Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ms. Hattori has been continually aware of the diverse cultural communities and architecture in the area. Inspired by the traditional buildings seen in frequent trips to Japan early on, she began her education in architecture as a senior high school student where she was encouraged to pursue further studies when awarded the Rachel Austin Prize in Computer Design (CAD).

With marketing and communications work experience, she continues to use the skills acquired in the field now merged with her interest in architecture. She works at Garavaglia Architecture assisting in research, marketing and office management.