Meet Audrey Sato | Architect

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

Hi Audrey, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve been drawn to creativity and expression since I was a young child, whether it was through art, writing, or music. I think this is just a core part of who I am.
But when I entered college, I actually started out as Pre-Med, with a visual arts major. I wanted to pursue a career where I could help people and feel passionate about my job. Yet, I couldn’t let go of my creative nature and pursued art at the same time. During my sophomore year, as part of my art major, I took a class on modern architecture and instantly fell in love. There really was no question from that point forward; architecture was the perfect career for me. I was excited about the opportunity to apply my artistic nature in a practical and empathetic way, to create buildings that would make the world a brighter place.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
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 minimize the stressful aspects of the process.

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. We use our architectural expertise to translate our clients’ thoughts and desires into bespoke designs that are both functional and beautiful.

In addition to standard services, our principal architect, Audrey Sato, has expertise in sustainable design and historic preservation. We believe that it’s more important than ever to bring sustainability and resilience into our work.

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?
If they are into architecture, I would take them to see the many architectural gems in our city: the Stahl House, the Eames House, Neutra VDL House, the Kings Road House, and an LA Conservancy walking tour. Depending on the season, we’d go to see a concert at the Hollywood Bowl or the Disney Concert Hall, grabbing some Sonoratown on the way. We’d also take a picnic from Pine and Crane or Perilla to the Barnsdall Art Park, and grab a Bay Cities sandwich and head to the beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success is absolutely due to my relationships and support networks.
First and foremost, I have a wonderful partner who makes it possible to have a small business and a family.
Secondly, my work requires a strong team. The contractors, engineers, landscape architects, clients, and my team members all play vital parts in each project. We lean on each other and work together with a common goal: to build the best project possible. We’re constantly learning from each other, which is an exciting work environment to be in.
Lastly, I lean heavily on my architecture community for support. Whether it’s colleagues from Cal Poly Pomona or my support network at AWA+D (the Association for Women in Architecture and Design), I have always had a supportive community of architects and designers around me.

Website: https://www.satoarchitects.com

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

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

Image Credits
Here and Now Agency
Brandon Shigeta