Interview with Ryoko Ogoshi
Ryoko Ogoshi is a Japan-based architect and interior designer, known for her refined sensibility and strong command of color.
Designer Interview
27 June 2026
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a ballerina. Although I eventually realised that my future lay in a different field, ballet gave me a deep appreciation for balance, proportion, movement and beauty. Looking back, I believe these qualities still influence the way I design spaces today.
I went on to study architecture with a focus on residential design at university, and later earned a Master of Arts. During my studies, I became increasingly fascinated by the power of architecture and interior design to shape people's emotions and everyday experiences. I realised that a well-designed space is not simply functional; it has the ability to create memories, inspire people and enrich their lives.
Since then, I have dedicated my career to creating spaces that are both timeless and emotionally meaningful. My design philosophy is rooted in the belief that architecture and interiors should connect people, culture and memory while responding thoughtfully to the way we live today.
I went on to study architecture with a focus on residential design at university, and later earned a Master of Arts. During my studies, I became increasingly fascinated by the power of architecture and interior design to shape people's emotions and everyday experiences. I realised that a well-designed space is not simply functional; it has the ability to create memories, inspire people and enrich their lives.
Since then, I have dedicated my career to creating spaces that are both timeless and emotionally meaningful. My design philosophy is rooted in the belief that architecture and interiors should connect people, culture and memory while responding thoughtfully to the way we live today.
RON DESIGN is a Tokyo-based architecture and interior design studio dedicated to creating timeless, emotionally engaging spaces. We work across residential, hospitality and cultural projects, approaching each commission as a unique story rather than following a fixed style.
Our design process begins with listening carefully to our clients and understanding the memories, values and lifestyles that shape their lives. We believe every project should reflect its context, its people and its purpose.
Whether designing a private residence or a public space, our aim is to create environments that enrich everyday life, connect people and leave a lasting impression through thoughtful design, craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Our design process begins with listening carefully to our clients and understanding the memories, values and lifestyles that shape their lives. We believe every project should reflect its context, its people and its purpose.
Whether designing a private residence or a public space, our aim is to create environments that enrich everyday life, connect people and leave a lasting impression through thoughtful design, craftsmanship and attention to detail.
To me, designing is life, and it is my greatest joy. Every project is an opportunity to learn, grow and create something meaningful.
No matter how much AI advances, I believe the human capacity for design will never be surpassed. True design is born from lived experience, emotion, intuition and empathy. These qualities allow us to create spaces that resonate deeply with people and become part of their lives.
That is why I will always believe in the power of human creativity.
No matter how much AI advances, I believe the human capacity for design will never be surpassed. True design is born from lived experience, emotion, intuition and empathy. These qualities allow us to create spaces that resonate deeply with people and become part of their lives.
That is why I will always believe in the power of human creativity.
I enjoy designing spaces that evoke emotion and leave a lasting impression. I am always striving to create spaces with a sense of sensuality and quiet elegance—places that make people pause for a moment and say, “Wow.”
To me, the most memorable spaces are those that surprise, inspire and stay in people's minds long after they have left. That is the kind of design I aspire to create.
To me, the most memorable spaces are those that surprise, inspire and stay in people's minds long after they have left. That is the kind of design I aspire to create.
It is difficult for me to choose a single favourite project. I feel the same way a parent would about their children—you simply cannot rank them. Every project is precious to me because each one has its own story, challenges and memories.
I devote myself wholeheartedly to every design, regardless of its scale or type. Each project teaches me something new and becomes part of my own journey as a designer. Rather than having one favourite, I treasure every space I have created.
I devote myself wholeheartedly to every design, regardless of its scale or type. Each project teaches me something new and becomes part of my own journey as a designer. Rather than having one favourite, I treasure every space I have created.
Weekend House in Tanoura
My favourite materials are Japanese traditional crafts and traditional techniques. They embody centuries of wisdom, craftsmanship and cultural identity, and I believe they are something Japan can truly be proud of.
Whenever possible, I enjoy incorporating these traditions into contemporary spaces, allowing them to evolve while preserving their authenticity. I believe they have the power to communicate the beauty of Japanese culture to the world.
Whenever possible, I enjoy incorporating these traditions into contemporary spaces, allowing them to evolve while preserving their authenticity. I believe they have the power to communicate the beauty of Japanese culture to the world.
I feel most creative early in the morning, when the world is still quiet. Before emails, phone calls, social media and daily distractions begin, my mind is at its clearest. Those peaceful hours allow me to think deeply, develop ideas and focus entirely on the design process. They are the most valuable and creative moments of my day.
When I design, I often imagine each space as if it were a scene from a film or a stage production. I visualise a single frame that captures the atmosphere, emotion and story I want people to experience.
