Architect Richard Murakami partnered extensively with the client to lay the groundwork for the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington. This comprehensive process included establishing a detailed facility design program, conducting a rigorous site selection analysis, formulating the initial design concepts, and building the master project budget. The foundational design concept emerged from an interactive community charrette hosted by NHAW, where community members collaborated in teams to explore and develop alternative layout possibilities. Following this community-driven exercise, Richard led a collaborative design team to execute the first phase of the project, which centered on restoring and updating the historic Japanese Language School. This phase preserved the structure's primary educational purpose while modernizing it to accommodate the diverse cultural programs offered by the center.

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The renovation breathed new life into the historic south façade, restoring the main entries to reflect the open, welcoming character of the original building. Inside, the design team refreshed the primary corridors and stairwells, installed upgraded lighting throughout the classrooms, and meticulously returned the main meeting spaces to their historic appearance. Spanning 17,103 sf, the beautifully renovated facility does more than house the active language school; it serves as a vibrant, central gathering space that celebrates Japanese and Japanese-American culture while ensuring that cherished traditions are successfully passed from generation to generation.