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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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Recognized as an exceptionally superior material in terms of strength, durability, and versatility, bamboo has long played a crucial role in supporting Japanese industry. In this issue, we will share some examples of the beneficial uses of bamboo, which is attracting worldwide attention as an environmentally friendly material.

Reasons Why Bamboo is the Best Material for Construction

When you hear the term “bamboo material,” you may think of bamboo architecture in Southeast Asia. Indeed, bamboo is a plant that grows primarily in warm and humid Southeast Asia. For this reason, the beautiful bamboo architecture seen in this region is a perfect example of its rich history while also incorporating modern elements.

One of the best examples is the Bamboo Sports Hall, built at Panyaden International School in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Its modern, organic design and sustainability-focused architecture continue to attract many admirers even seven years after its completion.

The design had to harmonize with the surrounding school buildings and natural environment, which are made of earth and bamboo, while still retaining modern elements. Moreover, by using bamboo as a building material, the project succeeded in creating a greener facility with lower carbon dioxide emissions, while meeting the aforementioned challenges.

Source: https://www.archdaily.com/877165/bamboo-sports-hall-for-panyaden-international-school-chiangmai-life-construction

Japanese Traditional Crafts Handed Down Through Generations

Bamboo, which has grown widely across Japan except in some regions, has long been used for building materials, household goods, crafts, and bamboo charcoal. In recent years, however, the number of traditional Japanese bamboo artisans has been declining due to the emergence of inexpensive alternative materials, a decrease in bamboo consumption, and the increasing number of unmanaged and neglected bamboo forests each year.
Despite these challenges, artisans continue to craft bamboo products to preserve the traditions built in the region.

The primary traditional use of bamboo in much of modern Japan is in crafts made by processing bamboo and weaving bamboo strips together. Bamboo crafts designated as traditional handicrafts by the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry are produced in seven regions. Bamboo crafts with a uniquely Japanese delicacy are produced in various types and weaving methods, depending on the region. It would be fascinating to compare the different types of bamboo crafts and find your favorite.

High-Level Bamboo Craftsmanship: Techniques That Can Also Be Art

As mentioned above, Japanese bamboo crafts are highly regarded worldwide for their delicacy and elegance. The more than 200 weaving techniques used to create these crafts are now applied as art to decorate spaces.

Kyoto-based artists create intricate bamboo crafts with delicate patterns drawn using bamboo strips. In a simple weaving technique called “Mutsume-weaving,” bamboo strips as thin as thread are finely woven, almost like embroidery, to create floral designs.

Expectations for a New Future Using Scrap Materials

The use of bamboo continues to evolve even today.

In recent years, companies have been actively working to utilize bamboo that would otherwise be disposed of to produce bamboo paper, and further, to create various products such as bamboo paper straws and hangers. Similarly, some companies are using waste wood to produce furniture with a high level of design.
In this way, bamboo is being utilized as an important resource in ways that are not bound by conventional uses.

As a sustainable material, bamboo is attracting attention from around the world. Flexible and bendable, with strength and durability, bamboo is used not only in construction but also in many everyday items and as art to enrich our lives. The potential uses of bamboo are still being explored.

SThree K.K. office design that GARDE was responsible for and completed in 2022.
SThree is a global recruitment firm from London specializing in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.

The space was completed based on the concept of fusion of the advanced STEM image with the client’s roots in Western and traditional Japanese design.

Click here to read more about SThree office design.

GARDE continues to enter design awards every year with the aim of spreading the excellence of its space and design even after the design of the property is completed.
Below is an overview of the awards received this year.

MUSE Design Awards 2024

About the Award
The MUSE Design Awards established in 2015 to honor creative and design professionals, judged by a panel of approximately 40 judges from around the world
The organizers, International Awards Associate (IAA), are deeply committed to advancing the industry through the discovery and recognition of new and existing talent.

Winning Overview
Title of the Prize：GOLD
Category：Interior Design – Office

The IPAX Asia Pacific Property Awards 2024

About the Award
The International Property awards were established to recognize the highest level of achievement by companies operating in all areas of the real estate and property industry. The awards are held in nine regions, including the UK, Asia Pacific, Africa, and Europe, and are judged by a team of experienced professionals covering all real estate sectors.

Winning Overview
Title of the Prize：Winner
Category：Office Interior

The latest award information is available in the GARDE Newsletter.
The newsletter also includes information about completed projects that GARDE is responsible for, trends in various countries, design and art related topics, and a wide range of other information.
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