Ron Design have been shortlisted for 1 category in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022.

Name: Ryoko Ogoshi
Company:  RON DESIGN
Position within company: Director
Website: http://www.ron-design.jp/

Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc) After graduating from university, I worked as an architect at a major construction company. Taking a break from architecture to spend time with my family, I then launched Ron Design in 2014. To compliment my architecture qualification, I studied interior design at The Interior Design School in London. Since then, I have also earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from a graduate school specializing in Japanese wooden architecture. The combination of experience and skill as both architect and interior designer is unusual in Japan and makes my studio unique.

How would you describe your personal design style?
We create spaces that harmonise with the needs and desires of our clients. Our comfortable and relaxed interiors are balanced with dramatic and dynamic architectural elements. My architectural experience in space planning, detail and facility design, and project management mean that the practical and functional aspects of our designs fully support the relaxed atmosphere and harmony that our clients desire.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
I always feel the little emotions and joys of everyday life – sunlight on the ocean, shadows created by trees – I am inspired by the power and beauty of our wonderful planet Earth. The location and site of the project inspire material, texture, and colour choices, along with my appreciation of traditional Japanese wooden architecture.  The skills and knowledge of local artisans and artists add layers of redefined tradition to my work.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
With the advent of coronavirus, people around the world have become deeply aware of what is most important to them. Our homes are even more special to us with the growth in home working. We are realising again the importance of being close to family and friends, along with our respect for the planet. We need new ways of incorporating these aspects of life into our homes and working environments and explore ways of living in a local community and using local artisans, materials, and products.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2022 and beyond. 1. Coziness 2. Dramatic 3. Does the soul resonate? 4. Healing 5. Sustainable (gratitude to the earth)

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Keeping the thread of the original design concept. I am close to the client’s feelings about the concept of the interior, and as a guide, I am leading the way to completion. Once we have agreed the thread for the concept, I have to keep it going, without losing it or diluting it.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
My dream is to be a globally recognised interior designer. This award helps me realize that dream. After winning this award in 2018 my studio changed greatly with many new enquiries, projects and clients. I would be deeply grateful to win this prestigious award again in 2022.

What projects are you currently working on?
We are designing a wonderful luxury residence with a “man cave”. We also have a museum project which is on hold until the pandemic allows us to continue.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
Every client has their own personality. I think it is most important to stay close to their voices and create designs that are individual and meaningful to them. However, this residence is one of my favourite projects, because being completed during the pandemic, it made me think deeply about what I and my clients need for this new world we now live in.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
The upcoming residence with the “mancave” and the museum I mentioned earlier will be the most challenging because of the existing mixed structures we will be working in. But the process of pushing me to my own limits is wonderful.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
The most important thing when I design is to listen to the client’s desires and needs, create a concept, and create the thread of design. I think that the material and what kind of product to choose is a secondary task.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
We want to help our clients’ happiness with the power of architecture and interior design. And I would like to move the office headquarters to Tokyo and make use of my experience in architecture to make it an office specializing in interior design.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? Existence, experiences, and life are most treasured to me – not possessions. The most important thing for me is time with my beloved partner. Without his support, I couldn’t imagine being creative in these difficult times.
Your favourite holiday destination? I am happy with any vacation destination wherever I spend time with my loved ones. The people I am with are important to me, not where we are.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? Hotel Lutetia, Aman Kyoto

Your favourite book, film & song?Cinema Paradiso, The Godfather
Your favourite food and drink? Japanese amazake
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? On holiday afternoons, I take a walk for fresh air and exercise, and to be inspired by the architecture and nature that surrounds me.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? I would still want to be an interior designer – even if I am reborn.
Anything else interesting? I would like to express my sincere respect and gratitude to the staff, family, friends and partners who always support me.

Ron Design have been shortlisted for 1 category in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2022.

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