Guided by a calm, thoughtful approach and a profound appreciation for diverse cultures, Clint Nagata, Founder & Creative Partner of BLINK Design Group, has spent his career crafting authentic narratives that transform hotels into destinations, and stays into memories.
In an era often chasing fleeting trends, his work makes a powerful statement: true luxury is not about spectacle, but about creating a sense of place so profound it becomes part of a traveller’s story.
Can you recall a pivotal moment that first ignited your passion for design?
I’ve always loved drawing and imagining entire worlds. The real spark came during architecture school when my team won a competition held by Walt Disney Imagineering. Interning there, I learned that design is about crafting immersion and escape—storytelling is everything. That lesson deepened significantly at WATG, where I learnt that hospitality design is about memory-making. Later, when I founded BLINK, that core idea evolved from fantasy to authenticity, but the goal remains the same: design should move people.
Given your diverse personal and professional background, how does this inform your signature ‘placemaking’ approach?
I often say I see the world through a multi-lens camera. My Japanese-American heritage gave me a sensitivity to restraint and balance, while living in Thailand for nearly two decades exposed me to vibrancy and layered cultural narratives. For us, placemaking is about listening. We study a site’s history, community, and materials to distil its authenticity, reinterpreting tradition through a contemporary lens. The goal is to create something that could exist only in that specific place.
Could you walk us through a project you’re particularly proud of?
Six Senses Kyoto represents a refined expression of our philosophy. Kyoto is a city that demands humility, defined by centuries of craft and quiet elegance. We knew the design could not be loud. We immersed ourselves in its heritage—its machiya townhouses, timber latticework, and reverence for nature—to create a contemporary sanctuary rooted in history. It embodies what we strive for: contextual design that feels both a tribute to the past and an invitation to the future.
What do you believe will define the ‘luxury experience’ for the traveller of tomorrow?
Tomorrow’s traveller has seen it all; excess no longer impresses. Luxury will be defined by authenticity, restraint, and a strong sense of place. Chasing ‘Instagram moments’ can dilute meaning. True luxury is layered and enduring. It will also feel quieter, more personal, and more deeply rooted in its environment.
What is one piece of unconventional advice for an aspiring designer in Southeast Asia today?
Travel more than you design. Classrooms teach technique, but travel teaches perspective—proportion, light, and human behaviour. And do not chase trends. If you focus on simplicity, balance, and authenticity, your work will endure. Treat every project as if it will only ever be designed once. Design is not about being loud; it is about being meaningful.
Photos: BLINK Design Group