I share this vision with my photographer and explain the mood I want to express, so that the photographs convey not only the space itself but also the narrative behind it. Sometimes I even play music during the shoot to create the right atmosphere. I believe architecture and interior design should engage all the senses and evoke emotions, just like a memorable scene in a great film.
I share this vision with my photographer and explain the mood I want to express, so that the photographs convey not only the space itself but also the narrative behind it. Sometimes I even play music during the shoot to create the right atmosphere. I believe architecture and interior design should engage all the senses and evoke emotions, just like a memorable scene in a great film.
When I design, I feel a constant sense of excitement. Designing brings me joy, and every new project is an opportunity to create something meaningful and unique.
In one word, it is joy.
The greatest joy for me is seeing people respond to a space exactly as I intended.
In one of my previous projects, there was a room called Man Cave. After the project was completed, my client shared a comment with me: "When I'm here, I lose track of time and feel as if I've become someone else."
When the atmosphere and emotions I intended to create become part of a person's actual experience, I truly realise the power of design. That is the greatest joy I feel when my designs become reality.
The greatest joy for me is seeing people respond to a space exactly as I intended.
In one of my previous projects, there was a room called Man Cave. After the project was completed, my client shared a comment with me: "When I'm here, I lose track of time and feel as if I've become someone else."
When the atmosphere and emotions I intended to create become part of a person's actual experience, I truly realise the power of design. That is the greatest joy I feel when my designs become reality.
I believe a design is successful when it moves people emotionally and becomes part of their lives.
Awards and recognition are wonderful, but the true measure of success is when people continue to love and enjoy a space long after it is completed. If a design can change the way people feel, influence their behaviour or create lasting memories, then I believe it has truly succeeded.
Awards and recognition are wonderful, but the true measure of success is when people continue to love and enjoy a space long after it is completed. If a design can change the way people feel, influence their behaviour or create lasting memories, then I believe it has truly succeeded.
The first thing I consider is not whether a design is beautiful, but whether it has a sense of sensuality.
I believe designers have a responsibility to create spaces that are not only beautiful, but also meaningful and sustainable.
Our role is to respect the environment, preserve cultural heritage and design spaces that will continue to be valued for generations. Rather than following short-lived trends, I believe we should create timeless designs that people will cherish for many years.
As designers, we also have a responsibility to pass on traditional craftsmanship and local culture to future generations, while embracing innovation in a thoughtful and responsible way.
Our role is to respect the environment, preserve cultural heritage and design spaces that will continue to be valued for generations. Rather than following short-lived trends, I believe we should create timeless designs that people will cherish for many years.
As designers, we also have a responsibility to pass on traditional craftsmanship and local culture to future generations, while embracing innovation in a thoughtful and responsible way.
I believe the design field will continue to evolve through new technologies such as AI and digital innovation. These tools will make the design process faster and more efficient, and they will open up new creative possibilities.
However, I do not believe technology can replace human creativity. Design is born from life experiences, emotions, culture and empathy. These are uniquely human qualities that cannot be replicated.
I hope the future of design will be a balance between innovation and tradition. By embracing new technologies while preserving craftsmanship and cultural heritage, designers can create spaces that are not only intelligent, but also meaningful and deeply human.
However, I do not believe technology can replace human creativity. Design is born from life experiences, emotions, culture and empathy. These are uniquely human qualities that cannot be replicated.
I hope the future of design will be a balance between innovation and tradition. By embracing new technologies while preserving craftsmanship and cultural heritage, designers can create spaces that are not only intelligent, but also meaningful and deeply human.
I have not yet held a solo exhibition of my work.
I hope to do so in the future because I would like to share not only the finished spaces, but also the ideas, stories and design process behind each project. I believe an exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to communicate the deeper meaning of design beyond photographs.
I hope to do so in the future because I would like to share not only the finished spaces, but also the ideas, stories and design process behind each project. I believe an exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to communicate the deeper meaning of design beyond photographs.
My inspiration comes from many different sources, especially travelling, spending time in nature, art, films, theatre and everyday life.
I aim to create spaces that feel like a scene from a film—spaces with a story, a quiet sense of sensuality and the power to captivate people.
My approach is grounded in the design methods I learned at a design school in London. I develop each project step by step, carefully listening to my clients and shaping every detail with patience and intention.
My approach is grounded in the design methods I learned at a design school in London. I develop each project step by step, carefully listening to my clients and shaping every detail with patience and intention.
I live in Japan. Japanese culture, traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail are an important part of my design approach.
In the future, I would like to work on more international projects where I can express the beauty of Japanese culture and craftsmanship through contemporary design.
In the future, I would like to work on more international projects where I can express the beauty of Japanese culture and craftsmanship through contemporary design.
As the founder of a small design studio, I work independently.
