MisoSoupDesign was established in New York City in 2004, and has expanded the area of activity in Barcelona, Spain, and Tokyo, Japan. Jan and Nagatomo were the selected researchers for Solar Decathlon Europe 2010 in the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, Barcelona. They dedicate their practice on researching material property, systematic strategy, and re-evaluate functionality. Both being USGBC LEED accredited professionals, they are aware of the direct connection between environment and limited resource, and the concept of their design constantly incorporates new ideas with minimal wasted material. With the aid of digital technology, they began to apply the systematic way of thinking in furniture design, and discover the surprising moment when form meets function.

Daisuke Nagatomo, LEED AP / Partner

Originated from Japan, Daisuke Nagatomo graduated from Meiji University in Tokyo, and decided to pursue his passion of architecture at Columbia University, where he received master degree in advanced architectural design. Daisuke began his career in the metropolitan New York area with architecture firms, including TEN Arquitectos and Design Office for Research and Architecture. He also co-taught graduate studio at Pratt Institute (New York).


Minnie Jan, LEED AP / Partner

Minnie Jan received Bachelor of Architecture from University of Southern California, and she continued to pursue in the field of architecture at Columbia University, where she obtained master degree in 2004. Jan was a designer at FXFOWLE Architects in New York for 3 years, where she concentrated in sustainable building development, including projects in Dubai, India, and Saudi Arabia.

2010  Solar Decathlon Europe Solar house competition - People’s Choice award. Barcelona, Spain.
2009  Japan Taya reform competition. Finalist
2008  Taiwan Far Eastern International Digital Architectural Design Award – Design merit award
2008  OFS Hotseat furniture competition 1st prize winner
2007  ACADIA Architectural competition 1st prize winner
2007  Design Boom Primino Vico Magistretti Furniture Design finalist
2006  Luvo Design - furniture, Honorable mention
2006  Taiwan Far Eastern International Digital Architectural Design Award – semi finalist
2005  Miami Biennalle, Honorable mention
2005  OFS Hotseat Furniture Design – People’s Choice award
2005  Taiwan Far Eastern International Digital Architectural Design Award – semi finalist

2010 England   Wallpaper Magazine, October. Kulms Chair
2010 China    International Design Yearbook. Sherman’s Church Institute
2010 China    Modern Decoration Home Magazine, February. – MisoSoupDesign interview.
2010 Korea    Bob Magazine. Porous Chair
2010 Canada   Azure Magazine , September. Kulms chair.
2010 Germany   Das Magazine, March. K workstation.
2010 India     IA&B Magazine, March. Live pod, prefabricated housing.
2009 France    Maison Francais Magazine, March. Za stool.
2009 Taiwan    New Tectonics. 7th FEIDAD Award – New media school.
2009 Spain    Self-Fab House: 2nd Advanced Architecture Contest. Redefining urban density.
2009 USA     Metropolis Magazine, June. OFS hotseat competition. W Lounge Chair.
2009 Germany   Once Upon a Chair. K workstation, Za stool.
2009 Belgium   Le courrier du bois Magazine. Kulms Chair
2009 Canada   TLC Magazine, May. Porous Chair
2009 Russia    100% Office. K workstation
2009 Mexico    Complot Magazine. K workstation
2009 Netherlands New Product Design. Liquid stone table, Porous chair, Kulms Chair.
2008 Netherlands Frame magazine. Interior Design – softshop
2008 Russia    Tatlin Magazine ACADIA competition 1st prize. New media school
2007 Taiwan    Responsive Volatility. Figure-configure
2006 Taiwan    Distinguishing Digital Architecture : 6th FEIDAD Award
2006 USA     Coney Island: The Parachute Pavilion Competition
2005 Taiwan    Demonstrating Digital Architecture