Hiro Odaira was born in Niigata, Japan, later moving to Tokyo as a student. After graduating from Nihon University and Tokyo Designers' College with degrees in Engineering (B.A.) and Architectural Design respectively, Hiro Odaira was employed by Nikken Sekkei in Tokyo as an architect/designer. His most notable projects were Saint Luke's Seiroka Hospital Phase I and La Chae Restaurant in Roppongi, Tokyo. In 1991, he came to New York City and continued his studies at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. Thereafter, he worked as an architect/designer for Mond Design, and Takenaka USA, primarily focusing on commercial projects, especially restaurant interiors. During this period his projects included Lunch Boy sushi chain stores, Japas Saint Marks, the United Nations Peace Bell project, the Enplas Atlanta office, and the Giant Step Internet office. In 1999, he created Marengo Design Inc. (currently MDI) whose work includes commercial and residential projects, as well as architectural consulting. ©2005-2008 MDI. All Right Reserved.