Studio Atelier11

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Studio Atelier11 ("SA") 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?

SA : I graduated from a 5-year architecture university in Korea and obtained a Master's degree in Architecture from Yonsei University. After acquiring my architect certification, I have been operating the Atelier11 architectural office for over 15 years. I was born and raised on Jeju Island in Korea. The stones, land, wind, and mountains of Jeju have been the nourishment for my architecture.

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

SA : The reason I decided to become a designer is that I wanted to create spaces that harmonize with the beauty of nature. Through architecture, my goal is to provide people with comfort and beauty, making the spaces they live in not just buildings, but integral parts of their lives. I wanted to act as a bridge connecting people with nature, and that is the motivation behind my design work. Additionally, I see design as a process of solving problems. Finding the optimal solutions while considering people's needs and environmental constraints is incredibly interesting and challenging. The sense of achievement and fulfillment I gain from this process keeps me continually dedicated to design.

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

SA : I chose by myself to become a designer

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

SA : I am engaged in architectural design and work on projects across various fields. Recently, I have been primarily designing unique single-family homes and cafes for Airbnb.

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

SA : I believe it is no exaggeration to say that continuous learning, reading, and field trips have shaped who I am today. I think only those who maintain a learning attitude can create good designs.

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

SA : A good designer understands the fundamental design principles and techniques well and creates practical and beautiful designs that meet user needs. They clearly understand the project's goals and present designs that effectively achieve those goals. In contrast, a great designer creates value beyond that. They uncover hidden user needs, propose innovative solutions, and bring positive changes to people's lives through design. Great designers do not just follow trends; they create new trends and push the boundaries of design. They possess creativity and vision, elevating design to a perfect harmony of art and function.

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

SA : As an architect, I believe that for a building design to be truly excellent, it must satisfy three fundamental elements: structure, function, and aesthetics. Based on this foundation, the emphasis on specific aspects may vary depending on the designer. A really good design will be one where the architect's profound thoughts are reflected on the basis of these three elements.

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

SA : I believe that good design is created when it fulfills both aesthetic and functional requirements. Such design inherently enhances our quality of life. Aesthetically pleasing design provides visual enjoyment and emotional satisfaction. Beautiful spaces and products positively impact our daily lives and promote psychological well-being, contributing to overall life satisfaction. Functionally excellent design meets user needs and offers convenience and efficiency in the use of products or spaces. It reduces everyday inconveniences and increases comfort and productivity for the user. Overall, good design creates value for us, which is why everyone should invest in it.

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

SA : I am thinking of designing a small memorial space for my late father. I want to create a space that reflects the loneliness he felt as an outsider settling in Jeju, and paradoxically, the sense of place that Jeju became his true home. This memorial will also encompass my memories of him.

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

SA : The dream project I haven't yet had time to realize is designing a small memorial space for my late father. I want to create a space that reflects the loneliness he felt as an outsider settling in Jeju, and paradoxically, the sense of place that Jeju became his true home. This memorial will also encompass my memories of him.

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

SA : Louis kahn. The Architect

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

SA : Louis Kahn's sense of order. A space where silence and light overlap within it.

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

SA : My greatest design is Studio Atelier11, which won the A'Design Award. The land where Studio Atelier11 now stands was a very small, seemingly worthless triangular lot. Through my architectural skills, I was able to construct the building, breathing life into the site.

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

SA : I think I would have become a traveler.

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

SA : Opening new perspectives for people while being highly functional and useful—this is my definition of design.

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

SA : My family.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

SA : also my family.

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

SA : While working in architectural design, I faced a variety of issues. Realistically, there were also significant emotional burdens stemming from relationships with people.

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

SA : Currently, I am designing a small stay on a compact 7-pyeong plot of land. This project tests my capabilities by creating something both compact and aesthetically beautiful.

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

SA : The Architecture of Eternity.

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

SA : As a designer, the most important thing is reliability.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

SA : Architecture design is a powerful element of design that can influence people's behavior and even change their way of thinking. Therefore, good architectural design is needed to create a better society.

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

SA : Currently, I am working on designing a compact and aesthetically beautiful small stay on a 7-pyeong plot of land. This project is a great opportunity to test my capabilities, focusing on maximizing space efficiency and aesthetic value. The process of finding creative solutions within a limited space is extremely exciting.

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

SA : The Massive Social Changes Brought by AI Design

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

SA : Coexistence with AI Designers

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

SA : It depends on the scale of the building, but typically, the small to medium-sized projects we handle take about six months to complete.

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

SA : First, I visit the site where the building will be constructed to see and feel the location. First, I visit the site where the building will be constructed to see and feel the context.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SA : to create architectural designs with depth.

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

SA : I believe that more important than whether design sets the trends or trends set the designs is the need for timeless, immortal design that remains relevant despite changing times.

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

SA : Technology plays a crucial role in ensuring structural safety when designing.

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

SA : Hand Drawing.

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

SA : Three elements greatly influence the atmosphere of a space.

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

SA : The question "why". The question "why" with anything

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

SA : I first ask the question "why." Why is this design special? Why is it effective? Through these questions, I try to understand the core idea and philosophy behind the design.

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

SA : The architects and thinkers of previous generations in books

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

SA : Also The architects and thinkers of previous generations in books

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

SA : Louis I. Kahn: silence and light

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

SA : book, travel, thiking, always asking why and how

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

SA : Louis I kahn.

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

SA : They provide me with a greater sense of accomplishment and motivate me to strive harder.

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

SA : Dark Blue, november with rain.

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

SA : When a great design emerges from unintended parts.

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

SA : Always, keeping reading books

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

SA : Looking back, my parents' presence has shaped who I am today.

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

SA : AGI, ASi, A shift in paradigm.

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

SA : As a designer, always ask "why?" and keep reading consistently.