1967 was the beginning of a 22 year study at the San Francisco Zen Center, and five of these years were spent living in Japan studying temple building. In 1970 Paul completed the construction for the kitchen at Tassajara, made from native materials and built by the students.

In 1970 Paul completed the construction for the kitchen at Tassajara, made from native materials and built by the students.

Returning from Japan in 1975, Paul completed the Kaisando, or founder’s hall, for his teacher Shun Ryu Suzuki, also with volunteer labor from students, using local building materials.

After a building fire in 1977 a “temporary” zendo was built with very simple materials and volunteer labor. The “temporary” zendo is still in place.

In the mid 70’s Paul helped complete the Wheelwright Center.

Later Paul completed the Octagonal Guest House.

... and finally the Abbot’s House.

...and finally the Abbot’s House.

In the mid 70’s Paul designed and built a meditation hall at the old auditorium. The bottom of the auditorium became the meditation hall; the floor is reclaimed wood from a basketball court.

Tans were made with used wood salvaged from World-War-II-era barracks that had been torn down in San Francisco.

To be put up and taken down each year as a quiet place for people to congregate at Burning Man.

Paul Discoe Design Studio and Prototype Shop

Architectural Design Shop & O2 HQ

Paul Discoe is a designer and innovator who acts as the managing partner for O2AA and a design consultant for Japanese style temples, restaurants, houses and furniture. The studio includes a small workshop for prototypes and one-of-a-kind objects, and handles repairs and maintenance of the O2 compound. This is the center for O2 expansion and is the clearing house for new ideas, tenants and operations.

Paul is a longtime student of Zen Buddhism and an ordained Buddhist priest. After becoming a successful designer and innovator, founding Joinery Structures and becoming well known for building Larry Ellison’s Japanese mansion in Woodside, he decided to devote his retirement to adventures at O2AA.