FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ODE is an architecture firm based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that was founded by Dr. Kody Kato. The firm specializes in Creative Engineering, a design approach that blends architecture, material science, evolutionary biology and the environment to create sustainable buildings.
Creative Engineering is ODE’s unique design philosophy that integrates architecture, engineering, material science, evolutionary biology, and environmental science from the start of the design process. This multidisciplinary approach creates high-performance, eco-friendly structures that respond to their surroundings.
Dr. Kody Kato is the founder of ODE and received a Doctor of Architecture with a focus 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 design practices.
ODE’s designs are driven by their Creative Engineering approach, which uses low carbon or recycled materials, sustainable design practices and a commitment toward zero energy buildings.
ODE’s Beyond Surface project received a London Design Award. This project exemplifies the firm’s commitment to using alternative, eco-friendly materials 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 buildings that are energy-efficient and responsive to their natural surroundings, furthering ODE’s goal of sustainable architecture.
ODE and Dr. Kato have received numerous international accolades. Among these are a London Design Award for their Beyond Surface project in 2018 and being named ArchDaily’s top 20 international design awards in 2023. Their work on Liberated Memories also earned them the Best Prize at the 2010 International Space Architecture Design Competition in Seoul.
Yes, ODE’s work has been published in industry-leading outlets, including ArchDaily, the British Encyclopedia, APAC Entrepreneur Magazine, Wallpaper* and FuturArc Magazine. These features showcase the firm’s projects and design philosophy, bringing their work to a global audience.
You can contact ODE through their website’s contact form, call them at +603-2095 1233, or visit their office, which is located on the 8th Floor of the Syed Kechik Building in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. They welcome inquiries about new projects, collaborations and general questions about their services.