Please contact us by email.
For inquiries other than design, such as media and publishing requests, please contact kooo-contact@ko-oo.jp

About Us

Our architectural firm, led by architects Shinya Kojima and Ayaka Kojima, operates out of Tokyo and Shanghai.
In an era where human relationships have become superficial and regional identities have weakened, we strive to design spaces that foster community and create sustainable, significant economic value, starting from small local initiatives.
We also question the uniformity brought by mass production and standardized urban landscapes, aiming to preserve local craftsmanship and regional beauty by incorporating materials and details that reflect the cultural and environmental background of the area.

 Our company specializes in  global perspective from dual bases

Our company currently comprises approximately 30 members, primarily involved in four types of projects: hotel design, sports facility design, residential design, and commercial facility design.

Video Media Coverage

・Project Introduction by Origin villa : YouTube

・Office Activities Introduction by Kenchiku Yawa: YouTube

・Interview about ichijo-toma: YouTube

Features of All Positions

・Contributing to the revitalization of local communities, preservation of craftsmanship, cultural preservation, and sustainability through design.

・Opportunities to work in beautiful natural locations across Japan, allowing for the rediscovery of Japan’s charms.

・Collaboration with top-tier creators and businesses on large-scale projects (up to 5 billion yen), providing continuous learning and inspiring beyond design work.

・Involvement in projects from planning to handing over.

Ideal Candidates Profile for All Positions

・Those who can discern the essence of what is needed.

・Those who value human connections.

・Those who aspire to improve local communities.

Desired Candidates

・Individuals who resonate with our philosophy and initiatives and are eager to grow with us.

・Those with experience in general contractors or atelier offices, seeking to experience various scales and programs of architecture and interiors that characterize our firm.

・Those particularly interested in new hotel construction projects with a total floor area of around 10,000 square meters.

・Those interested in interior design and material handling.

・With an increasing number of project requests from overseas, we seek individuals who are excited about future growth in international markets.

Benefits

・Full two-day weekend (public holidays, paid vacation, summer vacation, year-end and New Year holidays, condolence leave).

・Discretionary labor system, with basic working hours from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (1-hour break).

・Location: Tokyo (Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku) in a renovated traditional house with an　running gallery (option to work at the Shanghai office if desired).

Welfare

・Health insurance, welfare pension insurance, employment insurance, workers’ accident compensation insurance, condolence benefits, health check-ups, commuting allowance.

・Lunch provided twice a week, with everyone enjoying homemade meals together (coffee, tea available, kitchen, refrigerator, microwave available).

Salary and Evaluation

・Annual salary increase based on evaluation.

・Monthly salary includes fixed allowances and is subject to change based on selection.

・Annual bonus twice a year based on evaluation and performance (starting from the second year, not guaranteed).

Selection Process

・Submit a resume, portfolio, and drawings via email for design staff.

・Several interviews after document screening.

・3-month trial period after interview selection.

・Non-design staff need only submit a resume via email.

・Design task before the interview (evaluating creativity and expression, not design knowledge).

・contact: recruit-jp(at)ko-oo.jp　※change the (at) parts to @

Post-Hiring Process

・3-month trial period.

・1-year fixed-term contract followed by an indefinite contract (subject to change based on ability).

01.Mid-Career Design Staff Recruitment

Background 

kooo architects is in its 10th year. We have completed numerous unique projects, including large hot spring ryokan and public sports facilities in Japan, and individualistic interiors and regionally rich lodging facilities in China. In 2023, we were selected in a new business competition by a global company, expanding our project scope and scale. To support our rapid growth, we have restructured our organization to welcome talented architects as mid-career staff.

Ideal Candidates Profile

・Those with experience in general contractors or design offices (organization or atelier) seeking to challenge diverse scales and programs of architecture and interiors.

・Those interested in new hotel construction projects with a total floor area of around 10,000 square meters.

・Those wishing to be involved in projects from basic planning to supervision.

Job Description

・Perform design tasks, collaborating with internal and external teams to achieve the desired architectural design.

・Engage in tasks from basic planning to basic design, detailed design, and on-site supervision.

・Use 3D modeling, rendering for design review, and AutoCAD for drawing.

・Handle related contracts, negotiate conditions, and engage in discussions with clients, structural engineers, equipment engineers, construction companies, etc.

Position Benefits

・Work with clients who value architectural design aesthetics, not just functionality, to create quality architectural spaces.

・Opportunity to be involved in projects from basic planning to handingover.

