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What made you decide to join the company?
I first learned about Woonerf when my current manager—who is also a senior alumnus
from my university—gave a lecture while I was still a student. I was surprised and
genuinely interested to learn that even with a liberal arts background, it’s
possible to work at the intersection of sustainability and architecture.
I’ve always wanted to help create a world that is kind to people, living creatures,
and future generations. I was eager to get involved in sustainability-related work
from my very first year, so I started as an intern and eventually decided to join
the company.
Another deciding factor was the people. During my internship, everyone I worked with
was kind and supportive, and I was inspired by the diverse and fascinating
backgrounds of my colleagues. I felt strongly that this was a place where I wanted
to grow and work together with others.
What is your current job description?
I’m involved in a wide range of work, including LEED O+M certification, WELL
Certification, Living Building Challenge projects, as well as activities with the
marketing team and internal committees.
Although each certification has different evaluation criteria, I often find common
themes across them. Discovering those connections is one of the aspects of my work that
I find especially interesting and rewarding.
What are some of your most memorable experience at Woonerf so far?
The first project where I served as a project manager is particularly memorable.
Taking on project management responsibilities in my first year was honestly
nerve-wracking, and I felt a lot of pressure.
Thanks to the strong support from my manager and colleagues, however, I was able to
deliver high-quality work within a short timeframe. Knowing that the client was
truly satisfied with the outcome made me incredibly happy and gave me a great deal
of confidence.
What have you learned as a student that has helped you in your current job?
From elementary school through high school, I served as a class representative nine
times, which helped me develop skills in bringing people together and working as a team.
I’ve also loved team sports from a young age, and I find that working on projects as a
team feels very similar—and just as enjoyable.
In addition, during my university years, I was involved in launching a tutoring
business. Through that experience, I developed a marketing perspective and strong task
management skills, both of which I find extremely useful in my current role.
Are there any distortions you felt when you joined the company?
Because I had already spent time at the office as an intern and learned a lot about the
company from my manager, I didn’t really feel a gap after joining—laughs.
If anything, I was pleasantly surprised by how approachable everyone is. It’s common for
colleagues to spend time together outside of work, whether it’s going windsurfing,
hiking Mt. Takao, or fishing. That sense of closeness really reflects Woonerf’s culture.
Please share how you spend your day at work.
My day usually starts by checking emails, Microsoft Teams messages, and my to-do list. Most
of my time is spent in internal and external meetings or preparing certification
documents.
As part of the marketing team, I’m also involved in planning and organizing seminars, as
well as participating in them. Through internal committees, I help prepare quarterly reports
for board members and work on the annual environmental management report toward the end of
the fiscal year.
How do you feel about the company and your job?
There’s still so much I don’t know, and every day feels like a learning experience. That
said, at a time when sustainability is becoming increasingly mainstream, I find it
incredibly meaningful to work at a company that is taking on advanced and forward-thinking
initiatives.
While the work can be challenging, Woonerf provides an environment where I can honestly
pursue what I care about. I feel very fulfilled working here.
How you spend your time off
On my days off, I usually finish up household chores and then go out to eat or spend time with friends. I also love traveling—recently, I took paid leave and visited Singapore, Indonesia, and Canada!
Why do you work at Woonerf?
We asked employees.
