Team

Born in 1979, Matteo Belfiore is an Italian architect and researcher based in Tokyo, with more than twenty years of experience. He was awarded the title of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy for his outstanding contributions in the field of architecture. After earning his Master’s Degree in Architecture with honors (2005), he obtained a Ph.D. in Architectural and Urban Design (2010) from the University of Naples “Federico II.”

In 2010, Matteo moved to Japan as a researcher at the Kengo Kuma Lab of the University of Tokyo (JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow, 2010-2012 / Visiting Researcher, 2013-2017). His professional journey led him to work in Tokyo at the international firms Nikken Sekkei (Project Architect, 2013-2014) and Richard Bliah Associates (Director, 2014-2017). In 2017, he founded the international studio MB-AA in Tokyo. In 2025, he established the association IDJ – Italian Design Japan. He also pursues a parallel passion for publishing, regularly contributing to books and magazines. From 2018 he is a writer for ADF Web Magazine.

With a unique hybrid profile that bridges academia and professional practice, Matteo has developed an innovative design methodology that integrates Western and Eastern culture, tradition, and innovation. His expertise spans product design, interior design, architecture, and urban planning. His research focuses primarily on “cultural sustainability,” which encompasses systems of values linked to local natural and cultural models, and explores the interaction between design and other disciplines.

Over the years, Matteo has specialized in innovative, flexible, and adaptable designs while promoting recovery and reuse. His precise approach, combined with constant research into cutting-edge materials and technical solutions, is a hallmark of his work.

Linkedin

Wikipedia

Born in 1981, Valentina is an Italian licensed architect with fifteen years of professional experience in architecture, interior design, and event design. From the outset of her career, she focused primarily on interior design and landscape architecture, collaborating with several firms in both Italy and Japan. In 2011, she worked alongside Kengo Kuma on the “Intermediating Patterns” exhibition at the Italian Institute of Culture in Tokyo.

After relocating to Japan in 2014, Valentina gained experience working at prestigious firms including Sou Fujimoto Architects, Riccardo Tossani Architecture, PAE, and Richard Bliah Associates. In 2017, seeking new challenges, she transitioned into event design. Leveraging her strong architectural background, she applied a creative and thoughtful approach to this new field. After over a year at the advertising agency SivanS, where she designed events for Italian brands, she joined K2 Japon in January 2019. At K2 Japon, she planned and executed events for luxury brands such as Cartier, Chanel, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Longines.

Since 2022, Valentina has been a Partner at MB-AA, specializing in interior design, graphic design, and event design. Additionally, she serves as a writer for ADF Web Magazine.