Danielé Perna
BIOGRAPHY- New Biography in Process
Creative Work: Flower Photography
In addition to architectural practice, Daniele is preparing a flower photography exhibition featuring large-scale prints (three by four feet and larger) that extend the philosophy of Living Design into the realm of visual art.
Martial Arts & Philosophy: Living Design in Motion
Alongside his design practice, Daniele has pursued a lifelong path in martial arts. He began training at his first dojo in West Philadelphia under Sensei Teruyuki Okazaki — then already a senior Shotokan master (later recognized worldwide as 10th dan) and founder of the ISKF, in direct lineage from Gichin Funakoshi and Masatoshi Nakayama.
When his daughter was five years old, he enrolled her at Ken-Wa Kan Dojo in New York City, founded by Shihan Michelle Gay. By age eleven, she had become highly skilled, achieved her Shodan (first-degree black belt), and advanced into adult classes. Inspired by her path, Daniele joined Ken-Wa Kan himself in 2018. He trained intensively — often attending 8–12 classes per week — and after six and a half years of practice, earned his own Shodan in December 2022. He concluded his training at Ken-Wa Kan in the summer of 2025.
He now continues at Iwata Dojo in New York City under Shihan Hiroshi Iwata, training in Kyokushin kata and full-contact kumite. In parallel, he trains at Ronin Kai Karate, immersing himself in the broader samurai curriculum — including kata, kumite, Aikido grips and throws, and comprehensive weapons practice. At Ronin Kai, he is working toward his Nidan (second-degree black belt) under Shihan Bhinda, a sixth-degree weapons master whose lineage traces back to Masutatsu (Mas) Oyama, the founder of Kyokushin Karate in Japan.
He also trains privately with Senpai Daniel, a fourth-degree black belt whose earlier career as a professional ballet dancer with the National Ballet Company of Uruguay adds a rare dimension of movement artistry to their practice.
Philosophy: Bushidō, Zen Buddhism, and the Way of the Samurai
Daniele’s path in martial arts is not limited to physical training — it incorporates the study of Bushidō, Zen Buddhism, and the philosophical tradition of the samurai. These teachings form a spiritual and intellectual foundation that parallels his design practice. The Seven Virtues of Bushidō — rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty — act as a moral compass, guiding both life and work. Just as the samurai aligned body, spirit, and sword, Daniele aligns form, presence, and soul in architecture and interiors. The discipline of Zen deepens this path, emphasizing mindfulness, simplicity, and reverence for the unseen. Together, these traditions bring balance, clarity, and integrity to his creative and professional practice.
For Daniele, martial arts and design are not separate pursuits but expressions of the same essence: aligning body, mind, and spirit through form, discipline, and presence. Karate and kata are built on angles, geometry, rhythm, and flow — the same principles that govern architecture and interiors. Both practices demand precision, clarity, and commitment, with only about one in 10,000 students achieving black belt rank. These principles are fully embodied in his work as an architect and designer.
"A quality of life, design has the potential to change our emotional state, the way we think, and choose to live."
Danielé lives and works in New York’s West Village. His daughter, Isabella, is in her third year at the University of Virginia (UVA). He balances his professional practice between New York City and ongoing projects in Telluride, Colorado.
