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SThree Tokyo’s office design, led by GARDE, was completed two and a half years ago. In collaboration with SThree Tokyo, we are pleased to present this post-completion report as a joint article on the office design.

About SThree

SThree is a global recruitment firm specializing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields, with 44 offices across 12 countries, starting with its first office in London.
The Tokyo office, which serves as the headquarters of its Japanese subsidiary, opened in 2012. In 2022, the year marking the company’s 10th anniversary, the office relocated to its current location. The new office provides a home-like environment where approximately 130 employees work.

Office Overview & Concept

SThree Tokyo’s office is located in a modern building next to the iconic Kabuki-za Theater, a symbol of the historic Ginza district. The office design thoughtfully embraces and respects the unique blend of historical and modern elements that define its surroundings, with a concept centered on fusing “traditional Japanese culture” with a cutting-edge, STEM-inspired design.

Subtle expressions of traditional Japanese culture were incorporated throughout, such as wall art depicting waves inspired by Katsushika Hokusai and accent walls featuring the Seigaiha (blue ocean waves) pattern. At the same time, design elements inspired by STEM, like neon lights and minimalist spotlights highlighting the brand logo at the entrance, add a modern, innovative touch.

To reflect SThree’s brand message of “Diversity & Inclusion,” the design also integrates “Western” influences, nodding to the company’s roots.

Introduction and Usage of Office Equipment

1. Adoption of Equipment Suited to the Working Style

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, SThree Tokyo has adopted a hybrid work style, blending in-office work with remote work from home. The office facilities have been designed not only as a functional workspace but also as a hub for communication, creating an environment where employees are motivated to come into the office.

For example, multiple areas have been created to suit different types of work and purposes, allowing employees to select their preferred workspace. This flexibility enhances work efficiency and supports various work styles.

2. Social Area with Diverse Uses

The social area, designed to reflect the company’s British roots, is equipped with a billiard table, pub bar, and poker table, creating a relaxed communication space. This area is not only used for internal gatherings but also serves as a venue for various events that invite clients and other participants.

For example, SThree hosts networking events for individuals who have changed jobs through the company, career events organized by client companies, engineer meetups, and other activities aimed at fostering a community for professionals working in the STEM field.

3. Highly Customizable Layout

Since the office was handed over, modifications have been made to enhance communication by removing partitions between individual desks and introducing popular height-adjustable desks. The layout is highly flexible and can be customized on a case-by-case basis, incorporating feedback from staff to improve both functionality and comfort in the workspace.

SThree Workers Share Their Experiences of Working in the Office

We interviewed several SThree employees to hear their thoughts and impressions about daily life in the office, offering insights into what it’s really like to work in this space.

Pierre Dobrzykowski
Affiliated with Progressive Recruitment
Joined the company in 2021

“I appreciate the flexibility of the Oval Office, as there are various desk options to suit different needs. When I want a change of atmosphere, I make use of the social area. The office is thoughtfully designed, with attention to small details like the convenient placement of power outlets throughout. Additionally, the social area naturally encourages conversations with others, providing a great opportunity to connect with colleagues I don’t typically work with.”

Celia Xu
Affiliated with Huxley
Joined the company in 2023

“I think one of the best aspects is the ability to change my seat based on the purpose of the day or my mood. For instance, I can choose a cubicle-style seat on days when I have many video conferences and need to focus, or opt for a more open desk when the whole team is in the office and we’re collaborating.
It’s also a great asset when conducting interviews for our own recruits, as we can showcase the company’s appeal by giving them a firsthand look at the office.

We once had a client company use our social area as a venue for an event they were hosting. I felt very proud when we received positive feedback from participants, saying they had a great time in such a wonderful space.”

Nao Kamiya
Affiliated with Real Life Sciences
Joined the company in 2021

“This year, the layout of my desk changed slightly, with the removal of partitions, making the space more open. We typically sit together as a team, and this change has really benefited our work by making communication much easier.

