MASUO FUJIMURA

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer MASUO FUJIMURA ("MF") 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?

MF : Graduated from Japan Designer Academy, After that, I trained at a design office.

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

MF : I was influenced by Mid Century Modern.

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

MF : I volunteered to become a designer myself.

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

MF : I design various spaces, architecture, interiors and products.

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

MF : To like design and to enjoy life.

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

MF : Design is human feeling, not shape.

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

MF : Design is a person, and all things have meaning.

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

MF : Good design gives a rich life.

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

MF : Design furniture for yourself.

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

MF : It's a villa plan.

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

MF : that is difficult. But it is possible if all the details have meaning.

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

MF : I was influenced by "Louis Isadore Kahn".

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

MF : I like "JEAN PROUVE".

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

MF : Bansho-ji Temple Ossuary Crystal Palace,It impresses people.

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

MF : To like it.

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

MF : I do not understand.

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

MF : My design aims for harmony.

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

MF : I was studied under "Katsuhiko Togashi".

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

MF : It's effort and time.

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

MF : To lose sight of the design.

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

MF : publication

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

MF : From architecture to furniture, we have design projects.

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

MF : Making things that are loved for a long time.

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

MF : I am expected to solve the problem.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MF : Useful for others.

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

MF : I'm looking forward to a new furniture design project.

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

MF : "Rug lounger" was the best idea.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

MF : Design quality will continue to improve. Design evolves as people evolve.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

MF : The design becomes more familiar.

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

MF : It will take about 3 months to design.

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

MF : Start with a computer simulation.

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

MF : There are both.

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

MF : Technology is important, but overall balance is also important.

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

MF : Vector Works.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

MF : Emphasis on presence.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

MF : Do you want to buy my design?

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

MF : How to use it yourself.

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

MF : I think "co-design" is good.

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

MF : fashion designer.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

MF : "Louis Kahn" architectural theory.

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

MF : Anyway, draw.

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

MF : Is happy.

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

MF : I like my hometown and Japanese food. And I like spring.

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

MF : Hobby model making.

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

MF : When I was little, I wanted to be an F1 driver.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

MF : I do not understand. . . But I want people to be the same.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

MF : Fujimura Design Studio creates the best designs in harmony with our lives while delivering innovation to society.