This week we share a recent interview we did with contemporary designer and creator of MicroWorks, Shunsuke Umiyama.

Masao & Deanne: Who is Micro Works? Can you describe your creative team?

Shunsuke: It is just me who works for MicroWorks at this stage. Originally my friend from school and I started creating together.

I am a product designer. My design projects are diverse, I work on furniture, accessories and space. Recently I became a director for a new brand and worked on a brand called CI.

Also I set up “MicroWorks Label” which means I am a producer and I construct my own products and sell them by myself. At DESIGNTIDE TOKYO 2009 I announced my new products.

Masao & Deanne: Your designs give new life to ordinary elements, where does much of your inspiration come from?

Shunsuke: I sometimes sit at my desk and think about what I should make next, but that process never inspires me. So I often use everyday life to create new ideas. When I come up with good ideas in my daily life I will stop and think about it carefully, respond to who I am and face up to things naturally which often gives me a new perspective. This process helps to create new ideas.

Masao & Deanne: What is a day in the life of MicroWorks like?

Shunusuke: I usually wake up at 8am and sit at the computer. Then make breakfast and get to work.
At night time, I usually eat out with my friends and go to galleries. I think my daily life is the same as everyone else.

Masao & Deanne: What or who initially inspired you to start designing and creating?

Shunsuke: I used to be interested in space and furniture so I entered a design school. In my first year I came across Droog Design and got really inspired by the designs which led me to designing for abstract products and furniture.

We continue our interview with Shunsuke next Wednesday, stop in to check out his latest creations and collaborations.