Meet Audrey Sato | Principal Architect of Sato Architects, Inc. & Mother

We had the good fortune of connecting with Audrey Sato and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Audrey, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I first started my own business over 12 years ago, we were still in the recession, and I supplemented my business income with other sources, such as teaching architecture at Cal Poly Pomona. As you can imagine, working in this way meant I was working a lot more than 40 hours a week! I think it’s natural for a young business owner to feel pressure to work hard and “say yes” to everything that comes their way.

While I don’t regret this early effort, it took time to really understand the personal cost of focusing so intensely on my work. With time, I was able to establish my business and my reputation, and I realized that I no longer had to say yes to everything and worry about whether I would have future clients. Rather, I started maintaining a wait-list for new clients! This shift in my mindset started when I gained confidence in my abilities as a business owner and architect, and I really understood the unique value I was offering my clients.

My focus on work-life balance was cemented when I became pregnant with my daughter. I had to plan for my own maternity leave and prioritize my own health! It was at this point where I realized that I needed to be even more intentional about the work I accepted, and the expectations I set for myself. My outlook is now much more strategic, to control what I can in order to maintain balance, and to be strategic about periods of professional growth, knowing that it will have an impact on my personal life. My goal is to design a life that is fulfilling, and not overwhelming, so that I can fully appreciate each aspect of my life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Sato Architects, Inc. provides full architectural services through an intentional, thoughtful process that is centered around our client’s needs. When a client is starting a construction project, whether it’s a home remodel, a new building, or an outdoor classroom, it generally marks a milestone in their lives and is a cause for celebration. We bring both creativity and pragmatism to the process to ensure that our designs bring our clients joy while keeping the project firmly grounded in the reality of budgets, codes, and other mundane yet vitally important factors. Construction can be stressful, and our approach is designed to help minimize the stress.

We have heard that our process is unique because we like to involve our clients in the design process, and we value their feedback and collaboration. Listening to our clients is a key element in our design process, and this is why we have a thriving business. We use our architectural expertise to translate our clients’ thoughts and desires into bespoke designs that are both functional and beautiful.

We recently completed a sustainable home addition that used innovative materials, such as siding made of recycled paper and decking made of bamboo. As awareness of green building design continues to increase, we look forward to working with more clients who have the same commitment to sustainability. It’s exciting to work toward a better future.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Visit to the LaBrea Tarpits and LACMA for a jazz concert Friday night with tacos from Sonoratown

A Hollywood Bowl concert (or a concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, depending on the season). If we’re going to the Bowl, of course we’d pack a picnic! Maybe a pizza from Triple Beam, or a sandwich from Bay Cities Deli.

Brunch and pastries from Republique

Arts District outing: A meal at Manuela, browsing the galleries at Hauser and Wirth, and walking around the art’s district. Perhaps we’ll meander over the new 6th Street Viaduct, or to Little Tokyo, if there’s time.

Korean food in K-Town, before and after a trip to a Korean spa (with a viewing of Conan O’Brien’s experience on You Tube for a good laugh)

Third Street Promenade + Santa Monica Farmer’s Market

A beach day at the Annenberg Beach House

Chori-man burrito picnic at the Korean Friendship Bell

If they’re fans of architecture: a picnic next to the Hollyhock House and/or Eames House, and a tour of the Stahl House

I would definitely check out KCRW’s events calendar for concerts and the Los Angeles Conservancy’s calendar for walking tours

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shout out to the Association for Women in Architecture and Design (AWA+D). I’ve gained so much support professionally, and formed so many meaningful relationships through this organization. I definitely would not be the same person without this group of phenomenal people!

Website: www.audreysato.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audreysatodesigns/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyksato/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audreysatodesigns/

Image Credits
Brandon Shigeta, Here and Now Agency