Tomoaki Uno
(Japan)
Established in 1990 in Nagoya, Japan, Tomoaki Uno Architects is a practice defined by its deep engagement with the physical act of building. The studio’s guiding concept is the pursuit of “unprecedented ordinary architecture”—work that resists transient spectacle in favor of structural clarity, rigorous detailing, and an uncompromising dedication to material truth.
Primarily focused on private residential architecture, the studio insists that materials—whether wood, concrete, stone, or metal—are used honestly for their inherent properties. Instead of serving as applied finishes, these materials fundamentally act as the working structure. By respecting their true nature, the practice ensures they weather naturally, allowing buildings to age gracefully.
To ensure this level of craft and longevity, the studio fully integrates design, construction, and long-term maintenance—a deeply hands-on approach that guarantees the architecture remains true to its materials over time.
