TOBA Soichiro| TPOD

TOBA Soichiro / the Power of Design Co. Ltd., Principal

Principal / Architect

Professional Qualification Registered Architect in Singapore, No. 2439
Registered Architect in APEC, No. JP00666
First-class architect in Japan, No. 229580

Member of Organizations The Japan Institute of Architects (JIA)
Japan Federation of Architects & Building Engineers Associations
Architectural Design Association of Nippon (ADAN)
Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA)

Message

It was when I was a primary school pupil that I firstly experienced architecture. The inaugural ceremony of Japan EXPO’70 had been broadcasted throughout Japan and I saw a middle-aged man, walking on the mysterious large roof made of plastic cloth that swells softly, started to talk about the future city to the audience. I was extremely stimulated by the atmosphere with much expectation to the coming future. Many years later I had finally realized the man was a Japanese architect, Arata Isozaki.

After becoming an architect, the encounter with HSBC Headquarter Building in Hong Kong was a turning point of my career. The huge atrium sheltered by the spaceship-like exterior shocked myself hugely and I was thrilled to the space and people in solemn yet passionate atmosphere.

Architecture is a tool for living and not an art. Through my career at Japan, USA and Singapore, I fortunately experienced some developments and projects with much social influence. Therefore, I strongly believe that the architecture in urban design has a power to drive people and city to a better way of living.

I am looking forward to encounter your dream to realize. Collaborating with young talented designers beyond the border of organization, country and culture, my mission is to bring you light of hope by the power of design.

Back to Member ListBack to Member List

Biography

He is an internationally experienced architect with numbers of award-winning projects. He started his career at Akamatsu Sugano Kenchiku Jimusho, an architectural design practice, after accomplishing Bachelor of Architecture from Nihon University. The turning point of his career came with moving to USA to achieve Master of Architecture from Clemson University Graduate School, where he established his own theory of architectural design. He participated in various significant projects at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei and educated young architects for the next generation. His major achievement is work on Grand Front Osaka and Shin Marunouchi Building. In 2020 he founded the Power of Design in Kyoto and Singapore, leading young designers worldwide.

Business experience: 33 years (as of Sept 2020)

2020: Established the Power of Design. Co. Ltd.
2016: Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Asia. PTE. Ltd.
2013: Singapore Office, Overseas Project Office, Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Inc.
2005: Osaka Branch, Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Inc.
2001: Joined Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei Inc.
2000: Joined Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
2000: Master of Architecture, Clemson University Graduate School
1995: Established Soichi Toba Architectural Office
1988: Temporary transfer to Real Estate Division, Yasuda Trust and Banking Company, Limited
1986: Joined Akamatsu Sugano Kenchiku Jimusho (Architectural Design Practice)
1982: Bachelor of Architecture, Nihon University, Japan

Awards

Grand Front Osaka
2015: The Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) Architects of the Year 2015
2014: The 34th time Osaka Cityscape Architectural Award
2014: The 4th time Osaka Landscape Award
2014: Design Award for Light and Lighting 2014
2013: Casbee Osaka of the Year 2013
(Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency)

Shin-Marunouchi Building
2009: The 50th Building Contractors Society (BCS) Prize
2009: IBEC Sustainable Architecture Award
(Institute for Building Environment and Energy Conservation)
2009: The 8th Roof, Walls, Special Greening Technology Contest Special Jury Prize (OLUGI)
2008: Architects of the Year 2008 (The Japan Institute of Architects)
2007: Good lighting Award (The Illuminating Engineering Institute of Japan)
2007: Good Design Award (Japan Institute of Design Promotion)
2007: The 14th Japan Association for Real Estate Sciences (JARES) Prize

Citadines Karasumaru-Gojo Kyoto
2012: Kyoto Scenic Beauty Award, Outdoor Advertisement Category, Mayorʼs Prize

Back to Member ListBack to Member List