2023 Robert Mosher Lifetime Achievement Award
Kotaro Nakamura’s professional legacy spans over four decades, where he served in the dual roles of highly respected educator of interior architecture at San Diego State University and founding principal in the award-winning firm of Roesling Nakamura Terada Architects, established in 1983. From 2013 to 2019, Kotaro transitioned from educator to director of SDSU’s School of Art and Design.
Kotaro specializes in projects that support community engagements and development. His design philosophy incorporates historical Japanese aesthetics and ideology into evolving strategies for the contemporary built environment along with sustainable and resilient considerations. Kotaro has an extensive knowledge of energy efficiency and environmentally sensitive design methods from his academic environmental engineering and design practice backgrounds. He became an early Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional in 2007.
Kotaro’s academic research has led him to numerous corners of the world studying various types of architectural vernacular responses that have adapted to area-specific climate conditions, available materials, and vernacular tectonics. Kotaro has also done extensive research in Resiliency in Design. In 2011, after the tsunami in his native Japan, and in light of the ever-increasing wildfires here in California, Kotaro’s focus shifted to better understanding resilient design in the face of natural disasters.
This combination of sound design practice with full-time teaching and academic pursuits has been a critical part of Kotaro’s contribution to the education of architectural profession in the community of San Diego.
Currently, in a new role as Chair of the Department of Interior Design at Iowa State University, Kotaro is focusing his efforts on researching and developing innovative solutions to create buildings that are not only resilient to the challenges posed by climate change but also adaptable to the ever-evolving landscape of our world. His work in this critical area underscores his passion for sustainability and his determination to make a positive impact on the future of architecture and our environment.
