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.” Following his opening of the first Muuto Tokyo Store, we visited the multifaceted character and his family in their Tokyo home to discuss his penchant for Scandinavian design, designing a space of one’s own, and the immense power of color. 

Terada's journey into architecture began under the influence of his father, a graphic designer. Determined to explore beyond the two-dimensional, he chose to pursue architecture, studying at the prestigious Architectural Association in London. “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. 

He emphasizes the importance of versatility in design, as his architectural training allowed him to explore different creative paths.  

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.  

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 color, form, materiality, and tactility to create spaces that move us. 

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.