Richard David Nelson serves as a Partner at Kengo Kuma & Associates, an architectural practice located in the heart of Tokyo, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, with its influence extending through offices in Paris, China, and South Korea. His strategic leadership has been crucial in the development and execution of a diverse range of significant projects on a global scale. Richard’s expertise is most pronounced in designing spaces for hospitality, public gatherings, and cultural venues, with a project footprint that stretches from the United States to Southeast Asia and the Gulf Region and the Middle East.
Beginning his career in the detailed realm of artisanal furniture creation, Richard has risen to larger scales and developments in architectural innovation across the globe. This journey of 20 plus years of experience has seen him refine a design philosophy centered on the principles of simplicity, harmony with nature, and minimalism.
Richard’s work pays tribute to the timeless integration of traditional craftsmanship with the advancements of modern sustainable design and the forefront of computational manufacturing. He is a proponent of creating human centered spaces that foster a bio-sensitive equilibrium with the natural environment, designing places that are in dialogue with nature and deeply resonate with the human experience.