Akiko Kobayashi

Founder, Akiko Kobayashi

Akiko Kobayashi is an Edinburgh-based Architect who supports a number of third sector and community-led clients such as women’s charities, skills development initiatives and youthwork organisations. Her specific approach to architectural practice is based on whole project advocacy for clients, demystification of the role architects play, and designing ‘loose-fit’ responses to any given challenge. Many of her projects involve self-build elements through a continued working relationship with her feminist building cooperative.

Other previous projects have included facilitation of self-build adventure playgrounds and feasibility studies for clients looking to acquire land and buildings through Community Asset Transfer. Akiko teaches at Strathclyde University, sits on the board of Collective Gallery and is a co-founder of The Architecture Fringe.