It must be an architect thing but when i travel , i always want to see how other studios work. I want to learn what their studios look like , how they interact with clients etc.
Architects have a reputation (based on an older generation) to be rather inaccessible but in my experience, all many of us want to do is to understand how you live, know what your future plans are and help you find a way to shape your home in a way which fits.
During our visit to Tokuyama, while we looked around for a place to eat, we came across Onomichi Design Office a studio of architecture which provided the friendliest face to the street I have seen for a while. Their office is separated from the street by a clear plastic sliding facade which lets you see the heart of the studio which is beautiful.
Back in London, I looked them up and discovered, that they are run by Michie Ono, a female architect. For those who are not familiar with our profession, a female architect led studio is rare... and even more rare in Japan.
Do look them up if you have time because they have some lovely projects.
