I’m in charge of construction management. My job includes ordering building materials, coordinating with partner contractors, and making sure construction progresses according to schedule. I also serve as the contact point with clients, relaying their requests to the design team, discussing the best solutions with everyone, and constantly thinking about how each experience can be applied to the next project.

During the pandemic in 2020, I was studying at a university in Japan. I wanted to work at a company specializing in wooden construction, so I searched for job postings online and found SOBOKUYA. I sent an email and had an online interview with Imai, but within five minutes he invited me to come to Yamanashi for an internship.

On my first day, I helped him with drafting drawings. By the end of the day, he said, “We’ll hire you. Can you come again tomorrow?” After a two-day internship, I officially joined the company. I started out in design, but this year I transitioned to construction management. There was a shortage of staff in that area, and I personally wanted to take on the challenge. Since this role requires the ability to read drawings, my design background has been very helpful.

I first studied architecture in Vietnam during university, but after graduating I worked for an IT company in Ho Chi Minh City. Still, I couldn’t give up my dream of working in architecture.

What fascinated me about wooden construction is that Japanese joinery techniques are the most precise in the world, and Japanese residential design is highly renowned. Today, most countries use concrete or artificial materials instead of wood, so I decided to come to Japan to learn traditional wooden architecture.

SOBOKUYA also has a base in Vietnam. Last year, we completed a new home near Ho Chi Minh City for a Vietnamese client. Japanese carpenters even traveled from Japan to build it together with us, creating a true SOBOKUYA-style house. Being able to contribute to a wooden Japanese home in my own country was very special to me. I managed the project on-site for several months.
Whether in Japan or abroad, communication is always a challenge. I often handle multiple projects at once, while also gathering client feedback, coordinating with contractors, and adjusting schedules. It can be tough at times. But at SOBOKUYA, our carpenters are part of the in-house team, so I can easily consult with them and quickly solve problems. Each interaction with a client teaches me why an issue arose and how to improve for the next project. That ongoing learning process gives me a strong sense of fulfillment.

Yes. Imai always reminds us, “Take care of your family.” When I was sent to Vietnam for a long-term project, my child was only six months old, so I was allowed to bring my family with me. On my days off, I could spend time with them locally, which meant a lot to us. At SOBOKUYA, there is flexibility—for example, some employees bring their children to the office during summer or winter breaks. That kind of family-friendly atmosphere is unique to this company.

I want to obtain the national qualification of Construction Management Engineer. Having this license will give me greater confidence in my work.

At SOBOKUYA, you’re not limited to one role. If there’s something you want to try, you’ll be given the chance to pursue it. Just like I shifted from design to construction management, the company supports you in taking on new challenges. It’s a rewarding workplace for anyone curious and eager to explore different areas.

Yamanashi, where we are based, is also surrounded by beautiful nature. While the work is demanding, you can enjoy a lifestyle that you wouldn’t experience in a big city like Tokyo. It’s a place where you can grow professionally while living close to nature.