Blog | Yamada Architecture | Kyoto-California

Light-Frame Construction in Japan

Only about 20% of new timber-framed houses in Japan are of light-frame construction, which is North America's most common structural...

Trip to Tokyo

Seeing a friend after 30+ years, early inspirational architecture experiences, a review of "Next Architecture of Japan" panel discussion

50-year Test

Rohm Theater Kyoto, one of the great works of Modernism architecture in Japan is actually within walking distance from YA's office. This...

"Japanese Culture" According to Kyoto

In 2023 the Government of Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs was relocated to Kyoto from Tokyo. This event seems to enhance Kyoto's...

A Different Kind of Dimensioning Goes A Long Way

YA is based in Kyoto, a city with wealth of beautiful things that have transcend hundreds of years. As an architect we often wonder what...

Lafayette Library & Learning Center

A web article on Lafayette Library & Learning Center, YA's principal Shinya Yamada's previous work while at KFA Architecture was recently...

SCI-Arc Design Studio Visiting Critic

Recently YA's Shinya Yamada visited Los Anegeles and served as a visiting critic for the final review of a design studio class taught by...

An Invitation in Disguise

Recently I had a chance to visit this nearly 100-year old building designed by Keiichi Morita, the architect who initiated a field of...

Machiya Renovation Tip (2)

Looking for Machiya to renovate? Worried about its conditions? Before deciding on a property, consult with your architect to make a...

University of Maryland Lecture

Recently YA's Shinya Yamada gave a guest lecture to a group of architecture/planning/preservation students from the University of...

Learning from California Wabi Architecture

Are the expensive Japanese sukiya style details and materials essential to the wabi aesthetics? Kings Road House seems to suggest otherwise.

Design for Neuro-Diversity (2): Lighting

Lighting tips for all including those who have autistic spectrum disorder. How to address the flickering of artificial lights?

Machiya Renovation Tip (1)

Renovating Machiya often involves removal of the existing walls & posts. But what about the seismic safety? It can be addressed by...

Design for Neuro-Diversity (1): Understanding ND Clients' Sensory Worlds

Whether it is a house or a daycare center, if a project is serving neuro-divergent (ND) clients—those who have autistic spectrum disorder...

Reminded by Corn Tortilla

Pro Bono collaboration work: A community garden revitalization project in Pico-Union neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Clients

Architects serve project owners directly, but building users and other stakeholders are also indirectly served through architectural design

Thoughts on Architecture

Seeing the beauty of grand nature can open up one's mind and allow one to feel at ease. Personally, I had the most memorable instance of...