Ryumei Fujiki and Yukiko Sato

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ryumei Fujiki and Yukiko Sato ("RFAYS") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

RFAYS : My great teacher is Hiroshi Hara who is one of most famous architect in Japan.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

RFAYS : I like a design of architecture, especially the design of experimental architecture.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

RFAYS : I chose to become a designer by myself.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

RFAYS : I am interested in nature, especially the system of nature. So I want to design that an architecture will close to nature.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

RFAYS : Only need to like designing

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

RFAYS : Whether he/she has his/her own values

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

RFAYS : Whether it has original value

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

RFAYS : Because your heart will be happy.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

RFAYS : House for myself

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

RFAYS : to design an architecture like aurora

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

RFAYS : I do not mind others' evaluation.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

RFAYS : Hiroshi Hara who is a Japanese architect and my great teacher

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

RFAYS : I like Chanel Mobile Art Museum designed by Zaha Hadid because it has fluid form and seamless.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

RFAYS : I think Artificial Topography. Because it is soft, fluid and seamless although Zaha's fluid form is hard.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

RFAYS : I studied the geometry of nature.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

RFAYS : Astrophysicist

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

RFAYS : Design is synonymous with art for me.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

RFAYS : Yukio Sato who is my partner

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

RFAYS : Because I was lucky.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

RFAYS : There is a few projects.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

RFAYS : I think that it is better to let people around the world know widely.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

RFAYS : A entirely new design

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

RFAYS : There is not ultimate goal.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

RFAYS : Excitement

DL: How does design help create a better society?

RFAYS : To change people's fixed concept

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

RFAYS : Yes, because I am constantly trying new challenges.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

RFAYS : There are no satisfied projects.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

RFAYS : 1 - 3 years

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

RFAYS : I start with the idea.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

RFAYS : Always trying new things

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

RFAYS : I think the designer should anticipate the trend.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

RFAYS : Technology is necessary for me to realize new ideas.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

RFAYS : I use Rhinoceros as 3D modeling software and 3D printer as equipment to make the model.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

RFAYS : My best design partner is Yukiko Sato. I can believe in co-design when I collaborate with her.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

RFAYS : John Cage

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

RFAYS : By myself

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

RFAYS : Zaha Hadid

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

RFAYS : I am very proud. It is hard for me to be famous.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

RFAYS : I like sky-blue color, South Island, beef, spring and no-brand.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

RFAYS : Always excited

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

RFAYS : Complete denial