With a screen size of up to 12.9 inches and the Apple Pencil that enables seamless depiction, the "iPad Pro" has dramatically improved the possibilities of tablets and is now more than a PC. In fact, Koichi Igarashi of "THE VIEW," a Nagoya-based company that directs select stores and cafes, says that he completes almost all of his 100% work on the iPad Pro. What is the appeal of a tool he trusts so much that he says, "It has dramatically changed my workflow. We interviewed Mr. Igarashi to find out.
Born in 1980. Born in Fukui Prefecture. Lives in Nagoya.
After working for an apparel brand and a design office, he worked as a general director for forms such as "COFFEE, PLEASE" and "Inter view". He is active in developing various people and things in the local area into real sites and finding more unique forms of creativity. www.the-v-i-e-w.com Instagram:@igarashi_51@the_view_japan
A desire for architecture that had been growing subconsciously.
First of all, please tell us about yourself, Mr. Igarashi.
IgarashiAfter studying management and economics at a university in Nagoya, I joined BEAMS. I was involved in the fashion industry for about 10 years, and when I turned 31, I wondered whether I should continue or go down a different path. In the end, I joined a renovation design firm without any knowledge of the field. When I was in college, I went to Italy for fashion, but what caught my eye was architecture, and since my family's business was construction, perhaps I was naturally aware of the idea of placing things in buildings.
After changing jobs, two turning points occurred. At the time, café management by architectural firms was popular, and I was put in charge of directing the café division while also being involved in architecture.
Another project was "THE SHOP. We designed the interior ourselves, gathered stores and craftsmen that I thought were good, and opened stores that were limited to one month only. It was considered a novelty at the time.
The event was held at a fashion building called "Lasik" in Nagoya, and "THE SHOP" changed the flow of people in the building. Customers who had previously been returning from the first to third floors began to go up to the sixth floor, where "THE SHOP" was located, and then down to the lower floors.
The store that Mr. Igarashi created has changed the route of traffic itself, hasn't it?
IgarashiThe most important person in the building said to me, "The scenery has changed. Igarashi-kun, the scenery has changed! I don't know why he said that to me twice (laughs). That was about three years after I joined the company, and I thought I could create a new landscape by mixing the fashion, architecture, and café I had studied up to that point, so I set up my own business and launched "THE VIEW.
What kind of activities does "THE VIEW" do?
IgarashiWith the concept of "creating scenery," we aim to realize collaborations that transcend the various divides between spaces, places, people, and things. His wide-ranging activities include store direction, "COFFEE, PLEASE," in which he brews coffee wherever he is called upon, and coordination for a guide book on Nagoya.
The iPad Pro changed everything.
Igarashi-san, you complete almost all of your work on your iPad Pro.
IgarashiI happened to be at the Apple Store when the product went on sale. At that time, I was told about an application called "Paper" that allows you to draw text and pictures on photos, and I intuitively felt that I could use it for work. I bought it right after that.
How are you actually using the iPad Pro?
IgarashiI often direct interior design projects, but since I am neither a designer nor an architect myself, I felt I had a dilemma. I am not good at drawing either, so I had no choice but to explain the images I had in my head with pictures.
So, I make many copies of the drawings that come from the design office, draw the image by hand, scan it, and send it to them. If the image was not conveyed, I would call them, and if they still did not understand, I would go to them in person and show them the documents.... It took about two weeks to arrive at the final drawings.
But once I started using the iPad Pro, I was able to shorten that process to five days. If I think something is a little different, I can just draw it in directly and send it to the design department by e-mail. I would then receive the updated drawing and check it again. Then, I would draw in more detailed instructions, such as how the table should be this size, and the process would repeat itself.
When I was designing on site, I was able to draw the image on the spot, and when the three-dimensional drawings came in, I was able to accurately convey the image that this space must be left open, so the work proceeded smoothly.
What has changed before and after using the iPad Pro?
IgarashiThe most important thing is that it has made communication easier. The visual communication has been very helpful in eliminating disagreements.
People and things I learned at BEAMS.
You mentioned that your activities are diverse. What is the reason why you are always looking for something new, rather than sticking to one thing?
IgarashiI guess I get bored easily (laughs). Also, customers are more than you think.
It's fluid. Therefore, we create a place to show the current season and close the store in as little as one month or as long as six months. Then, we will present the next new thing at a different location.
The other influence came from BEAMS. As a company that values culture, the staff we gathered together were unique and had a variety of tastes and interests. There, I learned many things from them, such as manga, anime, movies, skating, and surfing. I think that is the reason why I came to enjoy various things.
Are there people around you who are using the iPad Pro?
IgarashiI am now recommending them because there are not many of them. This is also the spirit I developed during my time at BEAMS. I taught my juniors not to deny clothes without wearing them, because you can only express your own opinion after you have worn them. So I would recommend what was good and not recommend what was not.
These days, I don't even gather information on the Internet anymore. I actually go and experience things and places that someone praised or said were not good by myself. So I take pictures with my iPad Pro of the places I like and then draw in my notes as I go.
You mean that you take it with you wherever you go.
Igarashi: Even if I forget my business cards or wallet, I take my iPad Pro with me. Not only is it easy to carry around, but I can use it like a laptop at any time, which is very helpful. I used to have two devices, a MacBook and an iPad, but with this one device, I can use almost everything. Even when I'm off duty, I can't live without it, listening to music, watching YouTube, and so on.
Who do you think the iPad Pro is best suited for?
IgarashiI'm a person like me who wants to do this and that. I prepare as many images as I can in my head, and leave what I can't physically or professionally do to the professionals. iPad Pro is a tool that maximizes those images and makes it easy to present them. I think this could change the creative scene in architecture, fashion, new product meetings, etc. in a more exciting way.