・Engage in various project phases as desired, with opportunities to learn from specialists in each phase.

・Handle diverse projects including residential, commercial, lodging, sports, and public facilities.

・Option to work at the Shanghai office if desired.

・Our in-house brand “Ichijo-toma” and overseas locations allow for a broader perspective in architectural design, distinct from traditional architectural firms.

Preferred Conditions

・Experience in hotel design.

・Experience in designing and supervising large-scale projects (over 2,000 square meters).

・Experience in designing and supervising multiple building types and uses.

・Active experience in leading design offices, general contractors, or atelier offices.

・Experience in detailed design and furniture detailing (able to manage CAD operators for actual drawing).

・Fluently in English.

Mandatory Conditions

・At least 2 years of design experience.

・Experience in writing basic design drawings.

Software Usage

・AutoCAD or JW (other CAD), Rhinoceros (or other 3D software), Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Word, Excel, Google.

・Training provided to master all software within 3 months.

・We use AutoCAD, not JW.

Annual Salary Examples

・Director: Monthly salary 600,000 yen, annual income over 10 million yen (9th year, mid-career hire).

・Senior Architect: Monthly salary 350,000 yen, annual income 6 million yen (6th year, new graduate hire).

・Chief Architect: Monthly salary 320,000 yen, annual income 5 million yen (5th year, new graduate hire).

・Architect: Monthly salary 300,000 yen, annual income 4 million yen (2nd year).

・Assistant Architect: Monthly salary 250,000 yen, annual income 3 million yen (1st year).

Salary Increase

・Annual based on evaluation and performance.

Bonus

Twice a year based on evaluation and performance (from the second year, not guaranteed).

02.CAD Operator Recruitment

Background

First recruitment due to the increase in projects and division of design and drawing tasks.

Job Description

・Communicate with in-house design staff and create drawings in AutoCAD from 3D models (Rhinoceros).

・Create basic design and detailed design drawings.

・Review construction drawings made by others.

Position Benefits

Experience the joy of seeing buildings come to life based on your drawings.

Mandatory Conditions

・At least 5 years of architectural drawing experience.

・Proficiency in AutoCAD.

Software Usage

AutoCAD, Rhinoceros, Word, Excel, Google.

Preferred Conditions

・Experience in creating both architectural and interior drawings.

・Fluently in English.

Desired Characteristics

・High concentration and attention to detail.

・Ability to respond flexibly to design changes.

Annual Salary Example

・CAD Operator: Monthly salary 300,000 yen or more.

・Bonus twice a year based on evaluation and performance (from the second year, not guaranteed).

・Possibility of employment as a contractor or part-time based on ability.

・Part-time: 1,500 yen/hour.

・Project-based contract as a contractor (quoted based on workload).

03.New Graduate Design Staff Recruitment

Background

Annually recruiting a few new graduate design staff.

Job Description

・Collaborate with leaders (Chief Architect or above) on design tasks, communicating with internal and external teams to achieve the desired architectural design.

・Handle tasks from basic planning to basic design, detailed design, on-site supervision, and handover.

・Use 3D modeling, rendering for design review, and AutoCAD for drawing.

・Handle related contracts, negotiate conditions, and engage in discussions with clients, structural engineers, equipment engineers, construction companies, etc.

Position Benefits

・Engage in diverse uses including lodging facilities, sports facilities, commercial facilities (interiors), residential (ichijo-toma), etc., with global perspectives from interaction with the Shanghai office.

・Opportunity to handle projects from start to finish.

・Work with top-tier clients in a rewarding design environment.

Mandatory Conditions

・Architecture major (university or vocational school graduate or higher).

・Excellent presentation skills.

・Possess a strong individual talent.

Software Usage

・AutoCAD, Rhinoceros, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Word, Excel, Google.

・Training provided to master all software within 3 months.

・We use AutoCAD, not JW.

We hope you are:

我们希望你是：

– A person with strong communication abilities (able to clearly express design intentions in both internal and external meetings)

○ 具有表达能力的人 （能在内部和对外的会议上清楚地表达自己的设计意图者）

– A person with high demands for design (having proficient software skills and being able to conduct design research with them) and willing to grow in such an environment.

○ 对于设计有较高要求（有熟练的相关软件能力技能，并能够以此进行设计研究）， 希望在这样的环境中成长的人。

– A person with unique abilities and experiences, particularly someone who has demonstrated a high level of focus and dedication during their academic years.

