Meghan Costello // Shigeru Ban Architects (SBA)

Tell us about your PRP firm. Where are you working?
I’m working at the Tokyo office of Shigeru Ban Architects (SBA). The firm is mid-sized with about 30 employees and works on a wide range of projects at varying scales.

What is currently on your desk? What are you working on?
I’m currently working on a hotel in downtown Tokyo. The site is extremely small, so it’s been a challenge to balance the overall design gesture with the size constraints of the lot. I’m currently 3D-modeling the design so we can test different finishes and facade treatments before the client presentation.

Describe the firm culture? The office atmosphere?
SBA is intense in a good way. You can tell that everyone really loves design and gets excited about the work that’s being done. The days are quite long compared to a typical workday in the U.S. but I’ve adjusted well and enjoy my new routine.

What is the first thing you'll tell your classmates upon your return to UT?
Try to travel someplace new for PRP! I’ve always dreamed about working for a Japanese firm so landing this job was the push I needed to finally pack my bags (and double down on studying the language). It’s been endlessly rewarding, and I am so glad I took the leap.

As you’re finishing up the week, what are your plans for this weekend?
It’s a long weekend so I am traveling to Hiroshima! I’m visiting the SIMOSE Art Museum, a sprawling project SBA completed in 2023. I also plan on spending time on Miyajima Island and visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial—both places I last visited as a toddler on my first journey to Japan!