In Profile:
Yokobori Architect & Associates

How would you describe your personal design style?
We aim to express the invisible spirit of people, stories, and history within the spaces we create. Our design philosophy seeks to blend the classical and the contemporary, the West and the East, resulting in a timeless and borderless style.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
We draw much of our inspiration from the classical styles and materials of our own Eastern heritage. At the same time, we are also deeply inspired by the classical traditions of the West.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
We believe that design in the digital world, with the integration of AI, is entering a completely new stage. Designs generated from vast amounts of data—far beyond human capacity—will likely become a main force in the future. However, we also believe that creating something that truly moves the human heart requires human emotion and affection, something that AI can never replace.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in the future.
Spirituality, Futurity, Artistic quality, Flexibility, Sustainability

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to designing, what would it be?
We believe that in design, it is essential to look to the past as well as to the future. It is also important to recognize that design is about giving form to what cannot be seen. In our work, we consider observation, imagination, and action to be the most vital qualities for a designer.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
In our profession, there are few opportunities to receive truly objective evaluation. This is especially true for private residential projects, which are often shaped by the personal values of each client. Beyond media coverage such as magazines, it is rare to gain an impartial assessment of our work. As designers, however, we must always reflect on how even a project created for an individual may influence the wider world. We believe that providing this kind of recognition is the vital role of the Awards.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
In August 2025, we will present our collaborative Art Furniture, created together with the artist Shin Kamikawa, at an exhibition. Moving forward, we aim to bring works by Japanese artists, infused with Japanese sensibilities and spirits, into the form of furniture and share them with audiences overseas.

Your most treasured possession?
Love

Your favourite holiday destination?
Shrines and temples in Japan

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Hotel: San Domenico Palace in Sicily, where I stayed when we got married. The former monastery, which was also a setting for the film Le Grand Bleu, has a simple architectural beauty that conveys a sense of history and a serene, authentic atmosphere.

Bar: Loos American Bar in Vienna, designed by Adolf Loos in 1908. As a lover of bars, I found this 117-year-old space truly special, preserving the charm and character of its original time.

Your favourite book, film & song?
Book: Zen no Kenkyu (A Study of Good) by Kitaro Nishida.
Film: Death in Venice directed by Luchino Visconti.
Song: Love of My Life by Queen.

Your favourite food and drink?
Food: Sushi
Drink: Sake

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
I enjoy spending an afternoon with our dog, Buku.

If you weren’t in this sector, what would you alternative profession be?
I would be working in the Fashion Industry.

Anything else interesting?
We believe that the most important thing for the world is peace. In Japan, there are sayings such as “losing is winning” and “the nail that sticks out gets hammered,” reflecting a mindset of humility and restraint. In today’s divided and chaotic world, we strongly feel that, as Japanese designers, by incorporating the spirit of Japan into our designs, we may create small opportunities to contribute to peace in the world.