Justin Katsumata Yu

Justin Katsumata Yu is a designer based in Melbourne, Victoria. He specializes in architecture, interior, product, furniture and set design. He was born in 1998 and graduated from The University of Western Australia with a Master of Architecture in December 2023 as a scholarship recipient. 

Justin Katsumata Yu has a passion for making things by hand, inspired by his grandmother who was an artist. He learned from her how to transform everyday objects into new and creative forms. His design practice explores new materials and processes, aiming to create accessible and functional objects for living. His current work is exclusively made of plywood.

Education

2023
Master of Architecture
University of Western Australia,
School of Design, Perth

2020
Bachelor of Design
University of Western Australia,
School of Design, Perth

Awards

2024
Lysaght Design Inspiration
Wooditch Tea House
Award: $5000

2023
Competition 1st Prize
‘12/24’ Design Studio
Award: $1000

2020
Daniela Simon Master of Architecture Scholarship UWA
Award: $5000

2020
ARM Design Prize
Award: $3000
(shortlisted)

2020
Western Power Design Prize
Award: $2000
(shortlisted)

2019
Competition 3rd Prize
End homelessness WA
w/ Connor Simpson

Experience

2024 - Current
Fieldwork
Architect
Architectural Graduate

2022 - 2024
Kerry Hill Architects
Architect
Graduate of Architecture

2020 - 2022
Gary Marinko
Architect
w/ Gary Marinko

2022
Nash + Ghersinich
Architects & Interior Design
w/ Lorraine Ghersinich

2021
SODAA
Architect & Interior Design
w/ Daniela Simon

2022
Jacqui Ives
Set Design, Prop Styling & Interiors
w/ Jacqui Ives

2022
University of Western Australia
Workshop Technician
w/ Guy Eddington



P  +61 425 492 885
E  justinkatsumatayu@gmail.com