Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge competition participant - Mikina Ito

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the participant of our "Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge" competition – Mikina Ito from United States!

Mikina Ito

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

I studied at Waseda University in Tokyo and the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. I am currently working for an architectural firm in LA.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

My company works on projects of various scales, ranging from a cup to a city. My studio focuses on residential and hospitality projects. It is a multidisciplinary firm where we integrate architecture, interior design, and landscape design.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

I believe architecture provides spaces for people to meet and interact. Good architecture can influence people's behavior and subtly shift their perspectives on the world.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

My daily work mainly involves documentation and coordination. Participating in competitions allows me to focus on the conceptual phase and continually explore what architecture can contribute to the world.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

Your design skills won’t improve unless you keep challenging yourself. There were competitions I started but couldn’t complete, yet through the process, I became better and faster at generating ideas and preparing materials. Competitions also offer a great opportunity to think about architecture in new contexts.