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What made you decide to join the company?
In my design practice, I faced many occasions where clients asked me to reduce costs. I do understand that it is important to create buildings that meet their requirements, I became acutely aware that Japanese society is still limited to “energy conservation” as a set of cost-cutting measures. Thus, I wanted to do work that would update social awareness.
I decided to transfer to Woonerf because I thought that through environmental certifications such as LEED, we could communicate the message not only to clients, but also to various people such as designers and constructors, that we must create “sustainable society” rather than “energy-saving architecture.
What is your current job description?
I am providing consulting services as a project manager for a project that is seeking LEED BD+C certification. I am also involved in other tasks such as energy simulation, daylighting simulation, and commissioning required for LEED certification. Although the scope of my work is broad, I am able to grasp the entire LEED process, which is very rewarding.
What are some of your most memorable experience at Woonerf so far?
In a project with the government, I was in charge of a comparative study between the Japanese ZEB and the US ASHRAE standards. Through this kind of work, I realized that not only the private sector but also various stakeholders are beginning to show interests in international environmental certification, and I am certain that the sustainability market will expand further in the future.
What did you do in your previous job?
I worked as a facilities designer for approximately 3.5 years at the company I joined as a new graduate. In my facility design work, I have been involved in projects of diverse uses and sizes, ranging from households to public facilities. I have also been involved in a wide range of other areas, such as conducting environmental simulations and developing roadmaps for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
What have you learned as a student that has helped you in your current job?
At university, I belonged to an environmental laboratory in the architecture department, where I studied the comfort of detached houses utilizing solar heat. It is quite difficult to achieve both energy conservation and comfort, but it was a very interesting topic. The basic knowledge of environmental engineering that I acquired at the university and the knowledge I gained by measuring many houses have been very useful in my current work.
Are there any distortions you felt when you joined the company?
Woonerf is a warmer company than I had imagined. The employees are on an equal footing, and it is very easy to communicate with the coard members. When we proposed a yoga class at the Ichigaya office, it was quickly realized, and now we are able to hold the class regularly once a month in a hybrid format that combines face-to-face and remote sessions. I feel that one of the great attractions of Woonerf is its flexibility, which allows employees' opinions to be reflected promptly.
Please share how you spend your day at work.
I work remotely four days a week and come to the Ichigaya office or satellite office one day a week. I practice a balanced work style, incorporating online yoga and refreshing breaks.
The following is a typical day's schedule.
Starts at 9:00 a.m.
- Check email
- Company-wide morning meeting, team meetings, etc.
12:30-13:30 Lunch break
- Outside meetings
- Prepare documents for application, research, etc.
17:00-18:00
- Online yoga
18:00 End of work
How do you feel about the company and your job?
Woonerf is a great place to work, and I am given the opportunity to actively challenge myself in new areas. With support from colleagues from diverse backgrounds, I feel challenged every day. I am attracted to a corporate culture that encourages my growth.
How you spend your time off
Currently, I spend my weekends studying for the exam to become a first-class architect. Thanks to a work environment that encourages taking annual leaves, I have enough time to study. After obtaining the certification, I plan to enjoy camping and traveling with my colleagues and family.
