Journal - East Meets West

WITH CHIKAKO KANAMOTO DESIGNER PROFILE

INFLUENCES Kyoto, where I grew up, is an urban city with the incredibly profound history and original culture. While surrounded by mountains, the river running through the city centre offers easy access to some beautiful nature scenes. Traditional and contemporary architecture co-exists harmoniously in this unique context. Discovering the beauty in the integration of the old and new, and the complementary interaction between architecture and nature strongly inspires me.

BIOGRAPHY I was born and raised in Kyoto until I moved to the UK when I was still a student. Following the completion of my Architectural Degree, I moved to Tokyo to start my career in Architecture. Three years later, I returned to the UK to obtain my Diploma in Architecture, and after graduating, I worked for several practices in London before I founded my own studio for architecture, interior and design in 2019. I am qualified as an architect both in the UK and Japan. studiochik.com

KEY PRINCIPLES Embracing the change in climate and the nature of the four seasons is embedded in Japanese traditional cultural heritage, and the Japanese sense of beauty is somehow rooted in nature. Over the years Japanese building design has developed and increasingly conveys the seasonal characteristics both functionally and aesthetically. The essence of the Japanese craft, to me, is the attention to fine details, the material character and elegance of the production, which embodies the design in rich and personal character. It is called ‘Kodawari’, which is an important design philosophy reflected in my work to date.

PROJECTS My design focus has always been to blend my interests in materiality, colour, texture, and geometry, regardless of the project type and scale. The invention of new materials, components and methods of fabrication with ever advancing technology greatly enriches simple yet inspired design solutions. In recent years, Japanese design has also been actively engaged in pioneering innovation, however in my view, there is an enduring concept of delicacy, precision and simplicity, that will continue to be tactile and represented in the future.

In our new Define & Design series we enlist the help of experienced professionals to help us create inspired flooring concepts, imagine unique room designs, and share their own insights and experiences in the interior and design industry. Ted Todd loves to work with creative people, who share our passion for quality design and sustainable solutions. If you are a designer and would like to get involved we would love to hear from you, email marketing@tedtodd.co.uk. To explore series 1, visit tedtodd.co.uk/journal

Studio Chik has recently specified a bespoke 220mm Dalby plank for a new workspace in the heart of Farringdon and a 220mm Brampton plank for a Victorian home renovation in South East London.