Shin Azumi

Shin Azumi’s design philosophy focuses on a synchronisation between physical and psychological functionality, believing that functionality is the key to increasing the durability of a design. “Great design is something that changes our way of thinking as well as our way of life” says the Japanese designer.

Born in Kobe, Japan in 1965, Shin Azumi’s recalls his early childhood ambitions were to become a painter, cartoonist, or inventor, and he enjoyed art and object making in his youth. His creative endeavours led him to Kyoto City University of Arts, where he discovered the work of architects Tadao Ando and Toyo Ito, who inspired him to ‘design things that make a difference.’

After graduating and three years of working at NEC, Azumi moved to the UK to undertake a master’s in Industrial Design at the Royal College of Art in London. After finishing his studies, Azumi stayed in London for another 25 years, where he established the design partnership Azumi Studio in 1995, and then A Studio, in 2005 in which he established international clientele including Lapalma, Magis, Muji, Desalto, Guzzini and more.

Shin Azumi’s work has received numerous design awards in Europe and in Japan, including the Blueprint 100% Design Award in 2003, the Jerwood Applied Arts Prize in 2004, and most recently the Design Guild Mark awarded by the Furniture Makers’ Company in 2016. His works were acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Crafts Council, Die Neue Sammlung, and the Museum für Angewandte Kunst Frankfurt among many more. He is a visiting professor of Osaka University of Arts and a lecturer of Vitra Design Museum Workshop.

1999 - Peugeot Design Awards / Ceramic, at Oxo Tower Wharf. UK - Snowman Salt & Pepper Shakers

1999 - Good Design Award, JIDPO, . Japan - TOA / H-1 directional speaker, TOA / H-2 directional speaker

2000 - FX International Interior Design Awards, UK. "Product of the Year" LEM stool

2000 - Good Design Award, JIDPO. Japan - TOA / H-3 wide angle speaker, TOA / HB-1 Sub Woofer

2001 - FX International Interior Design Awards, UK, "Furniture of the Year" HM30 sofa

2002 - FX International Interior Design Awards, UK. "Best Public Space Lighting" Himi Fish Lamp

2003 - FX International Interior Design Awards, UK. "Best Furniture for Public Space " Orbital Workstation

2003 - Blueprint 100% Design Award, Best Contributor

2004 - Elle Decoration Award & Best Furniture. Ship Shape by Isokon Plus, Jerwood Applied Art Prize, Finalisted

2005 - Good Design Award, JIDPO, Japan - TOA / ER-1106 megaphone

2005 - Victoria & Albert Museum / Homes & Gardens Classic Design Award for Air Switch Az by Mathmos

2007 - Good Design Award, JIDPO, Japan - FlowLounge office furniture series

2008 - Good Design Award, Special Award of S & M Enterprises. Japan - Za bench system by Lapalma

2008 - Victoria & Albert Museum / Homes & Gardens Classic Design Award 2008 UK - Yauatcha Tea Set

2009 - Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2009. Category: Furniture / Lighting product - Lem Stool by Lapalma

2010 - Classic Innovation Award 2010, imm Cologne, Germany - LEM Stool by lapalma Good Design Award

2010 - Good Design Award, JIDPO, Japan - Banquette / Cox by Estic

2011 - Good Design Award, JIDPO, Japan - Isle by Estic

2012 - Good Design Award, JIDPO, Japan - Cox Lounge Chair by Estic

2012 - Best 100 of Good Design Award, JIDPO, Japan - Cacomi Meeting System by Itoki

2013 - Good Design Award, JIDPO, Japan - 24/7 Bed by Asleep

2016 - Design Guild Mark Award by Furniture Makers' Company