Yui Kitahara

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Yui Kitahara ("YK") 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?

YK : Born in Japan, I graduated from the Design Department at Tatsuno Kita High School before specializing in furniture design at Kobe Design University. After graduation, I received an award at the Asahikawa International Furniture Design Competition, followed by a Silver Award at the A' Design Award and Competition.

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

YK : I've loved drawing since I was little. I also have a talent for sculpting and always wanted to pursue a creative career.

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

YK : When I was ten years old, I had the opportunity to see furniture by Shiro Kuramata. I was deeply moved by his free-thinking approach, his use of materials, and his unconventional forms, and it sparked my dream of becoming a furniture designer.

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

YK : We consciously pursue functional yet aesthetically pleasing designs. Born in Japan, we aim to create designs that introduce many people to the Japanese aesthetic of harmony.

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

YK : I'm 24, so I'm a young designer too. I want to know what I should do as well.

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

YK : An excellent designer is a professional with high execution capabilities in design. A great designer possesses all the abilities of an excellent designer, plus a broader perspective and deeper insight. In short, a great designer is a “strategist” and ‘thinker’ who can conceive not only “how to make it,” but also “why to make it” and “what to consider.”

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

YK : While “excellent design” fulfills requirements like functionality and aesthetics, “truly excellent design” goes further by considering profound impacts on people's minds, behaviors, and business outcomes. Design evaluation should never rely on a single metric. It must be assessed holistically from three distinct perspectives: the user, the business, and the technology.

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

YK : I design while thinking of people I care about—family, lovers, friends. Next, I'm considering designs using metal and plastic.

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

YK : I would like to exhibit at Milan Design Week Satellite.

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

YK : Shiro Kuramata, Sori Yanagi, the Bouroullec brothers, Kōdai Iwamoto, Daniel Rybakken, Big-Game, Gabriel Tan, TAF Studio... too many to count.

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

YK : It's a curse. I envy talented designers, yet I find myself unconsciously sketching new designs. It hurts when my work isn't appreciated, but designing is also my way of relieving stress.

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

YK : I want to commercialize my work and make my presence known to many people. We are aiming to win the Designer of the Year award.

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

YK : Innovative technologies like AI and 3D printers have proliferated. While poorly made products increase, the value of functional and beautiful authentic design seems to stand out more.

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

YK : Depending on the scale, it takes about two months. If there's flexibility, it can take up to a year depending on the project.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

YK : God is in the details.

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

YK : This is Naoto Fukasawa's book titled “Ordinary.”

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

YK : My favorite colors are white or black. My favorite place is Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan. I really hope you'll come to Kyoto. My favorite food is soy sauce ramen. My favorite season is summer. My favorite brand is Nils Holger Moormann. I absolutely love Nils Holger Moormann furniture because it's functional and beautiful.

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

YK : Using products by great designers. A good day starts with using fine cutlery and chairs.

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

YK : This is my Instagram account. If you have time, please check it out. https://www.instagram.com/yui__kitahara/