The multi-purpose social area is also very user-friendly, not just for internal events but for hosting external guests as well. I feel that it has lowered the barriers to planning and organizing events, making it much more convenient.”

Nimesh Hewawasam
Affiliated with Computer Futures
Joined the company in 2023

“The desk installed this year features a larger monitor compared to the other seats, and it’s frequently used because it’s incredibly user-friendly. Additionally, the height-adjustable desks allow me to stand while working, which helps me change up my routine and boost productivity.

The social area is also used for various non-work-related activities, such as regularly having lunch, or unwinding after a long week with colleagues during Friday’s after-work drinks.”

Office Space Drives Company Growth

Creating a workspace that is not only functional but also appealing to employees has a direct impact on job satisfaction, which in turn influences the company’s overall performance.
“Sales have increased since the office relocation,” says SThree Marketing Manager Ms. Horiuchi.

When the move was planned, employee input and ideas were gathered, and these were incorporated into the office design through collaboration with GARDE’s designers. This approach has helped align the company’s direction, and the enhanced communication within the improved office space has boosted individual productivity, leading to stronger business performance.

Above is an introduction to SThree Tokyo’s office space, where the fusion of STEM concepts and traditional Japanese culture is clearly visible. We look forward to witnessing their continued success in the years to come.
Employee image courtesy of SThree.

GARDE Design Magazine features our project portfolio along with the latest trends and events in architecture, design, and art.
For more information on our project portfolio and the latest updates, please visit our official website.

>Click here to visit our project portfolio
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Japandi is a new style that combines the iconic Japanese “wa” aesthetic with modern Scandinavian design.
Since the pandemic in 2020, there has been a growing interest in residential space design and private living spaces. The Japandi style has been embraced by many, both in Japan and abroad, as a prime example of comfortable space creation.

Creating a Japandi-style space is said to require simplicity, warm color tones, and furniture or wallpaper made from natural materials. While these elements are important, they can often be expensive to fully implement. That is why we would like to focus on lighting as an element that is relatively easy to incorporate and can significantly transform the atmosphere of a space. Japanese modern lighting, which has gained popularity in Japan in recent years, is particularly suited to achieving the Japandi aesthetic.

In this article, we will introduce why Japanese modern lighting is highly recommended for Japandi-style spaces, as well as showcase lighting that utilizes materials and techniques unique to Japan.
Click here to learn more about Japandi.

Effects of Lighting on Space

Lighting can be adjusted through illuminance and color temperature to create the desired ambiance for a space.
Warm-toned lighting creates a cozy, relaxing atmosphere or a more dignified setting, while white-toned lighting conveys a sense of freshness and cleanliness. By choosing different types of lighting based on the purpose and function of the space, the overall impression can change dramatically.
To achieve a Japandi-style space, it is recommended to intentionally incorporate lighting that emits a warm, inviting glow.

Reasons Why Japanese Modern Lighting is Ideal for Japandi

Japanese modern design, which fuses traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary, stylish elements, has become a versatile style that complements a wide range of interior spaces and tastes.

Japanese modern lighting is characterized by its warm, nostalgic glow and has gained widespread popularity, being used in various settings such as homes, restaurants, and hospitality facilities. This lighting often incorporates natural materials like Japanese paper and linen—materials that have been used in Japan for centuries—to softly diffuse light and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. By blending these traditional elements with modern touches of sleekness and linearity, Japanese modern lighting can express a minimalist simplicity that aligns perfectly with the Japandi style.

Only Available in Japan, Japanese Modern Lighting Utilizing Traditional Crafts and Materials

Since ancient times, people in Japan have used lighting made from materials such as Japanese paper, hemp, and wooden frames, which are well-suited for traditional Japanese-style rooms. Japanese modern lighting that successfully incorporates these traditional elements is gaining popularity.

For example, pendant lights that combine chochin (Japanese lanterns) and washi paper, offered by a long-established Japanese lighting company, are crafted using washi paper by skilled artisans who take their time to handcraft each piece. Another popular product from the same company is modern Japanese lighting designed by a foreign designer, which combines tradition with innovation.

