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An exclusive interview with GARDE President Muro was featured in WWDJAPAN’s annual “CEO Special Issue”, published on January 27, 2025.

This year’s theme, “Possibilities,” explores reflections on 2024 and expectations for 2025. In the interview, President Muro discusses GARDE’s business developments, future prospects, and the company’s design philosophy. He also highlights the opening of a permanent art gallery in Chelsea, New York, one of the projects commemorating GARDE’s 40th anniversary.
The feature underscores GARDE’s expertise in luxury brand design, its commitment to innovation, and its vision for the future.

TOP PHOTO: Facade of “GOCA by Garde,” a contemporary art gallery in Chelsea, New York.

Becoming the Leading Firm in Luxury Brand Market Design in Japan

GARDE specializes in a broad range of spatial design and branding for department stores, hotels, offices, and more. Notably, in the fashion sector, GARDE has designed stores for over 80 international luxury brands, including those from the industry’s “big three” conglomerates.
GARDE’s ability to continuously expand its portfolio stems from the trust it has built with its clients.

When designing for luxury brands, we prioritize a client-first approach, focusing on elevating service quality. Through extensive discussions with both the Japan offices and global headquarters of our clients, we ensure that their exacting standards and levels of perfection are meticulously met.

Strong communication skills play a crucial role in this process. With a team proficient in both language and technical expertise, we are deeply committed to faithfully executing and expressing brand quality.
We believe that maintaining superior quality directly enhances brand identity and fosters trust between companies.

Design Aesthetics in Spatial Design

Japanese design is characterized by minimalism—where simplicity and precision are paramount.

In commercial spaces, excessive decoration can overshadow the products, which should remain the focal point of the environment. Similarly, in hotels, over-embellished interiors can feel overwhelming rather than relaxing. With long-term stays becoming more common, minimalistic spaces designed to put guests at ease are now more essential than ever.
Achieving minimalism while maintaining functionality is a significant challenge. Without technical expertise, a minimalist approach can risk appearing too simplistic or lacking substance. However, at GARDE, our experienced designers continuously refine their skills, ensuring that minimalism is executed with sophistication and precision—turning it into our greatest strength.

GARDE is currently leading the interior and exterior design for the renovation of the Seibu Ikebukuro flagship store, set to reopen in 2025. As a former specialist in department store design, President Muro brings extensive expertise in retail remodeling and store openings. By leveraging GARDE’s distinctive strengths, we aim to transform this project into a benchmark for architectural and spatial excellence.

Prospects for 2025: Human Resources and Environmental Investment

In the field of spatial design, we are set to unveil a large-scale business project that has been in development for many years. On the brand side, we anticipate the ongoing trend toward larger retail spaces to continue, just as it has over the past 24 years. As a result, the number of branded stores that GARDE collaborates with is expected to grow even further.

Through these projects, we aim to enhance the company’s visibility, invest in talent and the working environment, and strengthen our appeal as a desirable workplace—especially in light of the increasing shortage of skilled professionals.

Specifically, we plan to further reinforce existing initiatives such as design study sessions, which serve as platforms for sharing skills and expertise, and training programs in business-related languages to support professional development.

In Conclusion

This issue of WWDJAPAN provides a retrospective on 2024 and also features the latest updates on our art business, which we were unable to cover in this article.
For more details, please visit the following link:
WWDJAPAN – CEO Special Issue

GARDE Design Magazine provides project portfolio, trends in architecture, design, and art, and event information.
The project portfolio and the latest information on GARDE are now available on our official website.
>Click here to visit our project portfolio.
>Click here for the latest information on GARDE

From December 11 to 13, 2024, the “9th JAPAN BUILD TOKYO – Advanced Architectural Technology Expo” was held at Tokyo Big Sight. This exhibition, divided into eight zones—“High-Performance Building Materials & Housing Equipment Expo,” “Real Estate Tech Expo,” “Smart House Expo,” “Smart Building Expo,” “Building Renovation Expo,” “Construction DX Expo,” “Commercial Facility & Store DX Expo,” and “Building Decarbonization Expo”—is one of Japan’s largest specialized trade shows showcasing the latest technologies and products in the architecture, construction, and real estate industries.

The Fusion of GX Solutions and Architecture to Support Decarbonization

“Green Transformation” (GX), a key theme for the construction industry aiming to transition to a decarbonized society, was prominently featured. Numerous products focusing on improving energy efficiency, such as solar power systems, energy storage batteries, and energy-efficient air conditioning systems, were on display. Companies showcased their unique technologies and examples, including solar panels designed to resemble roof tiles, emphasizing not only functionality but also the importance of design in the architectural market.

40 Seminars Covering the Industry’s Cutting Edge

During the exhibition, 40 seminars were held, featuring key players at the forefront of the construction industry, researchers, policymakers, companies, and specialists. These seminars covered a broad range of topics, from explanations of the latest industry trends and regulatory changes to promising technological solutions and practical case studies.

