Shin Azumi

Shin Azumi’s design philosophy focuses on a synchronisation between physical and psychological functionality, believing that functionality is the key to increasing the durability of a design. “Great design is something that changes our way of thinking as well as our way of life” says the Japanese designer.

Born in Kobe, Japan in 1965, Shin Azumi’s recalls his early childhood ambitions were to become a painter, cartoonist, or inventor, and he enjoyed art and object making in his youth. His creative endeavours led him to Kyoto City University of Arts, where he discovered the work of architects Tadao Ando and Toyo Ito, who inspired him to ‘design things that make a difference.’

After graduating and three years of working at NEC, Azumi moved to the UK to undertake a master’s in Industrial Design at the Royal College of Art in London. After finishing his studies, Azumi stayed in London for another 25 years, where he established the design partnership Azumi Studio in 1995, and then A Studio, in 2005 in which he established international clientele including Lapalma, Magis, Muji, Desalto, Guzzini and more.

Shin Azumi’s work has received numerous design awards in Europe and in Japan, including the Blueprint 100% Design Award in 2003, the Jerwood Applied Arts Prize in 2004, and most recently the Design Guild Mark awarded by the Furniture Makers’ Company in 2016. His works were acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Crafts Council, Die Neue Sammlung, and the Museum für Angewandte Kunst Frankfurt among many more. He is a visiting professor of Osaka University of Arts and a lecturer of Vitra Design Museum Workshop.