Oki Sato

Oki Sato is a Japanese designer and architect, famous for his cheerful take on minimalism. He studied Architecture at Waseda University in Tokyo before opening Nendo studios in 2002. He now has offices in both Tokyo and Milan. Sato expresses a desire for flexibility and the ability to reinvent oneself. His work finds inspiration in the simplicity of everyday life; he takes inspiration from the Japanese uncluttered style, which is what drives his minimalism.

Sato's designs contain small signs and details that immediately arouse memories. He employs soft, friendly shapes which make his designs appear comfortable at first sight, while also challenging the typical Western outlook on rigid Japanese minimalism by injecting a bout of humour into his designs. He also welcomes collaborations with a wide range of companies, such as Wastberg and Louis Poulsen.

“I want my objects to speak for themselves, so it’s better that they’re simple. I want the message to be very clear. I think design should be friendly, and that’s why I sometimes add a little humour or something akin to a ‘spice’ to my designs to make them friendlier. It makes them more accessible to people.” - Oki Sato