Franck Giral

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Franck Giral ("FG") 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?

FG : I graduated in structural and civil engineering in France. I worked as technical engineer in French building construction industry before moving to China to do project management for warehouse construction. I moved again to Japan to start project management of construction projects in Niseko, renown international ski resort in Hokkaido. Since I passed the 2nd class architect test in Japan in 2012, I established a project management and architectural design firm 2020.

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

FG : Structurall engineering and engineering are interesting in general, but their application is often limited to a small part of a bigger project. I wanted to be able to have a more holistic response to original demands and needs from the client. And if we are being honest, the architect profession is more rewarding that the engineer one.

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

FG : A little bit of both, I guess. In my previous work, I had to try designing master plans, some building plans, etc... although that was not part of my job description. After having established my architectural firm, I looked for real architectural design opportunities.

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

FG : We design currently mostly luxurious ski rental properties. We are acquiring civil engineering skills and hope to design master plans. But what we really want to have the opportunity to design is sprawling secondary residences.

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

FG : I have yet to consider myself a good designer, so it's not an easy question. I would say a great designer has such an eye that he or she has a vision that is close to the completed design. whereas a good designer will test his or her design through several iterations and maybe options to get a good design.

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

FG : For me, a good design is something that really comes together. There are many instances in the design process when we feel, but cannot clearly identify or articulate, is not right and needs refinement. Finding and correcting these points is what make a really good design.

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

FG : I am an engineer at heart and my dream would be to do space building's design. All the new challenges linked to toxic atmosphere (or the lack thereof), the need for a self-sustaining system and all the social problems to consider appeal to me.

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

FG : A full community design, with all the right amenities.

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

FG : Since I don't come from an architecture background, my inspiration rather comes from pop culture: movies, series and comic books. They all require preparation (project management), creativity and good taste.

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

FG : I think my favorite design is the Porsche 911. Just because it's (almost) timeless. It's designed to perfection, and few people can disagree.

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

FG : Curiosity and tenacity. Curiosity makes learning new things easy; tenacity is what helps you get the great design and it's the hard part.

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

FG : For me design is about answering needs, said and unsaid.

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

FG : With both humility and pride. You should be able to show a work that you are proud of; but at the same time humbly present it.

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

FG : Our first full in-house project, Grand Tsuru Niseko, as we started with a new software from scratch and had to prepare all the construction drawings and building approval drawings in Japanese. Surprisingly enough, that went well.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

FG : Don't stop until you're proud.

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

FG : Critical. We want to be able to check ourselves our design accurately, and we want to show the clients an accurate depiction of the future building.

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

FG : We use Autodesk Revit; my engineering mindset is really made for it. Its accuracy and compatibility with rendering software are time savers. For rendering, we use Twinmotion, but we could have use another one. We plan to do master planning works soon, so we are getting used to InfraWorks and Civil 3D.

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

FG : "I wish I were this smart."

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

FG : Yes. Not all teams work, but when they do they are bigger than the sum of their parts.

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

FG : I'm not famous, so I'm fine.