About Akanoya
Akanoya is a journal about how buildings are actually made — the engineering beneath the architecture, the discipline of construction quality, and the quiet logic of Japanese design.
The writing here is grounded in real structural-engineering practice. We write plainly, for owners, students and fellow practitioners, about how good buildings are designed, engineered and built to last.
What we cover
- Structure — concrete, steel, foundations, seismic design and construction quality
- Architecture — design, form, material and how buildings perform
- Japanese design — joinery, minimalism and the craft tradition
The engineer behind Akanoya
Akanoya is led by a practising structural engineer who works as an independent consultant on major building projects. He holds two of the field’s most demanding credentials: 技術士 (Gijutsushi) — Professional Engineer of Japan, and the APEC Engineer (Structural) registration recognised across the Asia-Pacific. His project experience spans large-scale residential and commercial developments, where the structural decisions made early are the ones that determine whether a building is safe, durable and worth its cost.
You can review his professional background and credentials directly:
Consulting
Beyond the journal, we take on a limited number of structural-engineering consulting engagements — from reviewing a worrying crack or a renovation, to a second opinion on a structural design. The work is selective and senior-led, and as demand grows it will be formalised into a dedicated consultancy. If you have a project or a question, we would be glad to hear from you.