Series: What is Supervision? Part 1
A conductor that stays close to the building's lifecycle

The Nikken Sekkei Engineering Department Supervision Group is a team of approximately 260 people, comprising a diverse range of talent—including individuals with extensive design experience in areas such as architecture, structural engineering, electrical systems, and mechanical systems, as well as those who have worked for construction companies and are well-versed in construction site operations. With approximately 2,300 employees company-wide, this group accounts for about 10 percent of the total workforce.
Tetsuya Sumi, Principal, leads this Supervision Group.(At the time of the interview)When asked, “What is in the client’s best interest?” they reply, “First and foremost, it is ensuring the soundness and safety of the building.” “Since buildings serve as social infrastructure, any compromise to them could endanger not only the building owner but also the lives of users and damage surrounding structures; therefore, construction supervision by professionals with advanced expertise is essential.”

On the other hand, construction supervision is only a part of supervision services, according to Sumi Principal(At the time of the interview)We emphasize this point. That’s because “Nikken Sekkei’s project supervision” involves supporting clients throughout the entire life cycle of a building—from the initial concept to post-completion maintenance. Whether it’s responding to consultations from designers regarding construction schedules or costs, coordinating with construction teams, or drawing up plans for building systems upgrades, our technical expertise and knowledge in project supervision are called upon in a wide variety of situations.

"Simply fulfilling a client's wishes won't lead to 100% profitability. We must carefully consider the benefits that architecture brings from a long-term perspective—such as whether it goes beyond short-term economic advantages to enhance a company's status or improve maintainability," said the principal of Sumi.(At the time of the interview)。

"It is precisely because we have a team of highly experienced experts from diverse backgrounds that we can identify our clients’ emerging needs, integrate them with our construction techniques, and provide optimal services from a multifaceted perspective," says the Supervision Group, discussing the potential for their work to contribute to the future of architecture.

Professor Tomoya Nojo of the Institute of Industrial Science at the University of Tokyo comments, “Nikken Sekkei, (omitted) amid the increasing specialization of architectural technology and the resulting fragmentation of technical expertise, is driven by a commitment to developing and applying the best technology for each individual project” (*1).

However, even so, the principal architect at Sumi—who transitioned from architectural design to overseeing Construction Administration Department—believes that “you can’t build a structure based on blueprints alone.”(At the time of the interview)That is our philosophy. Blueprints require “intentional indeterminacy” (*1)—in other words, it’s necessary not to over-specify. “The hallmark of Japanese architecture is how it brings together the skills and know-how of construction companies and craftsmen to create a structure. The role of construction supervision is to integrate the vision of the client and the designer with the on-site wisdom that we ourselves do not possess.”

"If there's anything I don't understand or feel uncertain about, I always go to the job site to ask for guidance. I learn a lot from the construction workers, and that experience enriches me," said the Principal of Sumi, emphasizing the importance of on-site communication.(At the time of the interview)I'll explain.

For the “Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers” project in Nagoya (completed in 2008), which he oversaw, he had to collaborate with civil engineers due to the underground construction work involved. Looking back with a smile, he describes his experience working with the fearless site supervisor—who would grin and say, “Leave it to me,” even amid a tight construction schedule—as “a cultural exchange.”When faced with “intentional ambiguity” not specified in the blueprints, they worked together to refine the design in the direction they both felt was best, and the client reportedly praised it highly, exclaiming, “That looks great!”

"What matters is how proactively you can make decisions on-site. People on the front lines won't follow someone who hesitates," said Sumi Principal, sharing his insights on being a supervisor.(At the time of the interview)He explains. To that end, he says he practices thorough self-management and is constantly thinking of ways to improve his work, such as refining his finishing touches.
So, what exactly is the appeal of supervision work?
“It’s a bit like being a conductor—I don’t play myself, but I make sure everyone else can play comfortably. It makes me happy when the rhythm clicks perfectly and the craftsmen look at me with pride.”
The ability to oversee and fuse the knowledge and creativity of multiple parties—that is what underpins the high quality of architecture.

In the next installment, we’ll explain the four key functions of Nikken Sekkei’s project management services and our unique support system.