About Koko Architecture + Design Graphic Design company in New York, United States
is a creative partnership established by the husband and wife team of Adam Weintraub and Mishi Hosono. The Studio founded in 2000 gives them the opportunity to formally combine their diverse backgrounds and extensive experience in a multi-disciplinary design forum. While centered on architecture Koko Studio will also encompass interior furniture textile and product design.
The Studio was named as one of ten ’faces of the future’ by the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter. A film presenting recent projects by Koko was featured in the New York Center for Architecture. Their work was awarded the prestigious International Will Ching Award for Interior Design by the IIDA.
Koko Architecture + Design is dedicated to the ideal that design has the ability to improve our lives. While specialization within a discipline has its role the studio is committed to design in the widest possible sense: From the bend of an elevated railway to the curve of a playground slide.
boasts a background that extends from ancient Tokyo to modern New York. Growing up in an international school in Tokyo she fostered an interest in the various cultures of her classmates. Through her graduate and undergraduate work at the University of Pennsylvania she was further able to build on her unusual history. Prior to establishing Koko A+ D Mishi worked in the Tokyo offices of Team Zoo and Edward Suzuki. Her design experience in New York includes stints in both Peter Marino Architects as well as Tsao amp; McKown Architects. An Associate Professor at New York Institute of Technology she teaches in the Japan Summer Studio. She is a member of the American institute of Architects and is licensed in the State of New York. Mishi#39;s obsession with color food and photographs of her daughters is well known by her friends on social media.
a native of suburban Detroit contributes extensive academic and construction experiences to the team. A childhood spent on Saarinen#39;s Cranbrook campus in Michigan fostered an early belief in the power of architecture and design. Following his bachelors degree from Harvard University he was awarded the Shaw Traveling fellowship enabling him to study architecture around the world. He holds a Masters degree from the University of Pennsylvania as well as licenses in both New York and Illinois. He has also taught Urban Design as an Associate Professor at the New York Institute of Technology. Adam#39;s extensive collection of chairs is gradually taking over both his home and studio.
Eiko Sakai offers her unusual academic and artistic experiences to the studio. She holds architecture degrees from both Tokyo University and the University of Pennsylvania. Her digital drawings have been published and exhibited in the Guggenheim Museum of Art. As a translator her work includes several books for the Noguchi Museum as well as a translation of Richard Plunz#39;s A History of Housing in New York City. Eiko#39;s previous design work includes the transformation of a retired Staten Island ferryboat into a floating entertainment complex stationed in Tokyo and Hong Kong Bay. She was also a designer in Frank Gehry#39;s Los Angeles office where she helped develop the schematic plans for the Walt Disney Concert Hall. When her daughter goes to sleep Eiko pulls out her keyboard to silently practice piano.
having spent a summer with the studio as an intern Patrick returned to Koko upon completing his Masters of Architecture at the Cranbrook Academy of Art. His Masters#39; thesis examined experimental methods of concrete construction. After receiving his B. Arch degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University he worked on various projects in Washington DC Boston and New York. He has extensive teaching experience: having taught design amp; drawing courses at the Boston Architectural Center Lawrence Technological University and Cranbrook. Patrick is the captain of the Koko softball team and hopes to recruit at least one more architect in our office to join him.
Maasa#39;s unexpected route to Koko began with a law degree from Keio University and work experience in precious metal trading. From Japan she headed to Harvard University for a Masters in Architecture from the GSD. Her graduate thesis examined spatial interaction through creative play in designs for a children#39;s center. Her international academic background is matched by her work experience in Japan Spain and the United States. She has also contributed her editing and language skills at A+U in Tokyo. When she is not drawing at the computer Maasa practices Japanese house dance at the Exile Dance Studio in the East Village.
The most recent addition to the Koko team Mel#39;s heart is in her native home of Ireland although she#39;s currently enjoying the new pace of life in New York City. Holding a Master of Architecture from University College Dublin her graduate thesis examined the reinvigoration of a rural town through the introduction of an agricultural college - fusing together her love of craft and nature - and earning her a Heritage Council research award. A firm believer in travel Mel spent several years working in Australia and studying in the University of Melbourne where she expanded her professional experience and interest in sustainable thinking and holistic design approach. A lover of food sunshine and chocolate Mel#39;s latest personal project has her collecting and drying used tea bags for an art piece.
Paula Grullon acts as administrative assistant and bookkeeper for the Koko studio. Prior experience includes work at Tsao McKown Architects. Having lived in New York City for over 29 years Paula is the closest thing we have to a real New Yorker.
KEEP UP WITH KOKO