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Dr. Kody Kato, founder of ODE, is known for pioneering the design philosophy termed Creative Engineering in architecture. His work has earned him recognition in the 2023 edition of the British Encyclopedia and numerous international accolades. These include the London Design Award, the Shinkenchiku Residential Design Award in Japan, the Best Prize for the Space International Architecture Competition in Seoul, the Energy Pioneer Award and the Award of Excellence in the United States. Dr. Kato's portfolio showcases zero energy, pre fabricated buildings in London, the United States, South Korea, and Kuala Lumpur, all of which are designed through the seamless integration of material science, engineering, architecture, and environmental sustainability. He has also been featured in Wallpaper, the London Evening Standard, FirstClasse Magazine, and other international periodicals.

Dr. Kody Kato

The Origin of ODE's Philosophy

At the age of 19 years old, Dr. Kody Kato developed a design philosophy and approach called Creative Engineering. This vision stemmed from challenges he encountered when attempting to pursue a double major in architecture and engineering at his undergraduate university. Despite being told by the college of admissions department that combining these disciplines was unfeasible for any student, he refused to be confined to a singular focus in architecture. Dr. Kato re-wrote his course syllabus by tailoring it to his innate childhood strengths and interests. He presented this new sustainable architecture design approach to the Dean of the School and to his surprise they embraced his vision. In 2003, Creative Engineering—the integration of architecture, material science, nature, and engineering—was born.

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Since its inception, Dr. Kato has diligently refined the essence of Creative Engineering through experiences under the mentorship of Dr. Ken Yeang in Kuala Lumpur, Yasuyori Yada (Arata Isozaki's office), Hyoung-june Park (MIT; Board Member of Architectural Intelligence), and Byoung Soo Cho, director of BCHO Architects and a former GSD faculty member at Harvard University.

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