Atsumu Sakai (酒井 萃), Kazunori Sakai (酒井 一徳). Sakai Architects

Sakai Architects is an architecture firm officially founded in 2014 in Kagoshima, Japan, though its origins trace back to earlier offices established by Atsumu Sakai in 1979. The firm focuses on architectural projects that respond to the climate, culture, and local context, with offices on Amami Island and in Kagoshima City.

Atsumu Sakai (酒井萃) was born in 1950 in Kagoshima, Japan. He graduated in architecture from Nihon University and worked at Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd. In 1979, he founded his own firm, which, after several name changes, became SAKAI ARCHITECTS Co., Ltd. in 2014. As founder and CEO, Sakai leads the firm's creative vision and oversees projects that combine climate-sensitive design with cultural context and everyday life.

Kazunori Sakai (酒井 一徳) was born in 1982 in Kagoshima, Japan. He graduated with a degree in architecture from Hiroshima University and earned a Master of Architecture (M.Arch) from the University of Florida, GSoA. He worked at Atelier TEKUTO and Sakai Architecture Office and was CEO of Shall We Design. Since 2014, he has been CEO and partner of Sakai Architects, contributing international experience and leadership in contemporary projects.