hitoshi motomura

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?

I entered art college because I learned about the field of design and wanted to be a designer.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

We are an interior design firm located in Ginza, Tokyo, Japan. My main work is interior design for restaurants and commercial facilities.

What is "design" for you?

I think it is the first priority among many things. A necessary element in choosing something.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

I especially like Mario Bellini's cab. I think the design is simple and sophisticated, and the curves that can be seen in the details and the sharp silhouette that makes use of the material of leather are wonderful.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

I think it is most enjoyable when it is completed in my imagination, just before it is realized.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

I think it is important to see if the design can retain its beauty. I think a design that breaks or gets dirty easily is not good.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

To show that sensitivity is essential to the essence of the words functional and efficient.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

I believe that we are constantly evolving. The finished products around us are becoming simpler, yet more complex in function. I don't think that pursuit will ever stop.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

Most of the inspiration comes from the words of the client, "This is what I want to do.

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?

The design emphasizes simplicity and ease of use. This design style is brushed up by solving various problems.

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 in Tokyo. Cons are that it is a city of miscellaneous, mass consumption, and scrap-and-build. Pros are that there is still a spirit of tradition and design that lives on in the new.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

I feel that companies are ordering too much and as a result, only the same things are being made. I think we can do a good job with designers by making the direction of the companies as clear as the choice of designers.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

MODE (armchair we made this time), i phone, Alfa Romeo MITO, ruler, thermal cup

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

Be humble and don't listen to design stories told by older designers.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

The good thing is that I can see things from different angles. The bad part is that I stick to what I like.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

Stand lights, light fixtures Because they are important elements that set the mood of the space.