About

After graduating from Yokohama National University (Department of Architecture and Building Science) in 1996, Keiji started his career as an architect and sharpened his craft at cabinet and lighting makers' design collective called super robot. In 2005 he founded his eponymous practice, Keiji Ashizawa Design. In 2011 to support local communities' recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, he founded a public DIY workshop, Ishinomaki Laboratory. In 2014 Ishinomaki Laboratory was incorporated as a furniture brand. Keiji's activities span a wide range of fields, including collaborations with international furniture brands. Keiji's guiding philosophy of "Honest Design" for architecture, renovation, lighting, and furniture design projects has led to the development of works recognized worldwide.

Born in Tokyo, in 1980. From 2001 moved to Finland, studied Furniture design at Lahti Polytechnic (2001–2004 BA), and University of Art and Design Helsinki (Aalto University) for Postgraduate studies (2005–2008 MA).
Since 2008, back to Japan, and he has been a designer at Jasper Morrison Tokyo Studio. Beside of that, established own design studio "kumano" in 2011, and works for interior, furniture, product design and project management, internationally.

Architecture, space and product design.
Graduated from Institute of Technologists and Kuwasawa design school.
Nature, parks, farms and other everyday surroundings are great inspirations to Katene to come up with new ideas. The core concept behind his designs are something that creates new value and relationship, and serene spaces that make us want to stay forever.

After studying product design at Kuwasawa Design School, founded MUTE in 2008 and has been president of KID (Kenji Ito Design) since 2024. Designer and Creative Director. As a designer, he has worked in a wide range of fields, including daily necessities, handicrafts, furniture, fixtures, and spaces composed of these products. In addition, as a creative director, he derives a better way of branding, with product development at the core of his work.

Proof of guild started in 2002 as tailer-made jewelry and flower shop. As well as ingenious jewelries, Takeuchi now participates in various project working with other craftsmen from different industries.
Just like the etymology of the word “GUILD” represents in itself, the authentic creations by groups of artists and craftsmen have been inherited through generations as antiques. It is what makes Takeuchi respect the past, and want to create things also by his own hands as a proof of guild in modern society.

Born in Fukui, Japan in 1975
Graduated from Kuwasawa Design School in 2001
Established SHIGEICHIRO STUDIO in 2008
Takeuchi offers creative direction and brand strategy in various fields including furniture, products, spaces and graphics.
He pursues designs that would never become obsolete and that bring out the authentic beauty and functionality of the materials and techniques. He has gained acclaim for his creativity to satisfy the wants and needs of his clients and users.