I still remember the theme reveal at the JD Design Awards like it was yesterday. The announcement created a mix of excitement and confusion, and I felt both. But that’s where every great project begins, right?

My idea eventually became “Sakura Foldscape” — a pop-up café and retail space inspired by the Japanese brand Yoku Moku. I wanted to create something that was not only beautiful but adaptable and functional — a space that could fold, shift, and transform like origami itself.

But honestly? I had no idea how to make it happen in the beginning.

What changed everything for me was the mentorship. The guidance I got from the JD was beyond just design — it was about believing in the idea and building it brick by brick. They introduced me to real industry professionals, challenged my thinking, and helped me transform imagination into something tangible.

From my first sketch to the final model, this wasn’t just a project — it was me. Sakura Foldscape became a symbol of how far I’d come, how much I’d grown.

My advice to anyone just starting? Don’t dismiss that initial feeling, whether it’s fear or excitement. Let it fuel you. And lean into your mentors. You’ll realise how powerful their support is — sometimes only at the end.