A pillar of the Gabellini Sheppard studio since 2001, Kentaro Ishihara has brought precision, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to craft to the studio’s most celebrated projects. Specializing in product design, Kentaro has played a central role in developing custom elements that define the sensory experience of Gabellini Sheppard’s work—from bespoke chandeliers and retail fixtures to residential kitchens.

Kentaro’s contributions are embedded across the studio’s most iconic environments, including Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center, featuring Radiance, a crystal wall with 600 geode-like prismatic facets and Joie, a suspended crystal light sculpture—pieces created in collaboration with Swarovski and co-designed with Founding Partner Michael Gabellini. Hover, a chandelier commissioned by Swarovski, followed.

Throughout the studio’s retail portfolio, Kentaro has designed elegant merchandising systems and sculptural displays that enhance the customer experience with quiet sophistication, with notable projects including the SoHo Vera Wang boutique, the David Yurman flagship in New York City, and at present, the renowned Kingdom Center Mall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Kentaro also develops performance-driven kitchen concepts for each of Gabellini Sheppard’s condominium projects and has been heavily involved in the design of the studio’s award-winning products, including an acclaimed furniture line with Janus et Cie, the modular Jingmai Tea Pavilion, and the NU hyper kitchen designed with Nero Cucine, launched in June 2025.

Kentaro’s design approach is grounded in a dedication to continuous learning. Over the years, he has worked closely with a wide spectrum of contributors—from world-renowned designers and clients to skilled fabricators and craftspeople.“Whether I’m presenting a design, visiting a construction site, or reviewing prototypes in shops and factories, each experience is an opportunity to learn—how things are made, how others approach problem-solving, and how different disciplines contribute to the final result,” he reflects. “It’s always inspiring and reminds me that good design is often a team effort built on shared knowledge and perspective.”

Kentaro studied product and textile design at Parsons School of Design, where he developed innovative techniques for self-structured fabric materials. His work has been exhibited at institutions including the Guggenheim and Storm King Art Center.