Originally from Japan, Takeshi studied architecture at Musashino Art University in Tokyo and Architectural Association in London. He is a qualified architect with 25 years of working experience in the UK who set up his own practice Hayatsu Architects in 2017 after working at 6a architects as a Director. In that time, he worked predominantly on cultural, public and educational buildings with an emphasis on working within historic contexts. Takeshi also sits on the Design Review Panel for Harrow Council, London. 

He is currently teaching as a senior lecturer and runs a post graduate design studio at Kingston University, with a particular emphasis on the local production and community engagement through making and construction. He also conducts annual building schools in Lake District and Japan with Grizedale Arts. 

Ethan is a RIBA Part 2 architectural assistant with over 3 years of experience in practices in London and Hong Kong. He has worked on public realm and housing projects at varying scales before joining Hayatsu Architects, where he is involved in the technical design and construction stages of a major refurbishment of a public house for Lewisham Council and a private residential project. He is currently involved in the concept design stages of an ecologically and community-driven public realm project for New Malden’s town centre. 

Ethan shares Hayatsu Architects’ interest in exploring local craft and social histories, developing on his research interests in the cultural histories of the landscape garden and spatial agency during his time at university.

Prior to his current role, Nathan worked for Falmouth-based Social Designs CIC, together focussing on community projects, participatory design and ‘true-sustainability’ using reclaimed materials. After graduating from Falmouth University in 2022 his final year work received institutional, regional and international awards and has been exhibited at the RWA, the RIBA, the Royal Academy of Arts.

He is interested in the deep reading of places, their hidden stories and narratives and the people who inhabit them. He takes joy in this dialogue, discovery and collaboration, and has been heavily involved throughout all stages of exhibition designs at the William Morris Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts, as well as ongoing public and heritage projects.