KOKO Architecture + Design is a creative partnership established in 2000 by the husband and wife team of Adam Weintraub and Mishi Hosono. The world of KOKO encompasses architecture and interior design, as well as furniture, textile, and industrial design.
In addition to its substantial portfolio in residential and commercial architecture and interiors, KOKO specializes in the design of early childhood education and children’s spaces and interiors. KOKO’s overall design philosophy is rooted in the essential idea of “PLAY”. Their design investigations into the world of children informs all of the projects in KOKO’s studio. As Mishi Hosono states, “The freedom we find in children’s artwork is a constant inspiration. By questioning our work with this innocent perspective, we expand our boundaries and discover new approaches toward architecture and design.”
KOKO’s children’s portfolio includes interactive museum spaces, playgrounds, libraries, toy and furniture design, early childhood learning centers, and STEM and music educational facilities.
KOKO believes strongly in sharing with the community, and lectures and leads workshops in Manhattan and internationally, including notable presentations for the Cooper Hewitt Museum, the Scandinavia House, the New York Institute of Technology, and the Japan Society.
MISHI HOSONO
Mishi’s diverse professional background extends from ancient Tokyo to modern New York. Growing up in an international school in Tokyo, she formed an early interest in the divergent cultures of her classmates. Through her undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania, she was further able to build on her multicultural experiences and apply this to architecture. Her international work experiences include projects in Tokyo, Vienna, London, Paris, and Berlin. Prior to establishing Koko A+ D, Mishi worked in the Tokyo offices of Team Zoo and Edward Suzuki. Her design experience in New York includes stints in both Peter Marino Architects as well as Tsao & McKown Architects. An Associate Professor at the New York Institute of Technology, she teaches in the Japan Summer Studio. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is licensed in the State of New York.
ADAM WEINTRAUB
Originally from suburban Detroit, Adam contributes extensive academic and construction experience to the KOKO team. At Harvard College, Adam combined environmental design with developmental psychology for his thesis work in designing interactive spaces for visually impaired children. Following graduation, he was awarded the prestigious Shaw Traveling Fellowship, granting him a year of research on children’s learning environments and play spaces throughout Europe and Asia. He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania well as licenses in both New York and Illinois. He also teaches Urban Design and Global History of Architecture as an Associate Professor at the New York Institute of Technology since 2010. Adam's extensive collection of chairs has gradually taken over both his home and studio.