Hasami-yaki pottery, with a 400-year history, produces everything from everyday tableware to traditional handicrafts. The lighting made from its beautiful translucent white porcelain harmonizes with the color tones of the space and enhances the ideal Japandi-style interior.

Bamboo crafts, carefully finished one by one by artisans, are among the most popular traditional crafts in Japan. Bamboo lighting, made from tiger bamboo, known for its distinctive surface patterns that barely change with age, and Henon bamboo, which dramatically changes color over time, is meticulously crafted to add just the right touch of flair to minimalist spaces. The delicate and graceful bamboo lighting is sure to add a pop of color and character to any space.

In Conclusion

We have introduced the ideal Japanese modern lighting for the Japandi style.
We encourage you to incorporate Japanese elements into your Japandi style spaces.

Celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2025, GARDE has worked on projects in a wide range of fields, from hotels to department stores, retail, and offices, honing the designs that we specialize in. We are constantly taking on new challenges to address social issues through design, utilizing the expertise we have built up.

In the previous chapter, we discussed “What kind of design company GARDE aims to be” and “Office design created by diverse work styles.”
For more details, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardedesignmagazine.com/president-interview-trajectory-and-future-innovations-en/

In this issue, we will introduce three businesses that have been started in recent years.

Potential for Metaverse Projects Independent of Spatial Design

In our new business, Metaverse Space Design and Production and Sales Services, which began in 2023, we are expanding our services based on two pillars.

The first is an extension of our design service, providing further added value to our customers. One example might be the Tower Mansions in Tokyo. Conventionally, developers need to create showroom model rooms for people to visit, but that is very costly and takes up space.
Now, we can construct a small room that demonstrates the development through VR and the Metaverse. With this approach, we can showcase multiple designs at lower cost and with less space, thus saving time as well.

The second approach is creating a completely new business around the Metaverse, supporting our clients. This has now become a new pillar of profitability. We foresee a future where people make purchases in the Metaverse world, and we are now preparing the foundation for that future. A good example of this future comes from major fashion brands such as Gucci and Balenciaga hosting fashion shows as Metaverse experiences, although, to my knowledge, they haven’t been able to make any sales in the Metaverse yet. There are still many challenges, such as the need to constantly take new photos of products in 3D, which can be quite cumbersome. Additionally, current smartphone speeds are not sufficient to accommodate Metaverse experiences. However, I believe that once technologies catch up, people will be able to shop on sites like Amazon in VR just as they would in a real-world store.

From One Idea to Innumerable Ideas: The Ever-Evolving Real Estate Business

Our real estate services started in 2020, and since then, we have been working closely with our clients to assist them in resolving their issues. It may be said that our passion for our clients led us to develop our real estate services.

Before starting our real estate business, our services were primarily focused on international brands as clients for design services related to their headquarters. There was one particular brand that wanted to open a store in Ginza, as well as several other locations, and they requested that we find suitable sites. As we searched for locations that would fit the brand’s requirements and identity, we thought to ourselves, “Why not make this into a business?”

We acquired a staff member with a certificate of real estate brokerage and began providing new real estate brokerage services to our clients, mainly global brands with multiple stores.

Although not part of the regional revitalization business described below, since starting this business, it has evolved, and we are now using it for regional land revitalization as well. We are converting hotels and residences in regional areas. We start by finding a plot of land and creating a master plan for its use. If it is a hotel, we need to find an operator, create a comprehensive set, and then ask the developer to purchase the asset.

Currently, we have multiple hotels around Kyoto and the surrounding area as ongoing projects. It is hard to acquire large design projects, but if we provide the real estate location and manage the process from upstream to downstream, we can design the building. This is the crux of our new real estate business model.

