KEIJI ASHIZAWA

A champion of minimalistic elegance, the CEO of Keiji Ashizawa Design and Ishinomaki Laboratory discusses sustainability and ‘honest design’.

- Amos Chin

ONE CAN SAY that Keiji Ashizawa has architecture and design in his blood. He remembers growing up surrounded by architectural books and models, thanks to his father, who was in the architecture business. “I felt a deep connection to the field from an early age,” he says.

That said, Ashizawa’s eye and philosophy towards what constitutes good design is entirely his own. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and constant endeavours to strike a harmonious balance between the use of materials and space, Ashizawa’s projects range from tranquil residential spaces to sleek commercial environments that project understated, yet profound luxury. With Keiji Ashizawa Design, the studio he established in 2005, Ashizawa champions a philosophy of ‘honest design’—one that aims to foster a connection between the structure and its user.

Away from his design firm, Ashizawa also founded Ishinomaki Laboratory in the aftermath of the Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which evolved into an international brand promoting ‘made in local’ projects. In 2016, he established Design Koishikawa to foster global collaborations. Among Ashizawa’s recent notable projects are Trunk Hotel near Yoyogi Park in Tokyo and The Odin Hills Clubhouse in Niseko, scheduled to open in winter 2024.

Tell us about your ‘honest design’ manifesto.