Murakami Design have been Shortlisted for Beach House Award & Luxury Residence – Americas Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards. Read more about Principal, Ray Murakami, below:

Name: Ray Murakami
Company: Murakami Design
Position within company: Principal
Website: www.murakamidesign.com

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
I’ve always had a passion for photography, architecture, visual and the performing arts since high school. I also took the architectural drafting course which I loved. I graduated from Ryerson University with a degree in Applied Arts and was fortunate to work as lead designer for one of Toronto’s most sought after residential design/build firms. My exposure to hands on construction during that time was an invaluable experience and I established my own design practice in 1989. It’s been over 30 years I and remain passionate and excited about every commission.

How would you describe your personal design style?
My hope is that most people view our work as timeless yet progressive. My heritage is Japanese so it might be fair to say that I aspire to the less is more concept, simple, clean, orderly with attention to detail and efficient use of space.  You won’t see too many of our designs utilizing angles unless absolutely purposeful!                                

Where does your design inspiration come from?
I draw a lot of inspiration from travel and nature. It’s mostly about being aware of your surroundings, whether you’re in a big city, the countryside… there’s always something that piques my interest wherever I am or whatever I’m doing.  I think its fair to say there’s an elevated global awareness towards all design aesthetics and the platforms from which we share and inspire ideas.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
We live in a world of increasing, almost hypnotic digital stimulation, not to mention the pressures of daily communications, obligations and decision making so I feel that artists, engineers, architects and designers have a responsibility to create healthier living environments that are comforting and orderly. Creating a greater connection to nature and light with less clutter, simplicity, and open views. For instance, if you look at the more influential designer media accounts there’s a reason they seem to post images with natural materials, clean white walls and ceilings with simple contrasting accents.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design.
Sustainability, permanence, simplicity, suitability, and timelessness.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Start with a core piece as inspiration, like a favorite painting, sculpture or color and build around that, remembering that all elements of design like balance, texture, form, line are going to be used to enhance the space. The best designers seem to know how to seamlessly thread these elements together throughout a space as well and connecting them.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
For us it’s an extremely effective platform from which we can continue to showcase our work and share our vision for a diverse range of projects. When we first started, we worked primarily in a few key Toronto neighbourhoods and from there expanded to the countryside, lakeside residences, island cottages, ranches and town homes in New York City. Eventually, we were awarded design commissions for residences overseas in places like Turkey, Bermuda and the Bahamas. It’s been an exciting progression creating homes in such diverse environments and cultures.

What projects are you currently working on?
No question the pandemic has inspired people to make improvements to home living or renovating their recreational properties.  I was honoured to be selected as the lead designer for my island based community centre. We are in the midst of completing designs for a lakeside barn residence, oceanside residences in Bermuda, Bahamas and now Saint Lucia. It’s going to be an exciting year and hopefully one that includes travel.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
I think every project we take on has its creative challenges which I find enjoyable but I prefer projects that have spectacular natural settings especially with clients who share our vision and enthusiasm!

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
Without question our most challenging project would be a custom residential design for a young couple with a handicapped child but it was also the most rewarding and gratifying. Every element of the design was carefully considered from both a practical and aesthetic sense. It required hours of research and design development. The elimination of steps from outdoors to indoors, the width of door and every hall, every built-in was designed for comfort and proportion. It was a very emotional and challenging process but completely rewarding to see how happy this family was in their new home.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Having access to and working with a professional renderer is an extremely important tool for us as we develop our ideas and review them in three dimensions. It allows us to visualize many elements of the design that we normally couldn’t see in two dimensions. We also draw tremendous inspiration from other media platforms like Pinterest, Instagram etc and have recently been utilizing drone photography of building sites to consider views significant topographic and natural elements.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
I think for everyone, it’s to navigate ourselves effectively through this continuing pandemic as we coordinate how we develop our designs in house and on site. We’re always pushing ourselves to keep thinking progressively with creative passion but also practically, while not losing sight of our client’s needs. We have several projects both here and abroad that we’re excited to develop while continuing to expand our brand.   

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?
Probably my watch, it’s an old but reliable Tag Heuer that I’ve had for over 20 years, it’s been around the world with me and it happens to be one of the rare things I’ve never misplaced.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Our Island cottage in Georgian Bay has been a wonderful place to spend time with family and friends. My second choice would be Harbour Island in the Bahamas where there’s nothing and everything to do except read, relax, and enjoy the people and local fare.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
We recently stayed at the Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal – full marks for service, food, wine, architecture, interior design and culture.  
Blue Hill at Stone Barns is an incredible farm to table dining experience that can’t be missed if you love food!

Your favourite book, film & song?
Film: The Original Planet of the Apes, 1968
Book: Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer,
Song: American Pie by Don McLean

Your favourite food and drink?
I could have Japanese food every day.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
A summer kayak with my wife Ann along a rocky Georgian Bay shoreline.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
I’ve always admired the work have a great documentary filmmaker. Aside from uncovering some incredible untold story it takes a great deal of talent to tell it while pulling all the right elements (visual, sound, editing etc.) together to make it compelling and thought provoking.

Anything else interesting? People and learning are never boring.

Murakami Design have been shortlisted in The International Design and Architecture Awards.

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