In this week's episode, Carrie Scott steps into the tranquil countryside retreat of architectural master John Pawson for an intimate conversation that goes beyond the "minimalist" label. Join us as Pawson reveals his design philosophy centered on light, proportion, and materials, while sharing entertaining stories of collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld and other creative luminaries. From his approach to criticism to his thoughts on creating spaces with meaningful atmosphere, Pawson offers rare insights into his creative mind. Over the course of the interview, we discover a warm, humorous side to the composed designer whose precise vision has shaped some of the world's most elegant spaces. Whether you're a design enthusiast or simply curious about the mind behind these contemplative environments, this episode offers a thoughtful glimpse into architectural thinking at its finest.
John Pawson is a British architectural designer renowned for his minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes simplicity, proportion, light, and material. Though not formally qualified as an architect, Pawson has created iconic spaces worldwide, from Calvin Klein's flagship store in New York to monasteries and museums, including London's Design Museum.
Beyond architecture, Pawson is an accomplished photographer whose eye for composition and light is showcased in several books, including "Spectrum" and "Minimum," reflecting the same disciplined aesthetic that defines his architectural work. A former textile businessman who briefly attempted monastic life in Japan before finding his calling, Pawson was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2019 for his contributions to design and architecture.
From Carrie: "I know John Pawson. I've interviewed him, launched exhibitions with him. I've even convinced him to let me sell his photography. So sitting down for another interview wasn't all that easy because I wanted to reveal the side of him that I know. His softer, funny side and his love for the creative collaborative process. But John is a pro, always composed and unwavering. He's a giant in the design world and he knows exactly what he's doing. But what struck me during our conversation at his country house with his wonderful wife, Catherine, is that John Possen might not actually be a minimalist. Bear with me. Minimalism as an artistic movement is all about simplicity, stripping away excess and focusing on essential elements. John's work embodies this with the monochrome tones and the absence of art on his walls. Yet in his house, every corner, detail, stone, and thread demands attention. It's a maximalist's dream in terms of engagement, though without the clutter.
And maybe I don't fully grasp minimalism, but I left that interview thinking John's work deserves a whole new term. He challenges our relationship with material and material possessions and aesthetic beauty, embodying minimalist goals while creating spaces that captivate and us the mind. John isn't just a minimalist or he shouldn't be put into a box like that. He's something more. He makes us see more by showing less. And maybe that is the whole point of minimalism, but this interview was mind-opening, bending."
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About the Seeing Series
The Seeing Series gets to the heart of what makes an artist tick. By always searching for the motivating truth behind an artist’s practice, we give viewers insider access to some of the most exciting artists in the world, all in a down-to-earth, honest way.
