Tokyo, Japan

(b. 1973) lives and works in Tokyo, Japan. After graduating from Yokohama University School of Architecture in 1995, Ashizawa spent the first ten years of his career working as both an architect and steel fabricator. The unique skills and experience gained throughout these early years, including a valued understanding of metals, continue to influence his approach to design.Keiji Ashizawa presents work of ‘honest’ design – simple yet refined, thoughtful and of a light manner – derived naturally through the process of attempting to maximise the potential of each material and its function. He excels in applying these ideas to projects of various scale, from furniture and lighting design to architecture and exhibition design.His furniture and lighting have been exhibited internationally since 2001.In 2011, Ashizawa was awarded a ‘Special Award’ by the Japan Institute of Design for his principal participation in the inception of Ishinomaki Laboratory – a DIY furniture workshop established in Ishinomaki city, Japan, after it was devastated by the tsunami triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Tokyo, Japan

Founded in 2004 by Koichi Suzuno and Shinya Kamuro, TORAFU ARCHITECTS employs a working approach based on architectural thinking. Works by the duo include a diverse range of products, from architectural design to interior design, exhibition space design, product design, spatial installations and film making. Amongst some of their mains works are ‘TEMPLATE IN CLASKA’, ‘NIKE 1LOVE’, ‘HOUSE IN KOHOKU’, ‘airvase’ , ‘Gulliver Table’ and ‘BigT’. ‘Light Loom (Canon Milano Salone 2011)’ was awarded the Grand Prize of the Elita Design Award. In 2015, airvase is selected for permanent collection of Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Published in 2011were the ‘airvase book’ and ‘TORAFU ARCHITECTS 2004-2011 Idea + Process’ (by BIJUTSU SHUPPAN-SHA CO., LTD.) , in 2012, a picture book titled ‘TORAFU’s Small City Planning’ (by Heibonsha Limited) and in 2016, ‘TORAFU ARCHITECTS Inside Out’ (by TOTO Publishing).

Tokyo, Japan

DRILL DESIGN started in 2001 by Yusuke Hayashi and Yoko Yasunishi in Tokyo, Japan. The studio is providing individualized solutions and concepts to clients and society with flexible creations between product and graphic design.

The studio has developed several brands for its clients and launched them to the world. With partners in Japan, who have original techniques while using high quality materials, Drill Design has a valuable network of knowledgable professionals. The studio also offers designs for companies like MUJI, CANON, Mercedes, Camper, etc.

Hong Kong

Co-founded by Emily Ho and Wilson Lee, Studio Adjective is a creative multidisciplinary design agency based in Hong Kong. Studio Adjective’s design strategy focuses on enhancing the connections between humans, communities, and cities. Recent projects include Galleon FashionWalk, Tencent Doctorswork, and NOC Coffee Co.

London, United Kingdom

Born in Hiroshima, Japan in 1966,Tomoko Azumi trained as an architect at Kyoto City University of Arts (1985-89 BA Environmental Design ) before working for an architectural practice in Tokyo.She later studied Furniture Design at the Royal College of Art (1993-95 MA RCA). Following a ten year partnership as AZUMI, Tomoko Azumi opened t.n.a. Design Studio in 2005.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Norm Architects was founded in 2008. The studio works in the fields of industrial design, residential architecture, commercial interiors, photography and art direction. Much like human well-being, the essence of Norm Architects’ work is found in balance—between richness and restraint, between order and complexity. Their expertise lies in finding the balance—when there’s nothing more to either add or take away.