Tetsuya Matsumoto

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Tetsuya Matsumoto ("TM") 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?

TM : My grandfather was painter and he taught me how to draw. I think my design foundations are greatly due to my childhood experiences. After Highschool I attended Osaka Graduate school of Design where I graduated in 2001. Immediately after I joined Matsuya Art works, where I am the Head Architect Designer Today.

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

TM : Art has always been around in my family for generation, I grew up in a creative environment, I just followed the tradition but in my own field: Interior Design and Architecture.

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

TM : I have chosen that.

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

TM : Most of my work is either interior design or architecture for commercial spaces, but not limited to that. any other type of spaces or any other design work is welcomed.

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

TM : Work hard, exercise a lot, and never stop learning.

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

TM : I wish I knew that.

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

TM : The design that fits the clients request, is perfectly functional and aesthetically outstanding and original.

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

TM : In the field of commercial design, Investing in a good design means more business benefits for the client. the better the design is, the more it sells.

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

TM : Any kind of design is welcomes, the most important is not the design it self.

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

TM : Probably a museum.

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

TM : I wish I knew that.

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

TM : I don't have an idol.

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

TM : sometimes I check magazines and other projects online mostly to see the technical details.

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

TM : I think that I am in constant evolution, the design that I can find great today will be surpassed by the next one.

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

TM : Just work hard and get more experience.

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

TM : How can I know that? maybe a musician, maybe something else?

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

TM : I can't define design, that would horribly limit it.

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

TM : People I work with in every project in every step.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

TM : I guess hard work and being very demanding.

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

TM : I cant recall special obstacle, there are plenty of them, but those transforms into experiences now.

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

TM : In the most elegant way. Presentation is almost as important as the design it self.

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

TM : We are working on several projects now, it's better to keep them uncovered until they see the light.

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

TM : Getting better and better.

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

TM : To respond to their request by an excellent design, functionally, aesthetically and economically.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

TM : Greater civilizations have always excelled in the smallest details and the finest touches. Better design goes together with better quality of life.

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

TM : We are working on one of the biggest projects we ever had. looking forward to get it in shape.

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

TM : I am satisfied by most of our projects as part of my curriculum. every project is a step to the next one.

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

TM : I would like to see more outstanding designs being produced.

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

TM : Most likely into a confusion of IT and Design it self.

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

TM : It depends on the project.

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

TM : I always start by producing functional floor plans. After that I jump into what would make the design outstanding.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

TM : Better design is better life.

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

TM : both of them can be accurate. personally I don't follow trends.

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

TM : I use 3D modeling on the computer to check my designs, then to produce the blueprints.

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

TM : I Use Vectorworks for both Blueprints and 3D computer graphics. Together with Photoshop and Illustrator for graphic arrangements.

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

TM : careful selection of these can balance the design from extremely bad to extremely good. the have central role.

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

TM : any question is welcome.

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

TM : I want to learn the technical way of producing them.

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

TM : I usually work with my team. the more experience, creative and demanding the team is, the better the design can get.

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

TM : My team in my office.

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

TM : there is no outstanding book that I can highlight here.

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

TM : by working on several projects.

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

TM : I prefer keeping things real.

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

TM : I think it is exciting to see how far can your work reach. we have been successful in many cases and not in others. but it is getting better.

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

TM : I cant properly answer this question.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

TM : I can't recall a worth telling anecdote.

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

TM : I love design and I love to get things done.

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

TM : I don't think so

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

TM : I prefer thinking about the present.

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

TM : My designs speaks better than anything I would ever say