nendo ∙ Oki Sato

nendo design studio is synonymous with designer Oki Sato, born in 1977 in

Toronto, Canada.

In 2002 he founded nendo design studio. nendo means ’clay’ in Japanese –

or more specifically, modelling clay such as plasticine. A unique material that

makes it easy to do creative modelling. As Oki Sato explains: ”the name is

appropriate for a studio that needs to develop design solutions for a host of

very different clients”

Oki Sato does not only look at design like many iconic designers, who have

focused on the mantra, ’form follows function’. He also looks at the history

behind the product and its design.

His expression is minimalist, but contains small signs and details that imme-

diately arouse memories. He employs soft, friendly shapes which make his

designs appear comfortable from first sight.