japanese culture and ensure that traditions are passed down. It's essential for designers to contemplate culture and tradition.

It's about observing various things, feeling them, and inputting them as my own ideas.

The evolution of design culture, I believe, progresses alongside advancements in materials and industries.

Curiosity and playfulness. Skills are okay with a little help from others.
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