Tabiico: A Tourism Website Connecting People with Rural Areas—A New Step Toward Regional Revitalization

Japanese tourism had been attracting attention from abroad even before COVID-19, but now, after the convergence of the pandemic, it has become even more popular. Japanese tourism has grown so much that it is facing an overtourism problem, especially in urban areas.
Despite being such a popular travel destination, there are still many wonderful tourism resources in rural areas that are not yet well known. Our goal in our regional revitalization business is to invigorate local communities through tourism.

We have developed the tourism website “Tabiico” as a platform where local municipalities can directly register their wonderful, locally-known tourism resources.
All tourism resources on Tabiico are linked to the municipality, and the aim is to increase awareness of not only tourist attractions but also the name of the municipality, such as “XX town” when referring to this tourist attraction.

We are also actively working to develop local sightseeing content so that more people can discover the famous sites registered on Tabiico. Currently, we are in the process of proposing plans and providing consulting services to the 160 participating cities, towns, and villages using Tabiico, making the most of our global network.

Our goal is to encourage people to visit and get to know the local community, have them spread the word, and increase the number of visitors and the population involved. We believe that tourism contributes to regional revitalization, which in turn leads to the creation of vibrant local communities.

In Conclusion

We are grateful for the opportunity to share with you the history of GARDE over the past 40 years and the evolution of GARDE into the future.

The original text can be found at the following link:
https://www.theworldfolio.com/interviews/garde-international-interior-design-for-modern-age/6334/

As the global fashion industry increasingly prioritizes sustainability, Japan is emerging as a leader, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Japanese fashion brands are rethinking how they design, source materials, and engage with consumers. These companies are embracing eco-friendly practices that not only reduce environmental impact but also align with a growing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable fashion. Let’s explore the approaches of several pioneering Japanese brands that are shaping the future of sustainable fashion.

People Tree: Japan’s Fair Trade Fashion Pioneer

Founded in Japan, People Tree is one of the country’s foremost advocates of sustainable fashion. Known for its deep commitment to Fair Trade principles, People Tree collaborates with artisans and farmers in developing countries to ensure ethical working conditions and fair wages. The brand uses organic cotton, handwoven fabrics, and natural dyes to produce clothing that minimizes environmental impact. As one of the first fashion brands in Japan to embrace Fair Trade International certification, People Tree has become a symbol of ethical production.

In addition to its social sustainability, People Tree’s collections are rooted in the slow fashion movement, which encourages consumers to purchase fewer, higher-quality items that last longer. This philosophy directly opposes the fast fashion model, known for its disposable nature and significant environmental footprint. By emphasizing long-term value over short-lived trends, People Tree demonstrates how fashion can be both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

Issey Miyake: High-Tech Solutions for Sustainable Design

Issey Miyake, one of Japan’s most renowned fashion houses, has long been at the forefront of innovation, and its approach to sustainability is no different. The brand’s A-POC (A Piece of Cloth) initiative is a key example of how technology can reduce waste in the fashion industry. Through this process, garments are made from a single thread, minimizing fabric waste during production.

Issey Miyake’s focus on durability is also evident in the Pleats Please collection, which uses high-tech fabrics designed to last for years. These garments are wrinkle-resistant and easy to care for, meaning they require less washing and maintenance, which in turn reduces water and energy consumption. By prioritizing longevity and practicality, Miyake ensures that his designs are both stylish and sustainable.

MUJI: Minimalism Meets Environmental Responsibility

Known for its minimalist designs, MUJI has made significant strides in incorporating sustainability into its fashion lines. The brand uses organic cotton in many of its products and has established a clothing recycling program that encourages customers to return used garments. These items are then repurposed into new products, reducing textile waste and promoting circular fashion.

MUJI’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond clothing. The company also focuses on reducing unnecessary packaging and simplifying its supply chain, minimizing its overall carbon footprint. By promoting a “less is more” philosophy, MUJI encourages consumers to invest in versatile, durable products that can stand the test of time, reducing the impulse to buy disposable fashion.

Studio Nibroll: Creative Upcycling and Zero-Waste Design

Studio Nibroll, a Tokyo-based brand, brings an artistic edge to sustainable fashion through its use of upcycling. The brand transforms discarded fabrics and garments into innovative, avant-garde designs, giving new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also challenges traditional ideas of fashion by highlighting the beauty of repurposed materials.

