We are excited to announce that we are moving to a new warehouse to better serve our customers. During this transition, we will be pausing order fulfilment from 17th June to 1st July.
Nendo design studio is synonymous with designer Oki Sato, born in 1977 in Toronto, Canada.
In 2002 he founded nendo design studio. nendo means ’clay’ in Japanese – or more specifically, modelling clay such as plasticine. A unique material that makes it easy to do creative modelling. As Oki Sato explains: ”the name is appropriate for a studio that needs to develop design solutions for a host of very different clients”
Oki Sato does not look at design like many iconic designers, who have focused on the mantra, ’form follows function’. He also looks at the history behind the product and its design.
A system of carefully crafted parts. Nendo's detail to convey an authentic sense of value, from the solid metal’s sturdy elegance to the experience of the light.
Artificial light should complement natural light, like wine to a delicious meal.
When did you realise you wanted to be a designer?
In 2002 I visited Milan’s Salone for the first time, and I remember being excited about the freedom and range of the designs shown in the exhibitions. Then and there I decided to create nendo. I am humbled by the journey I have experienced in my career since then, but my 12 year-old self will always be disappointed that he didn’t get the chance to be a pet store owner.
Is there a great designer, artist or musician you regard as a point of reference for your work?
The Japanese Manga series Doraemon has always inspired me in its ability to combine intuitive gadget designs with fun and friendly graphic appearance.
Do you like to put a little irony in your objects?
Definitely. I think design is supposed to have an effect on our feelings. It can be done by using nostalgia, humor, surprise and yes, even irony. They are all like spices in cooking: meant to enrich the flavor.
Nendo is known for the exciting minimalistic products of its founder and chief designer, Oki Sato. With surprising forms and clever details, Nendo overturns a user’s preconceptions about what an object should be or look like. The Sawaru floor lamp is an excellent example of the studio’s ability to reimagine the products around us. Can two cylinders rolled together make a floor lamp? Sato proves that the answer is yes—and his unexpected union of these basic geometries offers a glimpse into the thoughtful mind of this talented creator.
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