Interview With Takeshi Nagata From Japan

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Takeshi Nagata

Hailing from the land of the rising sun, Takeshi Nagata is responsible for some of the cutting-edge interior designs for the retail space!

Interview with the 2022 MUSE Design Awards Winner - Takeshi Nagata

1Please give us a brief bio of yourself and your design background.

I am Takeshi Nagata, interior designer. I have established an interior design office in Japan, and this year will be my 19th year.

2What made you become/why did you choose to become a designer/artist?

I love drawing pictures since I was a little child. When I was in high school, I became addicted to DIY projects for my room and thought, "I want to be an interior designer".

3Tell us more about your business/company, job profile, and what you do.

It is store design. I do interior design for restaurants, retail stores, beauty salons, clinics, etc.

4What does “design” mean to you?

What enriches people.

5What’s your favorite kind of design and why?

It is simple and gives a sense of intent.

6To you, what makes a “good” design?

Something that calms people's minds.

7Describe your design style and its main characteristics.

I propose a design that will thrive in the area while considering the atmosphere of the place.

8Tell us about your design process.

Before I start planning, I ask myself, "What do I want to do overall?" and always fully develop the image in my mind.

9Do you think your country and its cultural heritage has an impact on your design process?

I think I am influenced by it. Of course, I grew up in Japanese culture (kimonos, old wooden buildings, etc.).

10Congratulations! As the winner of the 2022 MUSE Design Awards, what does it mean to you and your company and team to receive this award distinction?

I am honored to receive the MUSE Design Award. I will continue to make every effort in the future.

11Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2022 MUSE Design Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?

For "ANNIVERSARY WORLD," we discussed with the structural designer to make the columns of the monument as thin as possible.

12What was the biggest challenge with this project?

For "KOBE YUKIZAKI," we struggled with the stainless steel exterior. It took a long time to choose the right material because of the salt damage in the area. We also had to repeat many prototypes to adjust the sandblasting process.

13How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?

Winning the award made our clients and stakeholders very happy.

14What are your top three (3) favorite things about our industry?
  1. When construction is completed
  2. When the store you designed is thriving
  3. When the people involved in a project are happy.

15What makes your country specifically, unique in the design industry?

Minimalist design, which is unique to Japan.

16Where do you see the evolution of design industry going over the next 5-10 years?

With 3D printers, we will see an increase in organic forms.

17If you were a student entering this industry or an aspiring MUSE Design Awards submitter, what advice would you give them?

Continuity is power.

18What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to improve their skills in the design industry?

Visit actual spaces. Travel, experience and feel different things.

19Tell us something you have never told anyone else.

You might not think so to look at me, but I can cook, too.

20Who has inspired you in your life and why?

Alvar Aalto. I was very impressed when I visited his studio in Finland.

21What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?

To work with an inquisitive mind.

22Do you have anything else you would like to add to the interview?

Thank you very much for your interest. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@11-9.jp. You may also visit the Eleven Nine Interior Design Office website at http://11-9.jp.



Winning Entries

ANNIVERSARY WORLD | 2022

ANNIVERSARY WORLD | Takeshi Nagata

- Water Lilies - It is the underwater world under the leaves of Claude Monet's painting "Water Lilies," which expresses the fantastic world of water lilies blooming on the shining surface of the water. The brand's color, purple, reminds us of water lilies, and the image was expanded. The wall fixtures and plants have geological formations…
(read more at MUSE Design Awards)

KOBE YUKIZAKI | 2022

KOBE YUKIZAKI | Takeshi Nagata

- Gift - The metallic appearance makes the sunlight shine dully. At twilight, the stainless steel looks more massive, reflecting the streetlights in a glaring wet color. As the night becomes deeper, the existence becomes darker. The Kobe store of “Gem Castle Yukizaki”, which has been in business for over 40 years. The Former Foreign…
(read more at MUSE Design Awards)


Takeshi Nagata

Hailing from the land of the rising sun, Takeshi Nagata is responsible for some of the cutting-edge interior designs for the retail space!


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