Vogue Living meets Masamichi Katayama at the Wonderwall studio.
Katayama-san, the projects that you work on are diverse but a commonality does link them. What is your starting point with each project? The starting point for me is whether I’m interested in the project. I have to be intrigued by it. I enjoy many diverse projects but understanding the vision is the key to success. It can be a long journey. Maybe once in 100 times I will come up with an idea on the first meeting, but it’s usually a very long trip!
Has Wonderwall always focused on commercial projects? Yes, we rarely work on residential projects. I enjoy commercial spaces. The retail scene in Japan is active, so clients are always looking for new stores and they update often. So there’s a healthy industry for commercial interior design. Retail design is the usual path for an interior designer. Typically you become chief designer with a company then head out on your own.
Since Wonderwall was founded, the world has changed completely, largely through the influence of social media. How have clients’ expectations changed? The online revolution has been a good thing but my job is about creating experiences. Take Intersect by Lexus, for example. Lexus wanted a new way to communicate their brand. How we spend our time is very important and creating meaningful experiences is an important part of interior design. And everything is linked — your car, your watch, where you travel.
Tell us a little more about Intersect by Lexus. My design concept was a gentlemen’s club and needed to incorporate the concept of takumi. The selection of materials had to be interesting and prestigious, to reflect the brand. I chose materials that were modern, subtle and high quality — but with a hint of fun. People have different moods and Intersect by Lexus is like that. It has many different faces in one space.
Katayama-san, can I ask what you understand by the word takumi? It’s a difficult term to explain. It’s about taking great pride in your work. It’s about doing things for yourself, not just for your client. Steve Jobs [Apple] wanted everything to be beautiful, even if it wasn’t visible. I think he was very influenced by Japanese culture. Takumi is about quality and attitude.
Are you a ‘ Japanese designer’ — and, if so, what are the characteristics? Yes, I think I’m a Japanese designer, and at the age of 50 I feel more Japanese than ever. When I was younger I was fascinated by Western culture but now I truly value Japanese design and craftsmanship. It is beautiful and unique.
You travel extensively. What inspires and excites you at the moment? Travelling has given me different values and perspectives; it has expanded my heart and my creativity. I don’t speak English but design travels the world without language. Working in different countries allows me to communicate design without words. Design goes beyond conversation and nothing excites me more than that.