Highlighted sessions included a presentation by Shugo Yadomoto, Deputy Director-General of the Housing Bureau at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, titled “Current Considerations on the Calculation and Evaluation of Lifecycle CO2 in Buildings”, tailored to the construction industry. Another notable lecture, aimed at the real estate sector, was by Takeshi Natsuhara, the creator behind the original concept of the drama “Shoujiki Fudousan” (Honest Real Estate), titled “The Future of Real Estate Companies: Insights from the Creator of ‘Shoujiki Fudousan’”. These seminars provided participants with valuable insights into the latest industry developments, their implications for businesses, and the envisioned future for the construction and real estate industries in achieving a decarbonized society.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

The 9th JAPAN BUILD TOKYO provided a cutting-edge platform for exploring solutions to the challenges faced by the construction, architecture, and real estate industries. It showcased the latest technologies and ideas for shaping the industry’s future.

At GARDE, we are committed to incorporating future-oriented initiatives into our spatial design projects, tailored to the needs of our clients. By maintaining design quality while creating sustainable spaces, we aim to continue delivering exceptional design solutions.

Event Details

Event: The 9th JAPAN BUILD TOKYO – Advanced Architectural Technology Expo
Date: December 11 (Wed)–13 (Fri), 2024, 10:00–18:00 (closes at 17:00 on the final day)
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
Organizer: RX Japan Co., Ltd. – JAPAN BUILD Exhibition Office
URL: https://www.japan-build.jp/hub/ja-jp.html

GARDE Design Magazine provides project portfolio, trends in architecture, design, and art, and event information.
The project portfolio and the latest information on GARDE are now available on our official website.
>Click here to visit our project portfolio.
>Click here for the latest information on GARDE

On November 20 and 21, 2024, “BAMBOO EXPO 22” was held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center, Hamamatsucho, drawing attention from many industry professionals as a venue to experience the latest trends in commercial space design. The event showcased a wide range of items and services, including interior and exterior materials, construction materials, lighting, sound, art, signage, greenery, furniture, and water-related items. Below is an overview of the event.

The Evolution and Creativity of Glass

Glass possesses many qualities, such as transparency, hardness, and versatility in processing. In this exhibition, 13 companies showcased various types of glass and processing technologies, highlighting the potential and appeal of glass materials. Some of the exhibits included works that combined traditional craftsmanship with the latest technology, as well as recycled glass products focused on sustainability. These displays emphasized the endless possibilities of glass as a material.

Visitors could experience firsthand how the “transparency” and “light-manipulating” qualities of glass materials affect space design, offering both a visual and tactile experience.

Eco-Materials: The Potential of Sustainable Materials

In recent years, reducing environmental impact has become an important theme in architecture and interior design. The materials currently drawing the most attention from architects and interior designers are “eco-materials.”

At BAMBOO EXPO 22, numerous eco-materials were exhibited, all developed with sustainable perspectives, including materials made from recycled waste and those produced with environmental considerations in the manufacturing process.

At the exhibition booth, five companies showcased their materials, each passionately conveying the unique characteristics and underlying stories to the attendees. They effectively communicated the potential of their innovative eco-materials, highlighting how they balance design excellence with environmental considerations.

Fusion of Tradition and Innovation: “Echizen Washi”

As part of a special exhibition, “Echizen Washi,” a traditional craft from Fukui in the Hokuriku region, was showcased. With a long and storied history, Echizen Washi remains a celebrated traditional craft while also being widely utilized in contemporary design due to its unique properties.

Notably, its translucency and soft light diffusion have made it a sought-after material in commercial space design, where it contributes a distinctive aesthetic appeal. As an environmentally friendly and sustainable material with high design flexibility, it finds applications not only in Japandi-style interiors but also in creating luxurious spaces.

At the event, craftspeople from Echizen Washi studios were present to provide hands-on explanations of the material’s allure and its applications. This direct interaction offered attendees a rare opportunity to witness how traditional techniques are integrated into modern design, creating new value and possibilities.

Conclusion

BAMBOO EXPO offered not only an opportunity to experience the latest trends in commercial space design but also a glimpse into its future potential. Packed with inspiration and discoveries, this event is a must-visit for anyone interested in design, craftsmanship, or environmental sustainability. The next “BAMBOO EXPO 23” is scheduled for May 2025. This platform, leading the future of commercial space design, promises new surprises and excitement. Why not take this opportunity to visit and experience it for yourself?

[BAMBOO EXPO Information]

Organizer: BAMBOO MEDIA Co., Ltd.
Official Website: https://bamboo-expo.jp/

GARDE Design Magazine provides project portfolio, trends in architecture, design, and art, and event information.
The project portfolio and the latest information on GARDE are now available on our official website.
>Click here to visit our project portfolio.
>Click here for the latest information on GARDE

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
＞Click here for the latest information on GARDE

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.