Shohei Kawanaka approaches architecture with a vision that bridges local communities and the global stage. From his early roots in Shimane and Tottori to his current research across the Asia-Pacific, he is rethinking how timber can shape a more sustainable future. For him, wood is more than a material—it is part of a larger flow that connects forests, economies, and the built environment.

In his doctoral research at the University of Tokyo, Shohei has developed a mathematical model that maps timber’s journey from forest to building, measured across three dimensions: volume, economics, and environmental impact. This work informs his teaching as an Assistant Professor at Yonago National College of Technology, where he trains the next generation of architects to think critically about design and sustainability. He also serves as a Visiting Associate Professor at Shibaura Institute of Technology’s Sustainable Architecture Center and as an advisor at K.I. Architects, supporting projects that strengthen regional design practices.

Shohei’s portfolio spans both academic research and practical design. He has worked on community-rooted projects such as CLT-built tea houses and nurseries, while also conducting field studies on timber architecture in Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. His efforts to promote the use of local timber and bring transparency to supply chains have gained attention from academic, government, and industry circles alike.

Looking ahead, he aims to build a network of researchers across the Asia-Pacific, sharing knowledge and practice to expand the role of timber in sustainable architecture worldwide.