Through Business-to-Business (B2B) projects, I often collaborate with companies. Working with larger organisations allows me to experience the strengths of teamwork and different professional perspectives.
Through Business-to-Business (B2B) projects, I often collaborate with companies. Working with larger organisations allows me to experience the strengths of teamwork and different professional perspectives.
I hope to be chosen by companies and clients who share my design philosophy and values. If possible, I would also like to work with them as the principal designer, creating projects together from the very beginning with a shared vision.
I begin by listening carefully to my client's story, lifestyle and aspirations. I then develop the concept and refine it step by step through sketches, drawings and discussions.
I follow the design process I learned at a design school in London. It has become the foundation of the way I approach every project.
I follow the design process I learned at a design school in London. It has become the foundation of the way I approach every project.
1.Hand-painted Yuzen sliding doors by a Japanese traditional craftsman
2.Traditional Japanese hikite (sliding door pulls)
3.Artworks I have collected during my travels
4.An antique vase inherited from my grandparents
5.An EcoSmart Fire fireplace
2.Traditional Japanese hikite (sliding door pulls)
3.Artworks I have collected during my travels
4.An antique vase inherited from my grandparents
5.An EcoSmart Fire fireplace
I wake up early every morning. The quiet morning hours, when no one disturbs me, are the most creative time of my day. I use this time to think about ideas and develop my designs.
During the day, I have meetings with clients, visit project sites and work on drawings.
During the day, I have meetings with clients, visit project sites and work on drawings.
Don't place limits on yourself by thinking, "This is all I can be." Always keep dreaming and keep moving forward.
I am no longer young myself, but I still feel that I am on my journey. As long as you continue to dream, there is always another step to take.
I am no longer young myself, but I still feel that I am on my journey. As long as you continue to dream, there is always another step to take.
The greatest reward of being a designer is the joy of creating spaces that move people emotionally.
The most challenging part is that good design takes time, patience and persistence. However, I believe every challenge helps me grow as a designer.
The most challenging part is that good design takes time, patience and persistence. However, I believe every challenge helps me grow as a designer.
My golden rule is to create spaces that tell a story and leave a lasting impression.
I always strive to design spaces that captivate people and make them feel something.
I always strive to design spaces that captivate people and make them feel something.
I believe the most important skills are observation, curiosity and communication. A designer must understand people before designing for them.
I use CAD and hand sketches throughout the design process. My greatest sources of inspiration are books, films, travel, art and everyday experiences.
I start my day early and use the quiet morning hours for creative work. When I am deeply focused on a project, I often continue working late into the evening. I enjoy listening to Chopin while I design, as his music helps me concentrate.
It depends on the scale and complexity of the project. As I am involved in everything from architecture and interior design to FF&E and art direction, a project typically takes between one and four years from concept to completion.
The question I am asked most often is, "Where do you get your inspiration from?"
The most important experience in my career was studying interior design in London. Although my background was in architecture, learning interior design there made everything fall into place. It felt as though all the pieces of the puzzle had finally come together.
I also studied traditional Japanese timber architecture at graduate school and later completed professional training in the assessment and renovation of existing houses, similar to the work of a building surveyor. These experiences have become the foundation of my design approach.
I also studied traditional Japanese timber architecture at graduate school and later completed professional training in the assessment and renovation of existing houses, similar to the work of a building surveyor. These experiences have become the foundation of my design approach.
My clients include private homeowners, property developers and private museum owners. I work on projects ranging from private residences to cultural spaces.
I most enjoy projects where I can be involved from architecture and interior design to FF&E and art direction. I enjoy creating a complete story and ensuring that every detail contributes to a single vision.
I would like to build on the experience I have gained so far by working on boutique hotel projects and more international commissions. I hope to create spaces where East meets West, incorporating the beauty of Japanese traditional craftsmanship into contemporary design.
I develop the design concept and prepare the drawings myself. To bring each project to life, I work closely with structural and building services engineers, FF&E designers, contractors, craftsmen and suppliers.
I am currently working on a small private museum project for a public interest foundation in Japan. The project brings together architecture, interior design and Japanese traditional craftsmanship. I look forward to sharing more about it once it is completed.
Please feel free to contact me via the enquiry form on my website.
I started my own business 12 years ago, and I am still pursuing my dreams. Even as I answer these interview questions, I feel encouraged by the people who have supported me along the way. I am sincerely grateful to the A' Design Award team for this opportunity, and to everyone who has believed in me and supported my journey.
I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to work on international projects and share the beauty of Japanese culture and craftsmanship with people around the world.
Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to share my story.
I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to work on international projects and share the beauty of Japanese culture and craftsmanship with people around the world.
Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to share my story.
Interview about Nomad House Residential Grand Interview