Wongsun Yoo

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Wongsun Yoo ("WY") 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?

WY : I hold the title of “Architecte Diplômé d’État” with the distinction félicitations du jury from the École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Paris Malaquais. My professional journey has taken me across Asia and Europe, working with renowned offices such as Foster + Partners, Moreau Kusunoki, and Junya Ishigami. I began designing furniture and spatial environments at the age of 15 in a small workshop in Seoul. Growing up in an international environment, I was drawn to the similarities between cultures rather than their differences. Architecture and furniture became the unifying elements for me, and entering the design field felt like a natural progression.

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

WY : For me, design is akin to archaeology—an exploration of the past, even primitive ways of life, to reimagine our everyday experiences and the objects that shape them. Design, much like cooking, involves assembling ingredients in a precise sequence to create something wholesome. Whether it’s a chair, a building, or a meal, the process is essentially the same.

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

WY : I chose to become one around 15.

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

WY : I design spaces and furniture. I want to design more architectural details like door knobs, handles, door stops.