○ 拥有独特的能力和经验的人。 此外，在学生时代有过十分专注于某一件事的经历的人。

– A person with an outgoing personality who enjoys laughter and thrives on interaction with others, contributing effectively to team environments.

○ 性格开朗，爱笑的人。 喜欢与人互动，并能够参与团队合作的人。

招聘职位 | Job Vacancies

Project Architect (Shanghai)

项目建筑师（上海）

1. Bachelor’s degree or above in architecture;

建筑学学士或以上学位；

2. Excellent design skills and outstanding graphic expression ability;

优秀的设计才能和突出的图面表达能力；

3. Four years or above of good working experience as a full-time architectural designer (excluding internships), and working experience in well-known architectural firms at home and abroad is preferred;

拥有4年及以上作为全职建筑设计师的良好的工作经验（不包含实习），国内外知名建筑事务所的工作经验者优先；

4. Those who have been responsible for the whole process of the project are preferred (construction drawing experience and site experience);

负责过项目全程的工作的人优先考虑（施工图经验及工地现场经验）；

5. Highly passionate about architectural design and have a sense of professional responsibility;

对建筑设计有高度的热情与职业责任心；

6. Proficient in the application of AUTO CAD / RHINO and other related architectural software, and have good hand-made model habits;

熟练掌握AUTO CAD / RHINO等相关建筑软件的应用，并有良好的手工模型制作习惯；

7. Those with English or Japanese ability are preferred;

 具有英文或日文能力者优先考虑；

8. Outstanding performers can rotate between different city offices.

表现优秀者可在不同城市事务所之间轮换。

Architect (Shanghai)

O 建筑师（上海）

1. Bachelor’s degree or above in architecture;

 建筑学学士或以上学位；

2. Excellent design skills and outstanding graphic expression ability;

优秀的设计才能和突出的图面表达能力；

3. Fresh graduates or have 1 year or more of good working experience as a full-time architect (excluding internships), working experience in well-known architectural firms at home and abroad is preferred;

应届毕业生或拥有1年及以上作为全职建筑设计师的良好的工作经验（不包含实习），国内外知名建筑事务所的工作经验者优先；

4. Those who have been responsible for the whole project are preferred (construction drawing experience and site experience);

负责过项目全程的工作的人优先考虑（施工图经验及工地现场经验）；

5. Have a high degree of enthusiasm and professional responsibility for architectural design;

对建筑设计有高度的热情与职业责任心；

6. Skilled in the application of AUTO CAD / RHINO and other related architectural software, and have good hand model making habits;

熟练掌握AUTO CAD / RHINO等相关建筑软件的应用，并有良好的手工模型制作习惯；

7. Those with English or Japanese ability are preferred;

具有英文或日文能力者优先考虑；

8. Outstanding performers can rotate between different city offices.

表现优秀者可在不同城市事务所之间轮换。

Intern (Shanghai)

O 实习生（上海）

1. Architectural background, internship period of 3 months or more;

建筑学背景，实习期3个月或以上；

2. Have a sense of responsibility, take the initiative to undertake work within their ability;

有责任心，主动承担力所能及的工作；

3. Have a high EQ, can maintain effective communication and calm thinking and judgment ability in high-pressure environment;

具有较高情商，能在高压环境下保持有效的沟通和冷静的思考判断能力；

4. Have good time planning and management ability;

有良好时间计划和管理能力；

5. Skilled in the application of AUTO CAD / RHINO and other related architectural software, and have good hand model making habits;

熟练掌握AUTO CAD / RHINO等相关建筑软件的应用，并有良好的手工模型制作习惯；

6. English or Japanese ability is preferred.

具有英文或日文能力者优先考虑。

The Shanghai office provides lunch allowance.

上海事务所提供午餐补贴。

应聘方式 | How to apply

We hope you are:

我们希望你是

– A person who can take this highly socially responsible job seriously

能够认真对待这项具有高度社会责任的工作的人

– A person who will not give up easily and has a sense of responsibility

中途不会轻易放弃，具有责任感的人

– A person who is curious about the unknown and is willing to absorb and learn new knowledge

对未知的事物怀有好奇心，乐于吸收学习新知识的人

– A person who has the moral quality as a social person

具有作为社会人应有道德素养的人

– A person who can listen to others carefully

能够认真倾听别人话语的人

Interested applicants please send the following materials to: recruit-cn@ko-oo.jp

有意的申请人请将以下材料发送至：recruit-cn@ko-oo.jp

We prioritize the following three items:

我们非常看重以下三项内容：

1. Portfolio: PDF format (below 9MB);

作品集：PDF格式（9MB以下）；

2. Resume: PDF format (including name, address, photo, work experience, education background, educational background, career objective and self-statement);

简历：PDF格式（包括姓名、住址、照片、工作经历、教育背景、学历、职业目标和自我陈述）；

3. Motivation letter: please clearly state in the email content why you want to work in Kooo Architectural Design Firm (emails without content will not be considered).

