Kenichiro Oomori

Specialized in Kitchenware Design.

Kenichiro Oomori

About Kenichiro Oomori

KENICHIRO OOMORI MOVING DESIGN is a design studio that mainly provides product design and design consulting. The concept is to consider the movement of the human body and move the mind. We call it "MOVING DESIGN". Based on this philosophy, we provide design services for clients such as traditional crafts, furniture, and daily necessities. We conduct client work and self-produced work based on careful consideration of human physical and mental movements. We define the act of designing these movements as "MOVING DESIGN". We are exploring new standards that are minimal and timeless, and aim to provide tools that act on the foundations of human beings. My design method focuses on physical movement and sensation as well as convenience in the pursuit of product form. As a result, I believe that the products I design give a sense of humanity without being inorganic. In the midst of the increasing number of simple and inorganic shapes, I believe that my products are a little different.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Kitchenware Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs
  • Kitchenware
Sinafu Stand Compote Dish

Sinafu Stand Compote Dish

Kitchenware Design

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Interview with Kenichiro Oomori

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?
When I thought about going to college, I chose to go to an art college because I was better at drawing and crafting than studying. At that time, I didn't even know that there was a job as a designer. I remember that I chose the design department because I felt that I could not become an artist such as a painter or a sculptor.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
We conducts client work and self-produced work based on careful consideration of human physical and mental movements. We define the act of designing these movements as "MOVING DESIGN". We are exploring new standards that are minimal and timeless, and aim to provide tools that act on the foundations of human beings.
What is "design" for you?
It is a tool for me to connect with society and people, and a way to help someone.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Although there are some fields that I am good at, I don't have likes or dislikes depending on the type of work.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
I feel like there are designs that I liked more than those that weren't accepted in competitions or companies. It may be that these are not very good designs with personal opinions.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
My first design for a company are wood bowl series of Sinafu for GATO MIKIO.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
I feel that individuality is born when people are multiplied by materials, platforms and techniques. I enjoy facing them.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
After feeling relieved, I think that there might have been a better design.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
I care about whether there are any unnecessary elements. It's different from being simple.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
My designs are often exhibited at client exhibitions, but I haven't had a personal exhibition for a long time. I want to go to Milan and Stockholm.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
I take pictures of plants that interest me and collect books on nature. I also pay attention to how athletes and craftsmen use their bodies.
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?
In Japan, there are shrines and temples in each region as well as cultural heritage. When I visit various regions of the country, I visit them regardless of whether they are famous or not. This is because I think there are hints about what is unique to Japan and what is unique to a region.
How do you work with companies?
I try to have as much communication as possible with my clients, not just about the project. We believe that knowing what the client wants latently, which cannot be expressed in words, will lead to the success and continuation of the project.
What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?
We should discover and demonstrate the capabilities of companies. I think there are many excellent designers, but I think that they have compatibility with the company, and that element is an important factor for the success of the project.
What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?
Ant chair by Arne Jacobsen , MAYDAY by Konstantin Grcic, Kartio glass(ittala) by Kaj Frank. I have only a few design products.
Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
It's important to take someone as a reference, but I don't think it will go well if you just imitate someone. I feel like it's important to find a way to make the most of yourself.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
My family might be offended by my habit of always looking for design cues.
What is your "golden rule" in design?
I don't have a "golden rule". It might make things easier, but it might make the design boring.
Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
The application is I mainly use Fusion360, illustrater, photoshop, etc. For prototyping, we use woodworking and metalworking machines, laser processing machines, 3D cutting machines, and 3D printers. I also sometimes get inspiration from illustrated plants and insect encyclopedias.
How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
Depending on the project it may take 3 months to 1 year or even 2 years.
What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
What can I do to become independent as a designer? I am often asked by students.
What was your most important job experience?
My first project was designing the Sinafu series of wooden bowls. I received the Design Plus award for thinking about the relationship between the vessel and the hand that cannot be understood just by looking at it. This gave me a little more confidence.
Who are some of your clients?
Gato Mikio、HIROTA glass、Roji associates, Kosaka Shikki,etc
What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
Unfortunately, there were some things that didn't make it into the market, but all the design work I've been involved with so far has been stimulating and fun.
What are your future plans? What is next for you?
I would be happy if I could design furniture for consumers. In particular, I have always wanted to design wooden chairs.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
I don't have a lot of experience working in a team, but I do support designers I'm close with.
Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?
I am currently involved in a project to launch an outdoor garage brand. My job is brand direction and product design. We are planning to start with product development from a new perspective, focusing on cooking at camp. The first lineup will be unveiled at an exhibition in Tokyo next February.

Extended Interview with Kenichiro Oomori

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
The Department of Design, College of Art, Nihon University, which I graduated from, uses the Bauhaus educational philosophy and methods, and I believe this is one of the bases of my design.
How did you become a designer?
My motivation is the moment when I can realize that there are people who are happy with the design that creates new things and forms that are fun for me.
What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?
I decided to become a designer while studying design at university.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
We designed traditional crafts, furniture, etc. I want to design chairs and lighting for the European market.
What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?
I'm not a legend, so I don't know how to become a legendary designer, but I think the key to becoming a good designer is to have deep curiosity about various things.
What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?
The great designers I think of are those who imagined designs that became symbols of society in each era.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
I believe that universal design that is not influenced by trends or social background is really good design.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
It is questionable whether everyone should invest in good design as a current concept in the future. I feel that the value of design will become more personal and emotional. It may be worth investing in such an intention.
What is your day to day look like?
It would take not only time but also financial resources, but I would like to spend years prototyping my best chair.
How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?
My dream is to provide designs for Scandinavian furniture brands such as FRITZ HANSEN, CARL HANSEN & SON.PP Mobler.
How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?
I don't have any special recipes or ingredients. I only have my eyes and hands.
How do you decide if your design is ready?
I respect Sori Yanagi and Shiro Kuramata. I especially feel sympathy for Sori Yanagi. There are many other designers I admire, including Hans J. Wagner, Jasper Morrison, and Patricia Urquiola.
What is your biggest design work?
MAYDAY-designed by Konstantin Grcic for FLOS.I remember that the designer recreated the design of this lamp from an industrial lamp that was often seen at construction sites and used as a hanging or hanging lamp. MEYDAY shows that this naturally born function is also effective in everyday spaces, and I myself have fallen in love with this design as I have actually used it.
Who is your favourite designer?
One of my designs is a plastic wall clock called the Crater Clock. A wall clock with a crater motif that allows you to feel the passage of time with its changing shadows. The prototype for the mold is produced using a wood lathe, giving it a distinctive craft-like delicate line.
Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?
Everyone knows who I am to myself, but it can be difficult to understand who I am to others.I believe that by listening to and understanding the advice of people with as much knowledge and experience as possible, you will be able to learn things that you would not realize on your own.
Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?
I think I was aiming for a sports-related job as a trainer or conditioner.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
My life. I can't imagine doing anything else now. And I don't even feel like I'm working.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
My clients, my university, my seniors, my friends, and my family.

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