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A Peer Review with Schemata Workshop
By Yusuke, Nami & Shoko From KMEW Japan
Schemata Workshop is an Achitecture & Urban Design practice that empowers people and their communities". Ceraclad was kindly granted the opportunity to interview Schemata Workshop and gather their insights into several new surface designs currently in development at our headquarters.
Our three interviewers, Nami, Shoko & Yusuke, our technical guests from our Japan headquarters, participated in the discussion.
"We would like to learn new ways to improve our products, and what better way to do that than by asking the people who design with them?"
They have been working in Japan for several years and were eager to hear candid feedback from American architects—not only on our current products but also on new design ideas.
"We have prepared four samples—three featuring new concepts and one existing design currently sold in Japan. We would like your feedback on the textures and colors of these samples*."
*as these new texture samples are still in the works, we are not allowed to show images until their official approval and released
Q:
Which texture was the most well-received?
A:
Based on the interviews, one texture stood out as the most popular. Many respondents felt that its design conveyed a sense of softness and an inviting, human touch.
Another design was highly rated for its originality, with Schemata Workshop members commenting that its refined contours create beautiful shading effects.
Meanwhile, a design inspired by familiar architectural elements received mixed feedback. While it shares a similar concept with one of the more favored textures, the key difference lies in the scale of its details. A more compact variation was seen as better suited for accent areas rather than expansive surfaces.
Ultimately, the preference ranking followed a clear trend, offering valuable insights for further refinement.
Q:
What colors complement each texture best?
A:
Participants provided opinions on the most suitable colors for each design:
A surface with subtle depth was most favored in off-white and earthy brown tones. Lighter shades emphasized shadows, while warmer hues enhanced its material-like appearance.
Another texture, inspired by handcrafted elements, was widely preferred in light brown and natural wood-like shades, reinforcing its organic feel.
A third design, known for its distinctive surface, was seen as a great match for forest green, though tones leaning too far toward yellow were less favored.
Q:
What do you think of the new wood grain design?
A:
Members of Schemata Workshop described the wood grain concept as "brilliant." Achieving a wood-like sidding without the worry of needing a maintenence plan and upkeep. Using natural cedar requires chemical treatments to maintain its beautiful appearance. However, for companies committed to sustainability, minimizing maintenance and chemical use is crucial.
Nami
"Thank you very much for giving me such a valuable experience. It was my first interview in the United States, so I was quite nervous. However, I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your honest feedback, despite your busy schedule. Based on the feedback I received; I am determined to create better products to bring to the market."
Shoko
“Thank you for the opportunity to let us interview you all! This was my first time to visiting an American architect’s office. The goal of this interview was to receive feedback on our new design samples. However, through this conversation, I am excited to hear your thoughts and now have more questions I want to ask. I hope we have another opportunity to discuss these topics further. Thank you for your insight!
Yusuke
"Thank you for your patience with my language skills, I greatly appreciate your kindness. I usually work in development, so I rarely have the chance to hear customer opinions, but today, in America, I was able to hear customer opinions directly, which was a very refreshing experience."