Kenta HIRAI

平井　健太

Nara

Vision

概要「木工と他分野の既存技術による新技法、または木工と新素材、新技術などによる新しい木工の在り方を探る」

To create a new genre of woodworking based on new methodology developed from existing techniques in woodworking and other craft fields, possibly including new materials.

Biography

Born in Shizuoka in 1984, Hirai has always had a strong interest in design, leading him to a degree in Environmental Design from Kyoto Zokei Art University. While working as a designer at a general construction company, his passion to make things with his hands led him to leave the company in 2010. Since then the largely self-taught Hirai has been fulfilling his dream of working as an independent crafts person specializing primarily in the creation of original works from wood.

Commendations include:

2017 Bronze prize at International Furniture Design Fair in Asahikawa

2017 Award of Excellence at Wood Design Competition 2017

2021 Award of Excellence at Japan Traditional Craft Revitalization Contest