Ryuichi Sasaki

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Ryuichi Sasaki ("RS") 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?

RS : I grew up in a family where both my parents were architects. My father, in particular, studied under Mies van der Rohe and Miron Goldsmith at IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology). As for my own education, I studied under Ronald Krueck and John Ronan at IIT. Later, I completed my master's degree at Columbia University's GSAPP (Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation), where I studied under Hani Rashid and Lise-Anne Couture.

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

RS : To be honest, it's the family business.

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

RS : I was never encouraged by my family to pursue a career in architecture. My father often mentioned that managing an architectural design firm was not easy. However, when I was 15, we took a family trip to USA, during which we visited Crown Hall at IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology). While there, I saw the spatial studies projects of fourth-year university students, and that's when I realized I wanted to study architecture.

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

RS : More Music and Cultural Hall, Museum, and Residential Projects.

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

RS : I'm not a legend yet, but young designers will continue to question whether design is their true calling.

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

RS : While there are many aspects to consider, a typical designer creates designs according to the client's requirements. A great designer, on the other hand, is one who can think beyond the current era and consider things from a timeless perspective.

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

RS : It's not just about looking cool, but rather a design that encompasses all elements comprehensively.

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

RS : Economics.

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

RS : Museum to represent my view of the world design.

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

RS : Secret is secret?

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

RS : Mies van der Rohe, Ronald Krueck, John Ronan, Hani Rashid, Lise-Anne Couture

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

RS : The common thread is that they all translate the will of the era into space.

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

RS : The common thread is that they all translate the will of the era into space.

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

RS : Always be humble.

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

RS : Stock Dealer.

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

RS : To have functionality.

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

RS : Ronald Krueck, John Ronan, Hani Rashid, Lise-Anne Couture, Hideyo Noguchi.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

RS : Always be humble.

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

RS : Always be humble.

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

RS : It depends on the designers.

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

RS : More Music and Cultural Hall, Museum, and Residential Projects. And please give us international projects.

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

RS : Always approach the kernel.

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

RS : Always approach the kernel.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

RS : Something becoming a catalyst or trigger for something else

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

RS : Something becoming a catalyst or trigger for something else

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

RS : Frame Iga Complex, Ideareve Ikegami.　These projects demonstrate examples of a new concept in multi-purpose architecture.

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

RS : AI will undoubtedly transform spaces.

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

RS : AI will undoubtedly transform spaces.

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

RS : It depends on the projects.

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

RS : First, we consider a segment configuration that meets the most basic functions.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

RS : Good Health.

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

RS : 2D and 3D Cad.

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

RS : It occupies a very significant element, but that's not everything.

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

RS : Please ask us for more details.

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

RS : We have a lot of co-design in the past.

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

RS : more Artists rather than Architects.

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

RS : At school, Ronald Krueck, John Ronan, Hani Rashid, Lise-Anne Coture. At work, Hideyo Noguchi.

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

RS : Mies van der Rohe.

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

RS : I think it is not easy to become famous, which I have not reached yet.

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

RS : Spring is my favorite.

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

RS : It's a shame that we don't often come across interesting things soon.

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

RS : I am still not a great designer yet, so I hope it will come someday like that.

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

RS : Not at all. I was not even thinking of becoming an architect.

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

RS : I'm looking forward to seeing what remains from our current era 1000 years from now.

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

RS : Thank you for this wonderful award. Please take a look at the work for this award again. Thank you.