🎉 Episode 60 Special Edition | An Architect's True Feelings and What I've Shared Over 60 Episodes
Greetings
I have reached the 60th episode.
To everyone who reads, everyone who gives a 'like,' everyone who comments, and everyone who follows.
And to the person who contacted me from Taiwan, the person who commented on the veterinary clinic article, the person who asked about 'priorities when the budget is limited,' and the person who asked, 'When is the moment you nurture a dream?'
Truly, thank you so much.
At this 60-episode milestone, I would like to share my true feelings as an architect and a compilation of the knowledge I have conveyed over these 60 episodes.
PART 1 | An Architect's 'True Feelings'
True Feeling 1: At first, I wasn't confident I could keep going
I'll be honest.
On the day I started note, I wondered, 'How many episodes will I be able to write?' I wasn't confident if I could convey specialized architectural knowledge to the general public or if people would read it.
But I wrote one episode, then two, received likes, received comments, and before I knew it, I had reached 60 episodes.
The reason I was able to continue is because you were there reading.
True Feeling 2: 'Emotional stories' are the hardest
Technical articles are relatively easy because I just need to organize and write down the knowledge.
But emotional stories are different. I have to choose truly important moments from 15 years of memories and put them into words. This is the most difficult and time-consuming part.
'Once more to that shop,' 'Grandma's flower shop,' 'The study of my dreams'
On the days I wrote these articles, I was remembering those moments myself as I wrote. I realized once again how glad I am to be doing this architectural work.
True Feeling 3: note has become a 'sales tool'
Honestly, I never imagined something like this would happen.
I received a message from the owner of a clothing company in Taiwan, and discussions are moving forward regarding opening a store in Osaka. This is something that absolutely would not have happened if I hadn't started note.
Continuing to write articles connects people across borders.
Writing these 60 episodes has been the most surprising experience of my life.
Honest Opinion #4: The Reality That 'Those with Knowledge Benefit'
Having written these 60 episodes, there is something I feel strongly.
Many people who suffer significant losses during renovations or business openings do so because they lack knowledge. The trap of price per tsubo, the pitfalls of cheap contractors, and losing out by not knowing about subsidies.
Failures that could have been prevented just by knowing are happening somewhere even today.
That is why I will continue to write. To deliver correct knowledge to as many people as possible.
PART 2 | A 'Compilation of Knowledge' Conveyed Over 60 Episodes
[Basics of Interior Design]
Lighting is the Most Important Investment
The most cost-effective investment in an interior. Even with cheap materials, a space looks high-end if the lighting is good. Designing color temperature, color rendering, and placement correctly can transform a space.
Never Cut Costs on the Restroom
A place every customer is guaranteed to use. The cleanliness of the restroom determines the repeat rate. No matter how much you focus on the interior, if the restroom is dirty, customers will think, 'I'm not coming back.'
Flow Design is the Ultimate Zero-Cost Investment
Simply designing customer and staff flow correctly can significantly change sales and operational efficiency.
Concentrate Investment on 'Visible Areas'
Focus investment on the entrance, lighting, and restrooms, while keeping costs down for the ceiling, back-of-house, and most walls. This balance is the key to success.
[Contractor Selection and Ordering Techniques]
Do Not Compare by Price Per Tsubo
What is included in the price per tsubo varies completely by contractor. Always compare by total cost, scope, and warranty.
Quotes Displayed as a 'Lump Sum' are Dangerous
Quotes without a breakdown are open to endless additional charges later. Always demand a breakdown by item.
There is Always a Reason for Contractors That are Too Cheap
Downgrading materials, skipping steps, or springing additional costs on you later. Do not hire a contractor if you cannot confirm the reason for their low price.
Always Get Warranties in Writing
Verbal warranties are meaningless. Confirm the content, duration, and scope of the warranty in writing before signing a contract.
[The Law of Cost Reduction]
Not Knowing About Subsidies is a Loss
You can receive hundreds of thousands of yen in subsidies for things like switching to LED, insulation renovations, or barrier-free access if you meet the conditions. Just asking the contractor, 'Can I use subsidies?' is enough.
Price Negotiation Through Off-Season Ordering
Ordering in summer or winter, avoiding the busy seasons (spring/autumn), makes price negotiation easier and attracts skilled craftsmen.
Cut Startup Costs with 'Strategic Spending'
Don't cut everything equally; prioritize where you invest. Just having this knowledge can create a difference of 3 million yen.
[The Science of Design to Increase Sales]
Using Color Psychology
Red and orange stimulate appetite (for restaurants prioritizing turnover), green provides a sense of security (cafes/salons), and blue conveys trust (clinics/pharmacies). Colors suited to the industry directly impact sales.
Controlling Turnover and Stay Duration with Lighting
Bright lighting increases turnover, while dim indirect lighting extends stay duration. You can achieve both by adjusting the lighting according to the time of day.
Guiding Purchasing Behavior Through Flow Lines
Clockwise flow, placement at eye level, and guiding customers to the back. Scientific flow design increases purchase rates.
[The Laws of Space That Create Repeat Customers]
Comfort Creates Repeat Business
Customers naturally return to spaces where temperature, sound, and lighting are all in harmony.
Creating Reasons to 'Want to Come Back'
Seasonal displays, consideration for privacy, and designs that create a 'favorite seat.' Small touches create repeat customers.
Designing for Easy Maintenance of Cleanliness
It's more important that a space stays clean than that it looks clean initially. Materials and designs that are easy to clean protect your long-term reputation.
[What I've Learned from Moving Stories]
Architecture is 'The Job of Giving Shape to People's Dreams'
It's not about building structures, but about creating the 'time' spent in that space. This perspective leads to truly great work.
Dreams Have Nothing to Do with Budget
A 500,000 yen music studio, an 800,000 yen renovation for a diner, a house like a grandmother's flower shop. Even with a small budget, wisdom and passion can bring dreams to life.
Buildings Harbor 'Memories'
The luster of a counter used for 35 years, a drawing made by a son when he was little, a place for books collected over 40 years. Buildings harbor the time spent there and the memories of the people.
PART 3 | Looking Ahead
Having written 60 episodes, I can see my next goals.
① Reach 200 Followers
At the current pace, I should be able to reach this soon.
② Realizing the Taiwan to Osaka Project
XX is scheduled to visit Japan in July. I want to work together to create a wonderful store.
③ Further Enhancing Membership
I will continue to add member-exclusive articles at a pace of two per month.
④ On to the Next 60 Episodes
There are still many themes I haven't written about. Wedding venues, sports facilities, renovations of shrines and temples, and overseas projects. I will keep writing.
In conclusion
Having written 60 episodes, there is one thing I am certain of.
Knowledge protects people.
With the right knowledge, you won't be deceived. You won't lose money. You won't have regrets.
And you won't have to give up on your dreams.
I will continue to write to eliminate the things you 'didn't know'.
Thank you for reading episode 60.
I look forward to the next 60 episodes as well!
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I have been running a construction company for 15 years, staffed by many qualified professionals including architects, electrical engineers, and plumbing construction management engineers. We have a proven track record in constructing restaurants, clinics, hair salons, nurseries, and more. I am sharing information on store and facility interior design from a site-based perspective.
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