An architect, designer, and collector at heart, Naoki Terada has been key to introducing classic and contemporary Scandinavian design to Japan. Naoki Terada is an architect, designer, educator, and director of the design studio Interoffice, known for his long-standing work with Knoll and the influential interior store Maarket. His work encompasses all aspects of design, from interior and project management to large-scale architecture and product design—it all comes back to design's potential to improve people's lives, as he creates under the slogan, 'Good design, good people'.
He was interviewed in his Tokyo home by Muuto, discussing his penchant for Scandinavian design, designing a space of one's own, and the immense power of colour:
'Growing up, I saw my father's work all the time. But his work was two-dimensional, and I thought I should do something different. That's why I decided to study architecture,' he says.
'Once you're trained as an architect, you can explore many different fields. You can design houses and everything that goes into them. I can connect with designers and business owners alike and give them a pretty comprehensive view of the industry,' Terada muses.
An early supporter of contemporary Scandinavian design, he became a leading distributor who introduced generations of Japanese consumers to key figures of design, furniture, and objects that contributed to a new way of life.
The admiration for Scandinavian design, particularly from the 1910s to the 1970s, is evident throughout his home. Icons stand next to contemporary conceptual artwork—an eclectic landscape that tickles the brain. Terada cherishes the optimism and belief in the future that marked the 60s and 70s and is embodied in the works of designers such as Verner Panton and Eero Saarinen.
'During that era, people believed in a bright future and that technology could make people happy. That resulted in designs that were spiritually uplifting and cheerful,' he says.
That joyfulness and humour are tangible in his own space as he experiments with colour, form, materials, and different living situations. Adapting timeless designs to the contemporary home, he creates a playful mix of old and new. Here, architecture, interior design, and furniture selection are integrated simultaneously. The space features bold colours and gestures, with both big contrasts and tone-in-tone arrangements set against the background of quiet concrete and wood surfaces, creating an immersive, vibrant environment where colour is as fundamental as any physical material.
'To me, colour is a material, like wood or concrete. When I designed my house, I decided on the wall finishes and furniture together, ensuring a cohesive look. Colour becomes a fabric of the architecture, influencing the entire spatial experience,' he says.
As an educator, Terada is passionate about teaching the new generation of designers about the origins of design. He observes that younger designers often lack knowledge of early 20th-century furniture, viewing contemporary pieces as original without understanding their historical context. 'Younger designers today don't know much about early 20th-century furniture. Everything is new to them. I teach them about the origins of designs.'
He stresses the importance of experiencing design physically, not just through screens. In the recently opened Muuto store in Tokyo, he hopes to provide a space for young designers to touch, feel, and interact with furniture.
'It's very important to understand design through sensory experience. That's why I opened a shop in Tokyo, where young designers can experience furniture firsthand,' he says.
The collaboration with Muuto stems from a shared ethos and vision—believing in the enduring and versatile nature of Scandinavian design and in the power of colour, form, materiality, and tactility to create spaces that move us.
'I encountered Muuto years ago and thought it was essential to introduce new perspectives on Scandinavian culture and design to the Japanese market, showing the way history continues to evolve,' says Terada.
He appreciates Muuto's commitment to innovative and functional design that respects Scandinavian traditions while pushing boundaries. Continuously inspiring generations through his work and teaching, Terada is a force fostering a versatile perspective and is committed to promoting hands-on experiences in design and architecture.
More information:
Muuto
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