Aarif Ahmad // SANAA

Tell us about your PRP firm. Where are you working?
I am working at SANAA in Tokyo. The office has projects in Japan and internationally, from museums and houses to furniture and objects.

Do you enjoy the city you’re working in? What are your favorite aspects?
I love the vibrance of Tokyo. There is an endless list of shops, restaurants and culture to see. Beyond Tokyo, it is easy to explore Japan simply by taking the train; Places like Kyoto, Kanazawa and Naoshima are very accessible for a weekend trip.

What is currently on your desk? What are you working on?
I have my computer and many papers on my desk, in the form of text and drawings, but also physical models. Today I'm studying a large bowl of water, exploring the shape, proportion and material, as well as how the water behaves. I also have a bowl on my desk made by a ceramics artist that I purchased from Moriyama House — some volumes feature rotating galleries.

Describe the firm culture. What is the office atmosphere?
The office environment is highly collaborative. People are constantly in conversation, working together to resolve issues of design, construction, and many more topics. The energy is very high and positive, and each day is varied and exciting.

What is the first thing you'll tell your classmates upon your return to UT? 
I hope to share the places I visited! UTSOA students went all over the world, and I'm excited to see what they got up to.

As you’re finishing up the week, what are your plans for this weekend?
This weekend I'll take a road trip to Karuizawa. We'll see works by Ryue Nishizawa and Hiroshi Hara and maybe visit some houses as well. One of my friends has a talent for knocking on doors and getting a tour of famous residential projects, so we’ll see where his talents take us.