Masanori Goto

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Masanori Goto ("MG") 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?

MG : When I graduated from a two-year interior design college, I consulted with my teacher about wanting to work in a design firm. My teacher said, "It's impossible unless you attend a four-year architecture program." Unwilling to give up, I reached out to architects on social media for advice. One of them trained me to work as an interior designer. It was a great experience that made me believe that with passion, anything is possible. I'm grateful to the people who inspired me and provided new insights while working in several design firms thereafter.

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

MG : I tend to get bored easily, so I quickly lose interest in regular jobs. Design, however, offers new discoveries and excitement with each project. It's the only field that has never bored me. That's why I decided to focus on design.

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

MG : I decided to become a designer, feeling that creative work was a good fit for me.

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

MG : I engage in interior and architectural design, but I also want to design industrial products. I'm also interested in taking on projects outside of Japan.

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

MG : Don't listen to those who say it's impossible. Those who have achieved something never give up on turning their dreams into reality.

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

MG : Good designers exceed their clients' requests. Great designers go beyond their clients' requests, inspiring with innovative ideas.

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

MG : The most important thing is originality. Designs that are commonplace don't stick in people's memories.

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

MG : People have five senses: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. In spatial design, all of these are involved, and outstanding design has the power to move people. That's the true value of design

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

MG : I want to design things that improve people's lives. For example, in countries suffering from water scarcity, I'd like to design impactful wells that provide immediate access to clean water for everyone. This requires not just design but also simultaneous consideration of infrastructure.

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

MG : I have purchased a piece of land on top of a hill overlooking the sea for my future self, but I haven't designed any buildings yet. Since nothing has been designed yet, I'm excited about the endless possibilities.

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

MG : The important thing is to learn more about traditional materials and to discover new technologies and materials.

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

MG : I respect many designers. It becomes challenging for designers born later to create original works compared to their predecessors, but even in such circumstances, I want to feel inspired by great designers and strive to create original works.

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

MG : Yayoi Kusama. expresses her uniqueness through dots alone. This is remarkable.

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

MG : I believe following trends amounts to copying someone else, so I refrain from doing so. Original designs are what create trends.

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

MG : movie producer. because i like creating.

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

MG : Design is the magic that moves hearts, enriches minds, and transforms lives into something wonderful.

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

MG : When someone says "it's impossible anyway," it sparks a determination in me to achieve it. I believe it's important to believe in oneself.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

MG : Curiosity, imagination, initiative.

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

MG : Waiting for limited opportunities.

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

MG : This year is my first time participating in design awards. I think it's a great way to boost motivation by participating in awards.

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

MG : Getting many people to use the products I've designed.

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

MG : esign is a crucial element in boosting sales. Designers are expected to understand clients' needs and create maximum impact accordingly.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

MG : Design helps create a better society by improving usability, solving problems, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusivity.

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

MG : Junno's Table in Tokyo is a special project for me. This restaurant offers dishes that blend Japanese culture with multinational cuisine. To reflect this fusion in the space, I meticulously incorporated illuminated rattan, crafted one by one. The rattan, illuminated to glow, is crafted by artisans from a shop dating back to 1926 in Hiroshima. As a native of Hiroshima, I demonstrate my respect for culture and locality by using this historically significant material as a designer.

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

MG : I hope that new designers are also given opportunities.

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

MG : The relationship between designers and AI is becoming increasingly important. It's crucial to stay informed and utilize AI as a tool in our work.

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

MG : It depends on the scale. Also, it depends on emotions and motivation. Therefore, it's important for designers to maintain a relaxing environment.

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

MG : I consider what material would best represent the project. Then, I think about what form to shape it into. Sometimes, I reverse this order.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

MG : Strive for originality, not imitation.

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

MG : Designers both set trends with their innovative ideas and respond to existing trends, creating a dynamic relationship between design and cultural influences.

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

MG : Technology enables designers to innovate, visualize ideas, streamline workflows, and collaborate effectively, driving the design process forward.

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

MG : Vectorworks for Drawing, Sketchup and Twinmotion for 3D design. Photoshop and Illustrator for Graphics and Logo.

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

MG : Color, materials, and ambiance are integral to design, shaping aesthetics, functionality, and mood. They evoke emotions, convey messages, and contribute to the overall atmosphere of a space or product.

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

MG : When I see a great design, I'm curious to know about the inspiration and thought process that led the designer to create it.

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

MG : For an interior designer, every artisan is a partner; they contribute accents that enhance the interior.

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

MG : I don't research other designers because if I become too interested in them, I might unconsciously end up copying their designs. I do use Pinterest, but only to check if there are any designs similar to what I'm considering. If I find something similar, I change my design.

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

MG : Book about the stories of artisans crafting traditional crafts. Good craftsmen are essential for good materials. I design with utmost respect for them.

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

MG : Curiosity is the most important thing as Designer.

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

MG : I'm focusing on the present moment, so I'm not thinking about unrealistic things.

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

MG : I was selected as a FINALIST for the Architizer A+Award. Out of the five individuals chosen from around the world, being one of them is truly an honor. Additionally, I have been honored with the 'Most Viewed & Most Popular' award for two consecutive terms by Frame Magazine. It's not only gratifying to receive recognition from judges but also to be chosen by people worldwide.

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

MG : color: White,Black,Brown,Gold and Silver. Place: between Mountain and Ocean. Food: Shushi Season: Spring and Autumn Brand: None. Real Material is the most important thing for me.

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

MG : i found my first mentor at Social media when i was 20.

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

MG : It's important to place myself in an environment where relaxation is constant. Stress hinders the emergence of good ideas.

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

MG : Of course not. i wanted to be a Soccer Player.

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

MG : I don't know about that long future, but i know i won't exist.

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

MG : check my website and Instagram! website https://masanorigoto.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/g.masanori/