Interview with Teruo Miyahara

I established my firm Miyahara Architect Office in 1999 with the motto of designing better spaces. It is a small company, but this means I can make sure enough time is spent on each design and my essence is reflected in each project.

Pure design work is a process that involves identifying what is truly needed, and placing the necessary quantities in the necessary places. Architecture, whether it be a small house for a single family, is the accumulation of this fundamental work process, outweighing all elements of purpose, scale, method of construction, or structure. This is the very essence of design for me.

I do not have a preference. I like all kinds of works.

All of my designs are my most favorite design.

A skyscraper near Osaka station.

I feel creative when I see something beautiful or taste something delicious, in other words, when something appeals to my five senses.

I focus on balance. I try to make sure that all of the elements in my design achieve an equilibrium that feels right to me.

I feel the desire for something better and this needs to be satisfied by finishing the design.

When I reach the end of a project, I feel sadness. Because then the design is no longer only mine and also belongs to others. For me, it is a farewell of sorts.

I believe that architectural design has the power to solve all societal issues surrounding our daily lives. Thus, I believe designers have the responsibility to create and achieve these designs.

I believe it will continue to evolve from the present into the future, as it has done from the past to the present.

My last exhibition was in 2004 in a gallery in Gunma Prefecture. I hope to hold my next exhibition in 2024.

I draw inspiration from the shapes of natural things, including plants, fish, people, insects, and mushrooms. My particular favorite is myxomycetes. This is probably why I like going outside and taking walks in the woods regularly.

I live in Tokyo. I suppose I have been influenced by the traditional wooden structures of Japan, where the beauty of the structural frame (beams, etc.) is the basis of design. My designs may have been influenced by what is internationally described as minimalism.

I offer my services by request and work directly with my client as an equal partner.

I believe a professional designer should not only be able to address the client’s requests, but also be capable of drawing out hidden desires the client may not be aware of and presenting those ideas.

In the morning, I spend time sketching with paper and pencil, and in the afternoon, I work with my colleagues at my studio. I also give lectures teaching students at a university on a regular basis.

I would suggest going out into the world to see things you have not seen before.

I believe the wonderful aspect of being a designer is to be able to create something out of nothing.

I always lay out some ground rules for the design in the initial stages of a project, and make a point of breaking one of those rules, or allowing an exception, at the end.

High communication skills.

Paper, pencils, and paper models.

I work on my designs until I am truly satisfied.

This would depend on the client or project.

Some people have asked me whether or not prior experience matters, to which I always reply that everything starts from zero.

My first project after establishing my firm could be described as such. It became a great learning opportunity, allowing me to be aware of everything I needed to know.

Private individuals, companies, etc.

I enjoy all design work.

I develop my designs myself or work as a team depending on the project.

I am currently working on publishing a book in Japan on the subject of interior design and how it does not depend solely on decoration.

By email. Please do not hesitate to contact me.

I hope more young people aspire to become architectural designers.