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

Tokyo and Shanghai based design studio established by architects Kojima Shinya and Kojima Ayaka.
The contemporary society has become overloaded with information, and we are considerate through our projects to revive the superficial human relationships and the faded local characteristics.
Even starting with just a humble local identity, we thrive to create a space to gather and generate a larger sustainable and reliable economy.
In addition, by questioning the homogenized materiality and uniform streets as a result of mass production, we aim to carry on and express the beauty and craftsmanship that is particular to that region through incorporating materials and details that can inherit its local climate and cultural background.

kooo architects with a global perspective that makes use of the strengths of its two overseas bases

With approximately 25 members in the studios, we mainly design and manage four types of projects, including hospitality, sports facilities, residential, and other commercial facilities.
In each project, we always aim to propose an innovative concept, doing our best to carry out the project until completion along with the help from external collaborators. We also strive to continue to be involved after construction completion in the way the space is used and managed, currently and in the future, rather than just finishing the job at project handover.
As for public projects, two soccer facilities we designed were opened last year, and we were happy to see them actually being used well and appreciated by the local citizens.
Furthermore, the Hoshino Resorts KAI-Tamatsukuri was opened, where we incorporated local materials and craftsmanship into the interior design of the guestrooms. It was another step in our aim of regional culture revitalization.

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

Employment Positions

1. Junior and Intermediate designers 

Those who sympathize with our works and initiatives, motivated to grow together.
Those who have had experience in organizations or atelier design offices, and want to take on the challenge of architectural and interior design of various scales and programs that are characteristic of our company.
Those who want to experience working overseas, you are welcome to our Shanghai office after working in Japan. (Is working in the Tokyo office required before going to Shanghai?) (if not, then use→) Those who have had experience working in Japan and want to challenge working overseas, you are welcome to our Shanghai office.
2023 new employee monthly salary starting from 230,000 yen.
Salary for those who have had working experience varies based on the years and type of experience. Work ability, compatibility with the office environment, etc. during the probation period (3 months typical) will also be considered. For those who have prior working experience for over 3 years, the average annual salary is likely to be around 4,000,000 yen, and 5,000,000~9,000,000 for those with over 5 years of experience (according to the individual’s ability and experience).
Raise once every year, and bonus twice a year (depending on achievements).
Various insurances, periodic health assessments, and business travel allowance will be provided.
All-office handmade lunch will be provided twice a week.

2. ichijo-toma Staff (Tokyo)

Those who sympathize with the concept of ichijo-toma, and want to deeply discover the Japanese lifestyle.
Those who want to experience a wide range of tasks other than just design work, including but not limited to event planning, furniture sales, public relations, etc.
2023 new employee monthly salary starting from 230,000 yen.
Salary for those who have had working experience varies based on the years and type of experience. Work ability, compatibility with the office environment, etc. during the probation period (3 months typical) will also be considered. For those who have prior working experience for over 3 years, the average annual salary is likely to be around 4,000,000 yen (according to the individual’s ability and experience).
Raise once every year, and bonus twice a year (depending on achievements).
Various insurances, periodic health assessments, and business travel allowance will be provided.
All-office handmade lunch will be provided twice a week.
Please contact us directly from:

ichijo-toma homepage: https://ichijo-toma.jp
official Instagram: @ichijo_toma

3. Internship

Those who would like to acquire some hands-on experience parallel to their academic work.
Those who would like to consider working full-time in our office, and want to experience the atmosphere.
Please include your intended frequency and motivation for working with us when you send your inquiry.
Lunch compensation will be provided.
Working hours:
Monday~Friday 9:30~18:30 (can be adjusted according to academic schedule)
Working location:
Tokyo: 3-14-8 Jiyugaoka, Meguro Ku
Shanghai: Room 601, 6th Floor, No. 1207, Dingxi Road, Changning District

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

【会社説明会開催のお知らせ】japanese only

gallery一畳十間で会社説明会を行います。

代表とスタッフより設計の考え方や、実務の取り組み方をお話致します。

入社後のイメージをより具体的に掴んで頂ける機会になると思いますので、ご興味のある学生の方、中途入社をお考えの社会人の方、ぜひこの機会にお越しください。

スタッフトーク後には、会場でもあるgallery一畳十間にて事務所ツアーや相談会も用意しています。来年度に向けて就職活動をされている学生の方などお気軽にお声がけください。

カジュアルな雰囲気の中で、弊社スタッフとの交流を通じて小大や一畳十間の雰囲気や働き方を掴んで頂けたら幸いです。

※遠方の方にはオンライン参加もご用意しております。詳細はインスタグラムをご確認下さい。

Instagram：@ichijo_toma @koooarchitects

日時：未定

場所：目黒区自由が丘3−14−8

オンライン：

ストーリーハイライト「HIRING」よりご確認下さい。

通常説明会前後で応募が増える為、説明会開催‘前‘に履歴書等を recruit-jp@ko-oo.jp にお送り頂けると当日ご相談に乗ることが出来ます。説明会に向けて、多くの方に先行して履歴書等をお送り頂いており、2週間程で一度選考をさせて頂く予定です。