FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FOR ODE

Q: What is the Office for Design Evolution (ODE)?
A: ODE is an architecture and design firm based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, founded by Dr. Kody Kato. The firm specialises in Creative Engineering©, a design approach that blends sustainable architecture, material science and engineering, evolutionary biology and environmental considerations to create sustainable, innovative, zero energy building designs.

Q: What is Creative Engineering?
A: Creative Engineering is ODE’s unique design philosophy that combines sustainable architecture, and engineering to create high-performance buildings that are environmentally responsive. This multidisciplinary approach creates high-performance, zero energy buildings designed dynamically to their surroundings.

Q: Who is Dr. Kody Kato?
A: Dr. Kody Kato is the founder of ODE and a Doctor of Architecture with a background in performance-oriented design, structural engineering, and mathematical biology. With over 15 years of international experience, he has developed Creative Engineering by combining his research and practical experience in various fields.

Q: What types of projects does ODE work on?
A: ODE has experience in a wide range of projects, including residential homes, offices, museums, symphony halls, bridges, exhibition spaces and more. Their work often focuses on integrating natural elements, innovative materials and sustainable architecture practices.

Q: What sets ODE’s architecture apart from others?
A: ODE’s sustainable architecture is distinguished by its use of alternative and recycled materials, sustainable building design practices, and a commitment to creating zero energy buildings. Their unique approach combines architectural aesthetics with functional engineering, making every project environmentally conscious and innovative.

Q: Can you describe a notable project by ODE?
A: One of ODE’s standout projects is the green Take-en Omakase Restaurant, recognised among the Top 20 Design Awards by ArchDaily in 2023. This project exemplifies the firm’s commitment to using alternative, green materials—in this case, recycled bamboo—to create spaces that are both innovative and sustainable.

Q: What kind of interior design services does ODE offer?
A: ODE’s interior design services focus on the holistic user experience, incorporating natural elements like daylight and ventilation, and considering the sensory aspects of spaces. Their approach involves meticulous attention to materials and spatial qualities to enhance how people interact with their environment.

Q: How does ODE approach environmental design?
A: ODE places a strong emphasis on environmental design by incorporating analyses like wind and sun studies into their planning. This approach helps create energy-efficient architecture that adapts to natural surroundings, embodying sustainable building strategies, furthering ODE’s goal of sustainable architecture.

Q: What awards has ODE received?
A: ODE and Dr. Kato have received numerous prestigious awards, including the 2018 London Design Award for the Beyond Surface project and the Best Prize in the 2010 International Space Architecture Design Competition for Liberated Memories. These awards highlight ODE’s innovative approach and international recognition.

Q: Has ODE been featured in any publications?
A: Yes, ODE’s work has been widely published in prominent architecture publications, including ArchDaily, APAC Entrepreneur Magazine, Wallpaper* and FuturArc Magazine. These features showcase the firm’s groundbreaking projects and design philosophy, bringing their work to a global audience.

Q: How can I contact ODE for a project or collaboration?
A: You can contact our architecture firm through their website’s contact form, call them at +603-2095 1233, or visit their office at the Syed Kechik Building in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. They welcome inquiries about new projects, sustainable architecture collaboration or consultation.

ODE is an architecture and design firm based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, founded by Dr. Kody Kato. The firm specialises in Creative Engineering©, a design approach that blends sustainable architecture, material science and engineering, evolutionary biology and environmental considerations to create sustainable, innovative, zero energy building designs.

Creative Engineering is ODE’s unique design philosophy that combines sustainable architecture, and engineering to create high-performance buildings that are environmentally responsive. This multidisciplinary approach creates high-performance, zero energy buildings designed dynamically to their surroundings.

Dr. Kody Kato is the founder of ODE and a Doctor of Architecture with a background in performance-oriented design, structural engineering, and mathematical biology. With over 15 years of international experience, he has developed Creative Engineering by combining his research and practical experience in various fields.

ODE has experience in a wide range of projects, including residential homes, offices, museums, symphony halls, bridges, exhibition spaces and more. Their work often focuses on integrating natural elements, innovative materials and sustainable architecture practices.

ODE’s sustainable architecture is distinguished by its use of alternative and recycled materials, sustainable building design practices, and a commitment to creating zero energy buildings. Their unique approach combines architectural aesthetics with functional engineering, making every project environmentally conscious and innovative.

One of ODE’s standout projects is the green Take-en Omakase Restaurant, recognised among the Top 20 Design Awards by ArchDaily in 2023. This project exemplifies the firm’s commitment to using alternative, green materials—in this case, recycled bamboo—to create spaces that are both innovative and sustainable.

ODE’s interior design services focus on the holistic user experience, incorporating natural elements like daylight and ventilation, and considering the sensory aspects of spaces. Their approach involves meticulous attention to materials and spatial qualities to enhance how people interact with their environment.

ODE places a strong emphasis on environmental design by incorporating analyses like wind and sun studies into their planning. This approach helps create energy-efficient architecture that adapts to natural surroundings, embodying sustainable building strategies, furthering ODE’s goal of sustainable architecture.

ODE and Dr. Kato have received numerous prestigious awards, including the 2018 London Design Award for the Beyond Surface project and the Best Prize in the 2010 International Space Architecture Design Competition for Liberated Memories. These awards highlight ODE’s innovative approach and international recognition.

Yes, ODE’s work has been widely published in prominent architecture publications, including ArchDaily, APAC Entrepreneur Magazine, Wallpaper* and FuturArc Magazine. These features showcase the firm’s groundbreaking projects and design philosophy, bringing their work to a global audience.

You can contact our architecture firm through their website’s contact form, call them at +603-2095 1233, or visit their office at the Syed Kechik Building in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. They welcome inquiries about new projects, sustainable architecture collaboration or consultation.