Design rooted in
purpose and place
For over fifteen years, we have been creating spaces that honor the quiet power of restraint — where every decision serves the people who inhabit them.
A journey from
craft to vision
Our founder grew up in a family of traditional woodworkers in Gifu Prefecture, where the language of joinery and natural materials shaped an early understanding of how craft becomes architecture.
After studying architecture at the University of Tokyo and completing a master's degree at the Architectural Association in London, the studio was founded in 2010 with a singular conviction: that great design emerges not from complexity, but from clarity. That conviction has guided over 200 completed projects spanning residences, hotels, offices, and cultural institutions across Japan, South Korea, and Europe.
The practice draws equally from the Japanese aesthetic tradition — the beauty of imperfection, the power of emptiness, the dignity of natural materials — and from the precision of contemporary engineering. This dual heritage is visible in every project: spaces that feel both ancient and modern, both simple and deeply considered.
Five principles that
guide every project
Ma — Space
We design the spaces between things with as much intention as the things themselves. Emptiness is not absence — it is invitation. Every room breathes because we plan for stillness.
Wabi-Sabi
We choose materials that age with grace — hand-finished plaster, naturally weathering timber, stone that develops patina. Beauty deepens over time rather than diminishing.
Kanso — Simplicity
Every element must justify its presence. We strip away decoration to reveal essential form, creating clarity that calms the mind and focuses attention on what truly matters.
Shizen — Nature
Architecture should dissolve the boundary between inside and out. We orient spaces toward light, frame views of sky and greenery, and integrate natural materials that connect occupants to the earth.
Sustainability
Responsible design is not an add-on — it is foundational. We specify locally sourced materials, passive climate strategies, and energy-efficient systems in every project as standard practice.
Collaboration
The best designs emerge from genuine partnership. We listen deeply, communicate transparently, and treat every client relationship as a creative collaboration built on mutual trust.
Awards and publications
Architectural Digest Japan
Top 10 Studios to Watch — recognized for innovative residential design combining traditional joinery with contemporary spatial planning.
JIA Residential Architecture Award
Winner for the Hakone Mountain Retreat project — praised for its sensitive integration with volcanic terrain and use of local materials.
Asia Pacific Design Excellence
Gold Medal for commercial interior design — Aoyama Boutique Hotel recognized for exceptional guest experience and material innovation.
World Architecture Festival
Shortlisted in the Completed Buildings — Housing category for the Kamakura Coastal Residence project.
Good Design Award Japan
Recognized for sustainable renovation methodology — our approach to preserving heritage structures while achieving modern energy standards.
Dezeen Awards Longlist
Interior design category for the Roppongi Tech Hub — recognized for innovative workspace design balancing collaboration and focus.
The people behind
the practice
Takeshi Mori
Founder & Principal
Emi Nakamura
Senior Architect
Ryu Fujimoto
Interior Design Lead
Sakura Ishida
Project ManagerJoin over 200 clients who
trusted us with their vision
Start with a conversation. We would love to learn about your project and explore how we can help bring it to life.
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