Koichiro Ikebuchi

Born in Osaka in 1965, Koichiro Ikebuchi’s design journey unfolded with a passion for architecture. After obtaining an architecture degree from Osaka, Ikebuchi ventured to Singapore, where he continued to grow his portfolio by assuming the role of design consultant for a distinguished Japanese lighting company and delved into furniture design, with his collection showcased at Salone del Mobile in Milan. In 2004, Ikebuchi founded Atelier Ikebuchi Pte Ltd and executed stellar projects from luxury resorts to cutting-edge offices across geographies.

Over the years, his designs propelled him to international acclaim, garnering prestigious awards like the Diamond International Award by De Beers and the Singapore President’s Design Award. His innate ability to infuse cultural elements into his creations resonates with global clients. Asia Designers Directory connects with Ikebuchi to learn about his illustrious career journey.

Can you take us through your journey as an interior designer, from your early inspirations to the pivotal moments that shaped your career?

I came to Singapore in 1989 following my studies in architecture in Japan. Fuelled by my passion for design, I actively joined various design competitions, and explored diverse realms such as jewelry design, furniture design, fashion accessories design. This challenged me to push my design boundaries and helped me grow as a designer.

In 1996, I started my own interior design practice. This marked a pivotal point in my career journey, where I can fully express my creative vision and design philosophy. This had given me the opportunity to work with distinguished clients who share a great sense of design and appreciation for creativity. I am immensely fortunate and grateful for these invaluable connections. Each step in my career has left an indelible mark and enriched my professional journey.

As an influential figure in the interior design community, how do you foster creativity and maintain a fresh perspective in your work? What keeps you motivated to consistently produce exceptional designs?

Design knows no bounds; it captivates me precisely because it is boundless and limitless. In the realm of design, there are no strict equations or mixing ratios to abide by, granting us the freedom to explore and create without constraints. The ever-changing nature of design keeps me intrigued and captivated, and inspires me to remain at the forefront of creativity. Essentially, my passion for design and the boundless possibilities it offers keeps me driven. The opportunity to shape environments that resonate with people and enrich their experiences is extremely gratifying.

You are a trained architect, but dedicated the majority of your career to interior design and furniture design. How do you think these design field correlate and what gives you the biggest satisfaction from your work?

Architecture and interior design are intricately correlated. While architecture lays the foundation for a space, interior design introduces life into it to create a compelling environment. Of which, furniture and lighting are integral components of interior design and play pivotal roles in shaping the overall atmosphere and functionality of a space.

When these interconnected design disciplines can be approached holistically and mutually to enhance one another, they form a unified narrative that transform spaces and create very satisfactory results.

You were awarded the President Design Award Singapore in 2009. How has this impacted your career and how do you think you have evolved as a designer?

Singapore is one of the leading design centres in Asia. Being awarded the prestigious President’s Design Award Singapore in 2009 has profoundly impacted my career and served as a significant milestone in my journey as a designer. It has opened doors to numerous exciting opportunities, allowing me to partake in various interesting projects in Asia. Each project presents its unique challenges and creative possibilities, enabling me to continually push the boundaries of design and explore innovative solutions. It has helped raise my professional standing and enriched my perspective as a designer, allowing me to bring ideas from imagination to reality. This process is very important to me, as putting ideas into reality versus the imagination only, are very different.

Beyond aesthetics, interior design can greatly impact people’s emotions, behavior, and overall well-being. How do you prioritise creating spaces that evoke positive emotions and improve the lives of the occupants?

Cultivating a feeling of stability and excitement is very essential in our living. Interior design that can conjure solace and rest in a space and environment will definitely have quite an impact on it. One of my objectives as an interior designer is to create impactful spaces that elevate the human experience. I believe we need a space where we can reset ourselves and allow us to resonate on a more personal level and foster deeper emotional connection in the space.