As principals of our architecture firm, we unite diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, holding licensure in both Canada and Japan. Central to our practice is a deeply collaborative ethos, one that fosters a strong sense of team spirit and drives the efficiency of our studio.

Our global network of specialists strengthens our visionary approach, as exemplified in projects such as the Ports 1961 flagship store in Shanghai. There, advanced glass façade technology—modeled after the form of an iceberg—was developed through close collaboration with experts across disciplines. Each project serves as a platform for reinvention, providing opportunities to explore innovative materials and techniques in partnership with manufacturers, artists, and craftspeople.

Renowned for our forward-thinking and collaborative design approach, our team consistently strives to exceed expectations. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we work closely with clients and consultants to ensure that each solution strikes a harmonious balance of function, aesthetics, and sustainability.

  • Eiri Ota, a licensed First Class Architect in Japan and principal of UUfie, holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Musashino Art University. Born in Paris and trained in Japan, Ota brings a unique international perspective to his work, with a focus on cultural, residential, and commercial projects. His education and broad professional experience allow him to navigate design challenges across all scales—from conceptual vision to detailed execution.

    Ota began his career in 2003 at Jun Aoki and Associates in Tokyo, where he led several commercial and hospitality projects, including Louis Vuitton Namiki, White Chapel, and Go-Sees Hiroo in Japan. His international experience includes master planning and development work on projects such as the Qingdao Bath Project in China and the Visitor Centre at Giant’s Causeway in the United Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These diverse projects reflect his comprehensive approach, from initial design to construction administration.

    In 2009, Ota co-founded UUfie with Irene Gardpoit in Tokyo before relocating the practice to Toronto, Canada. Between 2011 and 2013, he collaborated with acclaimed interior design studio Yabu Pushelberg, contributing to high-profile projects including Hudson’s Bay Yorkdale (Canada), Lane Crawford Shanghai (China), Park Hyatt Hangzhou (China), Mount Nicholson Residence (Hong Kong), and the Four Seasons Hotel Restaurant (Japan).

    As principal architect at UUfie, Ota fosters strong relationships with collaborators and consultants. Alongside his professional work, he is active in academia, serving as a visiting critic and lecturer at several leading Canadian institutions. He currently teaches as a sessional professor at the University of Toronto’s John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design.

  • Irene Gardpoit, principal of UUfie, is a Canadian architect known for her expertise in art, design, and architectural complexity. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Toronto and has built an international career, contributing to projects across North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

    From 2003 to 2009, Irene worked at the Tokyo studio of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Arata Isozaki. During this time, she led major projects for the Aga Khan Foundation, including educational institutions in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. She also played a key role in the design of the University of Central Asia Library and Landmark, and the Qatar Education City Convention Center in Doha. Notably, she served as lead architect for the Hara Museum ARC, a contemporary art museum situated in Japan’s rural landscape.

    In Canada, she contributed to the winning proposal for the Athletes' Village at the 2015 Pan American Games with KPMB Architects.

    Together with Eiri Ota, Irene co-founded UUfie, shaping the studio’s global recognition for design excellence. Her collaborative approach and creative leadership have been central to the development of transformative projects that merge innovation, intelligence, and artistry—continuously pushing the boundaries of contemporary architecture.

    Alongside her professional practice, Irene is active in the architectural community, serving as a mentor, juror, visiting critic, and lecturer.