We recently connected with Jun KAWAI and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jun , thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned through conversations, research, and mentorship, but the most important part was hands-on experimentation—trying out different techniques, materials, and design approaches.

Looking back, I could have sped up my learning by seeking mentors earlier, focusing more on structured challenges, and not being afraid to share my work sooner.

The most essential skills have been adaptability, problem-solving, and persistence—being willing to iterate and refine ideas constantly.

The biggest obstacles were access to resources, balancing different responsibilities, and at times, overthinking instead of just creating. But every challenge taught me something valuable along the way.

Jun , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a Japanese designer and artist based in Los Angeles, with a background in architecture and industrial design . My journey began when I left Japan at 15 to study abroad, an experience that broadened my perspectives and deeply influenced my creative approach. I am passionate about exploring the intersections of traditional and modern design, art, and technology.
My work spans various disciplines, including furniture, woodworking, installations, and spatial design. I focus on creating adaptable, well-crafted pieces that enhance the way people interact with their environments. By challenging traditional notions of furniture and space, I aim to blend influences from design, architecture, and even fashion to produce works that are both functional and emotionally resonant.
What sets my work apart is the emphasis on modularity and user interaction. I strive to make my work more engaging, allowing individuals to personalize their spaces and environment in meaningful ways. This approach not only addresses practical needs but also invites users to become active participants in the design process.
For those new to my work, I want them to know that my designs are more than just objects; they are experiences that invite curiosity, and personal expression. Whether through exhibitions, set designs, collaborations, or custom pieces, my goal is to push the boundaries of how we perceive and interact with space and design.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to collaborate with people from different fields to create designs from scratch and bring them to life as finished pieces. Whether it’s furniture design, set design, space design, or installations, I would love to be involved in every stage of the process.

A key part of my creative journey is developing the skills to deeply understand and communicate with others—clients, craftsmen, and collaborators—so that I can translate ideas into meaningful designs. At the same time, I strive to refine my own design language, using different tools and techniques to express my vision and deliver the best work possible.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The book that inspired me the most is Tadao Ando: Architect.

When I was about to graduate from high school, I read this book, and it changed my life.

His story—entering the world of architecture through self-study and becoming a great architect—made me realize that I, too, can achieve anything if I take action myself.

Tadao Ando’s fearless approach—constantly taking on challenges without fearing failure or risk—his commitment to understanding who and what he is creating for, and his relentless dedication to his work deeply resonated with me. The sheer effort he puts in is inspiring. Every part of his story made me want to become someone like him.

Now, I feel more than ever that I want to dedicate myself to something with the same level of passion and determination in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jun-kawai.com/
• Instagram: @jun.kawai.jun

Image Credits

Mark Serr Photography, Zahra Jajarmikhayat