Dr. Mira Locher

Biography

Mira (Mimi) Locher is an educator, author, and practicing architect who joined the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba in 2021. She graduated from Smith College and holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania. With experience in architecture firms in the U.S. and Japan, she spent seven years at Team Zoo Atelier Mobile Tokyo before transitioning to a full-time academic career. Locher has taught at Washington University and the University of Utah, where she served as Chair of the School of Architecture from 2015-2019. Her award-winning teaching and research focus on design practices, community engagement, architectural design, Japanese architecture, and gardens. She has authored four books on Japanese design, including "Super Potato Design," "Traditional Japanese Architecture," "Zen Gardens," and "Zen Garden Design," along with numerous articles and academic papers. Her research spans disciplines including interior design, architecture, and landscape architecture, often exploring the relationship between contemporary design practices and traditional cultures, emphasizing a deep understanding of nature and time-honored design methods. Locher is a partner at Kajika Architecture, involved in projects across the U.S. and Japan, and has a keen interest in traditional building crafts and Indigenous settlements worldwide, enjoying the exploration of new cultures and cuisines.

Research Interests