Taiju Yamashita

Founder and representative of DRAFT, Taiju Yamashita leads the Taiju Yamashita Design and Architecture. In 2008, DRAFT was established by Taiju, is an architect and designer who excels in various fields, ranging from interior and architectural design to furniture making, with a primary focus on urban environments. With the belief that spaces should be designed around people, Taiju continuously redefines and redesigns urban, architectural, and spatial environments where people are closely involved. Personally overseeing the majority of projects within DRAFT, he collaborates with over 100 skilled designers to execute design plans. In recent years, Taiju has undertaken projects such as MIKAN SHIMOKITA and OCA TOKYO, among others.

Additionally, in 2022, he launched “DAFT about DRAFT,” a product brand embodying his unique perspective, stemming from various projects. The brand made its debut at the Salone del Mobile.Milano the following year, gaining further attention as a brand.

Taiju 's contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Best of Year Awards (2018), SBID International Design Awards Asia winner (2023), and the Nikkei New Office Award, where he received the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award (2023). He is highly esteemed internationally as a young Japanese designer.