动机信：请在邮件内容中清楚陈述你希望进入小大建築設計事務所工作的理由（无内容的邮件将不予考虑）。

※ Due to the large number of resumes received, we regret that we cannot reply to each one. For applicants whose written materials are approved, we will arrange an interview as soon as possible.

We appreciate your understanding that we do not accept direct visits without prior appointment.

※由于收到简历数量较多，很遗憾我司无法一一进行回复。对于书面材料审核通过的申请人，我司会尽快安排面试。

谢绝不经过预约直接拜访，敬请谅解。

Internally created and managed “ichijo-toma”

“ichijo-toma” is a renovation design service focused on Japanese styled enjoyable and comfortable way of living. We challenge the structure of modern Japanese housing, redefine abandoned and creative lifestyle, and aim to be a renovation brand that represents the 21st century in Japan.
In the summer of 2022, we established the new Gallery ichijo-toma in Jiyugaoka, Tokyo. The studio has completed and handed over a number of residential projects since founding ichijo-toma. We limit the number of design requests per year, which allows us to spend more time and focus our energy working on designing for each customer.
In this context, we created the gallery as a place where customers can come for regular consultation so that they can continue to experience the joyful lifestyle we aim to create through our design. We plan to hold not only design consultations here, but also to host events related to fashion, food, our ways of living, and exhibitions by artists and craftsmen who we respect.
It is becoming a space where many creative minds gather frequently, and our staff members are also expected to take part in these events as well.

Video Media Publication

ichijo-toma interview
https://mag.tecture.jp/feature/20220202-interview-ichijotoma/
Origin Villa introduction by Yit, a popular lifestyle video channel in China
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RgApUqmguU
Office activities introduction by Kenchikuyawa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZVN9cVIbwI

For Students Wanting to Experience Our Company Atmosphere: 3-Day Internship Program

If interested, please send an email with the information below.
※Reception has been closed. Please check next Internship info when we would annouce.

Eligible Applicants: Third-year university students and above
Number of Participants: To be determined
Dates: August 26th (Mon) – August 28th (Wed), 3 days
Application Deadline: August 1st (Thu)

Selection Process:

• Apply by email
• Only those who pass the document screening will be contacted
• One week prior to the internship, a pre-assignment will be sent. Participants will practice drawing site plans and sections.

3-Day Program:

Day 1
AM: Company introduction, 15-minute presentation on pre-assignment
PM: Lunch with the team, site visit

Day 2
AM: Learn how to create presentation materials and consider materials
PM: Summarize the pre-assignment concept into presentation materials, discussions with senior employees

Day 3
AM: Attend a workshop, update presentation materials
PM: Final 15-minute presentation

Application Method:

Please apply by email with the following information. Only those who pass the document screening will be contacted within approximately one week.

• Resume (Please include how you found out about our company)
• Portfolio

Contact:

recruit-jp(at)ko-oo.jp
Please replace (at) with @ when contacting us.

※It  has been done, please wait to annouce new information.

We will be holding a job information session at Gallery Ichijo Toma.
The session will include an explanation of our design philosophy by the representative, and our design staff will candidly share their experiences since joining the company using slides.

For those interested in mid-career entry or new graduates looking to join next year, this will be a great opportunity to gain something what to expect after joining our company.
We invite interested students and professionals considering a mid-career change to join us for this event.
After the staff talk, we will also offer an office tour and consultation session at Gallery Ichijo Toma.

We hope you can get a feel for the atmosphere and working style of our company through casual interactions with our staff.

we also offer online participation. Please check our Instagram for the latest information.
Instagram: @koooarchitects, @ichijo_toma

Date: December 6, 2024 (Friday) 18:30 – 20:00
Location: 3-14-8 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku
Online: Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 967 8699 3061
Password: 261723

Typically, we see an increase in applications before and after job information sessions, so if you could send us your resume and other materials before the event, we will be able to provide consultation on the day. Many have already sent their resumes in advance of the session, and we plan to conduct a preliminary selection about two weeks after December 6.