In addition to upcycling, Studio Nibroll adheres to zero-waste design principles, ensuring that every piece of fabric is utilized. By pushing the boundaries of sustainable design, the brand emphasizes the creative possibilities of eco-conscious fashion, proving that sustainability and cutting-edge style can go hand in hand.

SIIILON: Reimagining Vintage Clothing for the Modern World

Founded by Tomo Iwakura, SIIILON takes a unique approach to sustainability by reworking vintage clothing into new, modern pieces. This method aligns with the slow fashion movement and reduces the need for new textile production, which is a significant contributor to environmental pollution. By giving old garments a second life, SIIILON encourages consumers to appreciate the craftsmanship and history behind each piece, promoting a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to fashion consumption.

This focus on revamping existing garments also supports a circular economy, where clothes are continually reused rather than discarded. SIIILON’s work demonstrates how sustainability can be integrated into high fashion, blending creativity with environmental responsibility.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainability

Japan’s sustainable fashion movement is marked by a combination of innovation, tradition, and creativity. Brands like People Tree lead the way in ethical production, while Issey Miyake and Studio Nibroll use technology and design to reduce waste. MUJI emphasizes minimalism and durability, and SIIILON highlights the importance of preserving and reimagining existing garments.

As global awareness of the environmental impacts of fashion grows, Japan is poised to play a significant role in driving the industry towards more sustainable practices. These brands offer a blueprint for how fashion can evolve to meet the challenges of the future, combining style with a deep commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

Celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2025, GARDE has worked on projects in a wide range of fields, from hotels to department stores, retail spaces, and offices, honing the designs that define us. We are constantly embracing new challenges to address social issues through design, utilizing the expertise we have developed over the years.

In this issue, President Muro introduces GARDE’s history and our future business model.

The Aesthetic of Japanese Design: What a Design Company Should Strive For

Japanese design is characterized by minimalism, with simplicity and well-calculated elements at the forefront. There are four crucial elements: the first is a clear message that needs to be conveyed; the second is simplicity while retaining functionality; the third is visual aesthetics; and finally, sustainability.

Particularly in large-scale buildings such as houses and hospitals, sustainability is a significant concern. These structures need to last a long time, so the design must be timeless. A simple design with high functionality contributes to the building’s sustainability.

Our designs for luxury brands and department stores maintain simplicity in the interior design, as the products themselves are the focal point. This simplicity enhances the products, yet we also strive to incorporate elements of traditional Japanese aesthetics. Each team identifies uniquely Japanese values within their aesthetics to complete the design.

By focusing on our clients’ requirements and leveraging our extensive expertise, which is our strength, we aim to be a design firm that truly understands and meets the needs of our clients.

The Relevance of Diverse Work Styles and Office Design

The approach to remote working evolved significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic first hit. One strategy is to adopt remote work for tasks requiring focus, while using the office for collaboration and idea-sharing. However, with the pandemic’s end, there has been a growing trend of bringing people back into the office to increase productivity and enhance the office’s functionality.

Some of our clients have recently adopted similar work styles. To boost productivity, they need to create a new office style and bring people together, as communication is a key factor.

One design idea is to provide each person with more space in the office, allowing for a new hybrid work style. Understanding this new work style is essential in designing spaces for our clients. Interior design is increasingly about understanding how people use space rather than focusing solely on aesthetic elements.

ABW, or activity-based workplaces, refers to a working style that allows people to freely choose where and when they work according to their objectives and tasks. This concept has become highly significant in recent years. The general affairs department of a company typically defines the work style, and our job is to listen to these criteria and translate them into spatial designs. Small details, such as the walking distance to the photocopier, are precisely calculated to enhance productivity. Break rooms are also key in this regard, sometimes featuring amenities like billiards, pinball machines, and beverage corners to motivate staff and create a comfortable environment.

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