Mason Minute with Takako Daros

Takako Daros was one of Mason Studio’s awesome interns over summer 2023. She is currently in her fourth year at Toronto Metropolitan University. While at Mason Studio, Takako developed her confidence and professional mindset by immersing herself in several projects, collaborating with the design teams and gaining hands-on experience.

Born in Sapporo, Japan and based in Toronto, Takako is particularly passionate about the beauty of imperfections through various materials.* “They add character, depth, and a unique quality to spaces, making them feel authentic and rich in history while reducing waste in the design industry,” Takako adds.*Italic text

Read on below to learn more about Takako’s design journey. Follow Takako on Instagram (@takakodaros)

My personal floorplan for design: comes from exposure to different cultures. I have deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity by travelling domestically and abroad to cities and towns and seeing natural landscapes; moving to Canada from Japan further allows me to see daily life from a new perspective as a minority. All these experiences drive me to create spaces that embrace inclusivity and prioritize the well-being of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

I am passionate about: the beauty of imperfections such as wood knots, irregular pattern stones, and sacred leather. They add character, depth, and a unique quality to spaces, making them feel authentic and rich in history while reducing waste in the design industry.

A design idea that I want to explore further is: sensory-rich design by carefully curating tactile, auditory, and olfactory experiences in environments that are inviting and enriching to individuals.

Design has taught me: to empathize with the end-users, understanding their needs, desires, and emotions. This human-centered approach extends to my daily life; I discover unique details, textures, and nuances that often go unnoticed by others.

Design creates a sense of community – here is a moment where it resonated most: I used to go to the Toronto Reference Library when I came to Toronto, feeling alienated in this country, but the library was my sanctuary then. The well-designed library is an important anchor in individuals' lives, offering access to knowledge together with a sense of belonging and connection to the community, even in a new and unfamiliar place.

A hobby of mine includes: going to art museums and galleries; It's a beautiful way to feed my curiosity, find inspiration, and nourish my soul. I'll enjoy my continued journeys through the world of art!