Mitch Lampe
HiKara Founder, Architectural Designer
LEED Green Associate
SJU Bachelor of Arts: Environmental Science ‘17
UMN Master of Architecture ‘20
UMN Master of Science: Sustainable Design ‘20
Like many patent-pending products, HiKara (he-KAHR-uh) started in the fire pit of your brother’s backyard. Meaning “from the fire,” HiKara’s inspiration was pulled from time spent studying in Japan along with a comprehensive knowledge of passive and regenerative design from both Saint John’s University, MN and the University of Minnesota. As an architectural designer and avid environmentalist, Mitch took the utmost consideration into creating a material that is both functional and aesthetically groundbreaking, without the use of harmful additives, chemicals, or processes.
It is his mission to produce and represent a new development in sustainable wood treatment. Unlike other shou sugi ban products, the HiKara process is not at the mercy of the wood’s grain or structure. This process can be used on any wood species, for any application, with the same patterned results. If you have further questions about the product or process, or would like to make a purchase, get in touch with us on our quote page.