Tsuyoshi Tane says one particular piece of praise has stayed with him throughout the year.

"The director of the Estonian National Museum told me his country might really be able to overcome the dark era of postwar Soviet occupation thanks to our work on the museum," says Tane, recalling words that were said to him at an event celebrating the Baltic country's 100th anniversary in February.

"I was deeply moved to know the museum's new building had been welcomed by Estonians and was delighted, as an architect, to take part in such a historical event that recognized the power of our work and its potential to affect society."