Kitchen Tours: Maha Alavi
A snapshot of the industrial designer's life and work between Tokyo and London
Maha Alavi is a Tokyo-based Canadian industrial designer and lifelong friend of mine. Although we haven’t seen each other in a while, Maha and I have been keeping up with each other’s lives and work online. Currently, she lives between Tokyo and London, frequently traveling to gain inspiration for her work. She’s someone I’d describe as thoughtful, hardworking, creative, and with a great sense of taste. So, what better way to relaunch the Kitchen Tours series than with her?
What made you want to become an industrial designer?
I suppose I’ve always been inclined that way. Art, crafts, working with my hands… but it wasn’t until quite recently that I was able to take that leap of faith and commit to putting the various forms I see in my head out into the real world. I had to build up my confidence to get to a place where I was okay with sharing my inner world.
Can you describe your interior design style?
To be honest, I don’t think I have one. I’m good at looking at micro-environments, objects among other objects, rather than orchestrating larger spaces. Perhaps as I grow as a designer, my scope of creative interest will, too.
In terms of my object design style, I see a lot of rounded, exaggerated silhouettes in my catalogue. I think the best way to describe this is utilitarian sculpture. Sculptures that aren’t just to be stared at from afar, but are meant for daily touch and use.
Where do you like to shop for interior decor?
I love sourcing interesting things from antique and vintage markets around the world. I tend to travel often for work, and I make it a point to go to markets in each city. It helps connect me to the ‘local language of the arts’, so to speak.
Do you cook at home often? If so, what’s your go-to meal/recipe?
I try to cook about half my meals, and eat out for the other half. I don’t want to miss out on any culinary experiences while living in Tokyo since meats and seafood are of very high quality here. For a quick dinner, I’ll usually buy some wagyu beef and cook it with garlic, butter, and miso, then roast whatever vegetables are in season — very quick and satisfying at the same time.
Also, I love a cute breakfast. I travel often between Tokyo and London for my partner who is based in London, and he recently bought an espresso machine. So whenever I’m there I’ll practice my latte art skills, more specifically matcha lattes — a current obsession.
What’s been your favourite part about living in Tokyo?
Honestly, living by myself is so easy here. Tokyo is an extremely convenient city in almost every way. 24-hour conbini (convenient stores like 7/11 or Lawson) and solo dining norms are so different from the West. Train stations make almost anywhere you want to go walkable, and design-first considerations in everything from architecture to packaging design are clear to see. I could go on, but these are the top things that keep me invested in living here.
What are some of your favourite restaurants, shops, and cafés in Tokyo?
I have many! Here are my current favourites.
Cafés and Restaurants
If you like records, books, cocktails, and a polished nostalgic vibe, go to Drip in the Ikejiri-Ohashi area.
Nephew near Yoyogi-Koen is a cozy and homey spot with amazing food. It’s on a small side street, so it’s never as busy as the Fuglen a bit further up.
Asahiya is a traditional lunch spot in the Yoyogi-Uehara area. It’s quick, affordable, and delicious with lots of Japanese comfort food on the menu.
10 Ten is a beautiful gallery with a sweeping spiral staircase and minimal interior, located in East Tokyo by the Sumida River. Always some lovely work being exhibited there by local and international artists and designers.
Shops
Yaeca Home Store is by far my favourite shop in Tokyo. It’s a bit out of the way, but it’s definitely worth the trek. Chock full of interesting offerings, it’s tucked away in a quiet, leafy neighborhood in the Shirokanedai area.
The Visvim store in Nakameguro is located in an old, traditional home. It’s part gallery and part walking around in someone’s stylish home, plus there’s a small café inside, too.
Where do you find inspiration for designing hardware and home objects?
In nature. Always in nature. For example, my FAUNA series was inspired by a hike I took in the Swiss Alps. Just looking at the wildflowers blooming at such a height — the different forms and colours! I’m forever inspired by the natural world around us. Nature is a truly flawless design.
Sometimes I find inspiration in literature, too. Many years ago when I was studying philosophy, we were looking at the work of German philosopher Martin Heidegger. I remember this one concept that really stuck with me — he said (and I’m paraphrasing, of course) that you don’t really notice a thing until it’s out of its context, until it stops doing what you’re expecting it to do. For instance, a broken clock, all of a sudden you’re contemplating the purpose and “confronting the thingness” of this object. This is called the Thing Theory. He talks about the relationship between humans and objects. I remember thinking, “Can I make objects that don’t go unnoticed, without doing pure art?” I think this was when my fascination with object design started, at least in the abstract.
What’s next for you?
I’m interested in doing more translucent resin work. I have the FROOOT Bowl so far, which is a cast bioresin basket for fruits, vegetables, and anything in between. It’s one of my more favourite pieces that I’ve done. In terms of form, it’s both minimal and expressive at the same time. Not doing too much or more than it needs to, but it still stands out as a sculpture.
I’m also hoping to open up a small, permanent shop/base for people to be able to pop in and see my current rotation of offerings. As for where, that’s the big question right now. We will see in the next few months, as I wrap up my stay in Tokyo and set my sights on Europe. Stay tuned!