John Ishihara

John says he was originally drawn to architecture because it tapped into a cross-section of his varied interests and passions: art, science, math, and business. He especially appreciates having been able to apply his breadth of talents to similarly diverse urban mixed-use projects. “They can bring communities together in non-conventional ways to create a better synergy, experience and environment for all,” John remarks. He enjoys sharing his expertise with students as a guest lecturer and mentor at several community colleges and universities in the Bay Area. John’s mother helped discover his 1st mentor: Marshall Purnell-FAIA, the first Black president of the AIA, whom she contacted after reading about him in the newspaper. “He was instrumental,” says John, encouraging and helping him to explore different schools and scholarships, eventually leading to his education at Cornell University. “Without him, I would not have been able to go to such a prestigious University.” Now, John enjoys prestigious automobiles. “I love going to car shows to ogle beautiful vintage cars that I aspire to save up to hopefully acquire someday," he jokes.