DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
MG : I prioritize the quality of materials over their color and shape. I avoid using fake materials like faux wood grain or faux leather because they can diminish the authenticity of real materials. It's akin to how a small amount of mold can spoil an entire batch of food. Genuine materials have the power to enhance a space and create a wonderful atmosphere, allowing people to feel the warmth of real wood, for example. I believe that the role of a designer is to combine these elements to improve a space and evoke emotions in those who visit it.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
MG : It was crucial to translate the client's concept into spatial design effectively. Infusing meaning into the design was pivotal for creating a compelling spatial experience.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
MG : My future plans include participating in several international awards. Recently, I was honored as a finalist for the Architizer A+ Award, a prestigious recognition among five global finalists. Additionally, I have received the 'Most Viewed & Most Popular' Award from Frame Magazine for two consecutive terms, celebrating both critical acclaim and global audience appreciation.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
MG : It took approximately 1week for layout planning and 2-3 weeks for the detailed design phase.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
MG : The concept of the restaurant is 'offering fusion cuisine from various countries and Japanese culture.'
Rattan is meticulously crafted one strand at a time, and I immediately realized that rattan would be suitable for expressing the words 'connection, interaction, and finesse.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
MG : This design is exclusively for my clients.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
MG : Upon confirming the restaurant's concept, I conceived an original spatial design that included custom-made rattan partitions, sofas, and other elements.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
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.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
MG : The main target audience for this restaurant is couples
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
MG : Design is the magic that moves hearts, enriches minds, and transforms lives into something wonderful. Copying design lacks that power.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
MG : It's client's Restaurant Name
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
MG : VectorWorks for Drawings, Sketchup and Twinmotion for 3D Design, Photoshop for Presentation.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
MG : By illuminating the rattan from within, it not only makes the space beautifully shine but also symbolizes the concept of "fusion." This is the most unique aspect of this design.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
MG : The rattan used in my design was crafted by artisans from a traditional shop in Hiroshima that has been operating since 1926. Being from Hiroshima myself, I wanted more people to know about their amazing skills and traditions. I believe that sharing such knowledge is one of the roles of interior designers and architects.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
MG : In this project, I focused on tradition, so I did not utilize technology.
However, we I also interested in the fusion of tradition and technology
because It's Polar opposites and intriguing.
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
MG : After researching the traditions related to rattan, I was convinced that their rattan was the finest, so I used it in this project.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
MG : A designer is not only required to create beautiful designs. It is also crucial to develop a layout that accommodates as many seats as possible within a limited space to ensure good revenue for the client. It was important to consider both of these aspects simultaneously.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
MG : I participated in the Award because I Designed beautifully illuminate rattan and created a design unlike any other.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
MG : Interior designers need to think not just about designing a space, but also about how different layouts and functionalities can contribute to the client's benefit. I always gain new insights from my clients.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
MG : Question:
Have there been any major changes since participating in the awards?
Answer:
I've only been on Instagram for six months, but my account has grown to 270,000 followers. I'm amazed to be followed by various celebrities and brands, such as Mark Leckey, a contemporary British artist known for his solo exhibition at Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo and collaboration with Supreme, as well as renowned furniture brands.