In a world where the spaces we inhabit profoundly shape our lives and connections, I find myself at a remarkable intersection of innovation and education in architecture. As the 2025 co-chair of the AIA Interior Architecture Knowledge Community (IAKC), I am deeply passionate about cultivating a sense of community among fellow AIA members. Architecture, with its transformative power, transcends mere structures; it becomes a catalyst for enriching experiences that weave us together. I invite you to join me on this journey, as we explore how thoughtful design can reshape our realities and inspire future generations to dream beyond boundaries.
My path began with an internship at my relative's design office, where I discovered the power of meaningful design. The guidance of Akio Okumura, an architect and professor, remains etched in my memory. His exploration of the invisible flow of air and heat within a space taught me to find beauty in the unseen. His shared lessons drawn from research on Frank Lloyd Wright's works and his lifelong collaboration with Junzo Yoshimura have been instrumental in shaping my creative spirit. I can still picture Akio crafting furniture and cold-smoking food with sawdust in a tranquil mountain studio during a summer, rich with flavor and inspiration.
Mentorship, a guiding light in my journey, has revealed the profound significance in our professional lives. My undergraduate and graduate studies in architecture and urban design spanned Tokyo, Chicago, and Philadelphia, each city and the people I met adding a layer to my understanding of the culture and environment, while also tracing the concept and inheritance of architectural legacies. The opportunity to work with Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates in New York and later alongside Herbert Beckhard, a partner of Marcel Breuer, deepened my appreciation for architectural legacy. Each morning, as I walked past the AIA Award plaques in the office, I felt the weight and wonder of history, the whispers of legendary architects like Harry Seidler and I.M. Pei, who had casually walked into the office and shared their enduring contributions to the architecture.
A moment with Connie Breuer in Breuer's residence, surrounded by Breuer's prototypes and artworks by Miro, Calder, and Moore, left an indelible mark on me. She spoke of Modernism as 'decency,' a concept that she believed was about creating spaces that respected the human experience and the environment. This notion has become a guiding principle in my work, fostering an ethos of integrity and connection in the design process.
Teaching became a cornerstone in my career, allowing me to explore topics such as design innovation, accessibility and aging, technology integration, business models and design responses, resiliency, and the impact and social responsibility of design. Design, when grounded in empathy, allows us to understand the needs and experiences of the people who will use the spaces we create. This understanding can show pathways toward futures with hope, as we can design spaces that not only meet functional needs but also uplift and inspire.
Throughout my professional experiences, particularly with nonprofit organizations, I've seen firsthand how design can empower communities, reaffirming the valuable role that we, as architects, play in societal betterment. With each project, my focus lies in uncovering deeper meanings within spaces—spaces that foster belonging and nurture connections amongst those who engage with them.
Ultimately, architecture reflects a profound sense of decency, creating a world where connections flourish and communities thrive. Together, let's inspire the next generation of architects to embrace creativity and empathy, carrying the legacy for years to come!