Born in Paris in 1949, Philippe Starck is a designer and architect who works in a wide range of fields from interior design to home objects; from boats to watch design. Starck, whose father was an aircraft engineer, was influenced by his father in much of his work.

The designer, who also works as an architect, has been involved in many projects in Japan. Among his best known works are the Asahi Beer Hall in Tokyo (1990) and the Unhex Nani-Nani office building (1989). In 1997, the designer received the Excellence in Design Award from the Harvard Graduate School of Design.