Some designers build beautiful things. Others build experiences. The Japanese designer Kohei Takegawa builds both—and then goes even further, imagining how people live, move, and gather within his designs. As he repurposes urban spaces, designs thoughtful public architecture, or transforms discarded materials into objects of value, Takegawa approaches every project with the same core intention: to add meaning to everyday life.
Takegawa’s work reflects a layered understanding of place. He sees architectural, interior, and product design not as spectacle but as service—poetic, practical, and rooted in the needs and dreams of communities. Today, we sat down with Takegawa to learn more about his creative journey, the ideas behind his practice, and the messages he hopes to leave behind.
Adana Vincent: Let’s start at the beginning—where were you born, and what kind of place shaped your early years?
Kohei Takegawa: I was born in Fukuoka in 1992. It’s in the Kyushu region of Japan, and I was lucky to grow up in a place that had both urban energy and rich natural surroundings. Later, I studied in Kobe for both university and graduate school, then began my design career in Tokyo.
AV: Can you remember the moment you knew design was your path?
KT: As a kid, I was always building things—LEGO blocks were my obsession. But the real turning point came when I started studying architecture. I realized how design could shape not just buildings but entire urban experiences. That realization grew deeper when I studied under architect Shuhei Endo, whose work and values really inspired me. It made me want to use design to serve society and local communities.
AV: What made design feel like the right creative home for you?
KT: It’s the way design can touch people’s everyday lives. Beyond functionality, it adds value, joy, and sometimes surprise. I wanted to work in a field where the things I make could feel meaningful—not just beautiful but emotionally resonant.
AV: You work across several disciplines—what led you to express your creativity through architecture and product design?
KT: I love being hands-on. Whether it’s a room or a chair, I find deep satisfaction in physically crafting things that people interact with. Both architecture and furniture are present in our daily lives, which makes designing them feel incredibly personal.
AV: How would you describe the kinds of things you design?
KT: My work spans multiple scales—from public spaces and architectural environments to small objects and furniture. I’m often drawn to reimagining overlooked spaces or materials and thinking about how people might relate to them in new ways.
AV: Where do you find your inspiration? What keeps your ideas flowing?
KT: Walking through the city is a big one. I observe how people move, gather, and use space—that always sparks ideas. I also read a lot, especially in areas like anthropology and sociology. Those disciplines help me reflect on the deeper “why” behind what I’m making.
AV: Can you walk us through your creative process?
KT: I usually start by imagining the overall atmosphere or ideal form. Then, I try to weave in storytelling—social context, history, even small local details. From there, I move into making physical models, which helps refine the ideas and give them structure.
AV: Is there a message or feeling you try to embed in all your projects?
KT: I hope the spaces and objects I create offer moments of discovery or even gentle surprise. They’re meant to be interactive experiences. Often, I aim to give new life to overlooked materials or places—whether that’s an underused public space or reclaimed wood from an old theater.
AV: What direction do you hope your career will take in the future?
KT: I want to keep evolving with each project, deepening my impact and contributing to how cities and communities grow. Ideally, my work helps elevate the places where it lives.
AV: What would you say has been a milestone moment in your career so far?
KT: There was a project where I collaborated closely with a local community—listening to their concerns and dreams and then translating that into a public space that responded to their actual needs. That kind of feedback loop—designing with people—is very powerful to me.
AV: Where can our readers experience your work in the real world?
KT: You can find some of my recent work in Tokyo, Kobe, and Osaka. A few projects I’m especially proud of include Forest Living ISUMI—it’s a hotel and camping site in Chiba where everything, from the deck to the firewood, was made using trees harvested right there on-site. Then there’s KOSUGI Core Park in Kawasaki, where we redesigned a café and public square to make the area more walkable and inviting.
I also launched a project called THROWBACK, which is all about giving new life to industrial and theatrical waste through upcycled furniture. In Kobe, I worked on Street Table Sannomiya—a kind of open, experimental space right by the train station that explores how public areas can be more sustainable and community-driven.
AV: What decisions or habits helped you grow your career in design?
KT: Saying yes to unexpected experiences. I volunteered in disaster recovery, worked on old house renovations, even got involved in performance art. These moments expanded my network and my way of thinking.
AV: What’s been one of the tougher aspects of your career?
KT: Balancing multiple perspectives. When designing public spaces, you have to listen to both citizens and local governments—and find a way to align their hopes. Communicating ideas clearly and compassionately is an ongoing practice.
AV: Finally, what would you tell someone just starting out in your field?
KT: Visualize your ideal future—really picture it—and then take the first step, even if it’s small. Be curious, meet people outside your comfort zone, and stay open. Design is not just about objects; it’s about connection.
Interview by Adana Vincent
