The Grand Tourist with Dan Rubinstein Shohei Shigematsu: Defining Radicality in Architecture
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Jul 16, 2025 Shohei Shigematsu, Partner at OMA and director of the firm's New York office, shares his journey from growing up in 1980s Japan to shaping cultural landscapes in the U.S. He reveals how his passion for filmmaking fueled his architectural ambitions and highlights his impressive interview with Rem Koolhaas. Shigematsu discusses his innovative expansion of Manhattan's New Museum, emphasizing the transformation of museums into community hubs and the importance of engaging design. His insights reflect a unique blend of heritage, creativity, and societal impact.
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Shohei's OMA Interview Story
- Shohei Shigematsu described his OMA interview as surprisingly unconventional, with Rem Koolhaas asking unexpected questions beyond architecture.
- He was accepted after showing honesty and being memorable to Rem, who valued personality as much as skill.
OMA Values Personality and Precision
- At OMA, personality and diligence mattered as much as design genius, encouraging honest and precise work.
- The firm felt like an extended school where actual projects provided real feedback beyond academia.
Building OMA New York Identity
- After becoming partner and director of OMA New York, Shohei felt he had to build credibility independently from Rem Koolhaas.
- He treated the New York office like a small independent studio, focusing on local engagement and evolving his own style.