Hello and welcome to my website. My name is Veronika Ikonnikova. On this website you can see the portfolio of my work and find information about my professional experience.
About my work
My main occupations are: architecture design, research, and art. For me, all of these pursuits are unified by the same theme—aesthetics of environment—its creation, understanding, and representation.
Architecture design has as its aim the creation of aesthetically pleasing and well-functioning environments. Good architectural design requires both and cannot compromise either the aesthetic or the functional aspect. I have been practicing architectural design for the last 9 years while working in architecture offices, doing freelance work, and entering design competitions. Some of that work can be found under Architecture: Design & Research.
Research is an intellectual inquiry, a continuous effort to understand what is ultimately much larger than any individual—the environment that we collectively create and inhabit. The aesthetics here is only an external, immediately noticeable factor. Research helps us understand the ideas and forces that shape the environment, which result in its particular aesthetic qualities. My academic work can be found under Architecture: Design & Research.
Art is a representation of the subjective impressions of the environment. In this way, it is closest to the individual as it communicates a unique personal vision, informed by specific experiences. Art has been a crucial part of my creative and professional path. You can see the result of that work under graphic works.
Background
Originally from Kharkiv, Ukraine, my first architectural education was in my hometown. I am grateful to my professors for the broad technical skillset with the strong foundation in hand-drawing and art.
After graduating from Kharkiv University, I have continued to deepen the study of architecture and urbanism at the University of Tokyo, immersing myself into a polar opposite environment.
Since graduating, I have continued to be based in Tokyo while working within an excellent international team at the architecture design office of Kengo Kuma & Associates (KKAA).
My detailed CV is below.
CV
Education
MEng in the field of Architecture, The University of Tokyo
MArch Hons, O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv
BArch Hons, O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv
Professional Experience
Architect—KENGO KUMA & ASSOCIATES (KKAA)
Architecture Intern—Archetype
Architecture Intern—Hiroshi Hara & Atelier Phi
BIM Engineer & Manager—Planint-inc.
Teaching
Teaching Assistant at an architecture design studio—Kawazoe Laboratory at the University of Tokyo
Languages
English (full professional fluency)
Ukrainian (native, bilingual)
Russian (native, bilingual)
Japanese (basic professional fluency; N3)