Access

Tokyo office

3-14-8, Jiyugaoka, Meguro Ku,Tokyo, 152-0035
TEL 03-5432-9794
FAX 03-6303-3385

Shanghai office

Room 601, 6th Floor, No. 1207, Dingxi Road, Changning District, Shanghai　20050
TEL 021-5465-3637

Design request and consultation

The initial inquiry, site visit, and other related services will be provided at no cost. The consultation is free of charge.
Please provide transportation and accommodation fee if the site is in a remote area.
Please include information related to the design inquiry consultation such as intended consultation content, location, time, budget, etc. Any known information will be helpful, please feel free to contact us.
We will respond by email.
As the project moves along, the design related fees may change as the scope of the work changes. Therefore, please allow us to provide an estimate and explain each time of change.

    Name (Required)

    E-mail (Required)

    TEL(Required)

    Type of the building

    Intended date of completion

    Intended site

    Please feel free to include any other relative information about the project with your inquiry email, such as the site condition and budget. We will check and respond.


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    Media/publishing or any inquiries other than design

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

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    Employment inquiries at Tokyo office

    [Open Positions]

    1. Mid-Career Architect

    2. New Graduate Architect

    3. CAD Operator

    4. Product Designer

    ■ Shared Information for All Positions (01–04)

    [Appeal of All Positions]

    ・A rewarding career where you can contribute to revitalizing local communities, preserving craftsmanship and culture, and promoting sustainability through design.

    ・Many projects are located in nature-rich areas throughout Japan, offering the joy of rediscovering the country’s unique charm.

    ・Opportunities to work on large-scale projects with top creators and businesses, gaining exposure and learning beyond just architectural design.

    ・Involvement in all project phases—from concept to handover.

    [Ideal Candidate Traits for All Positions]

    Our philosophy emphasizes long-term contribution to clients and communities. We value human connections and regional development in our design work.

    We are looking for individuals who resonate with this philosophy and are committed to long-term growth with us—not those seeking early independence.

    〇The video introduces our design philosophy and ideas. 

     

    [Holidays & Leave]

    ・Full 5-day workweek, national holidays, paid leave, summer vacation, year-end/New Year holidays, condolence leave

    ・Over 120 holidays per year

    ・Maternity and childcare leave available

     

    [Work Hours]

    Flexible work system

    ① 8 hours per day

    ② Core time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (including 60-minute break)

    ③ No late-night work (between 10:00 pm – 5:00 am); early morning work encouraged if overtime is needed

     

    [Office Location]

    ・Tokyo Office: 3-14-8 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku, Tokyo (Renovated traditional house with an attached gallery)

    ・Shanghai Office: Available upon request

     

    [Benefits]

    ・Full social insurance coverage, congratulatory/condolence payments, annual health checkups, travel allowances (up to ¥20,000/month)

    ・Homemade team lunches provided 1–2 times per week (coffee, tea, kitchen, refrigerator, microwave available)

    ・Babysitter system available

    ・Company laptop provided

     

    [Software Used]

    AutoCAD, Rhinoceros (or other 3D software), Enscape, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Word, Excel, Google tools

    All employees are expected to master these within 3 months (training provided).

     

    [Application Process]

    -Please send your resume and portfolio via email to: recruit-jp(at)ko-oo.jp (replace “(at)” with “@”)

    -Include your preferred start date in your resume.

    -Mid-career applicants should include past drawings they’ve produced.

    -Only those who pass the document screening will be contacted.

    -Multiple interviews and a design assignment will be required.

    -A formal offer will be sent following the design interview

     

    [Post-Hiring Flow]

    -3-month probation period (same employment conditions); training and interviews included

    -1-year fixed-term contract followed by permanent employment

    (*Subject to change based on ability)

     

    [Annual Salary Examples] (Subject to performance and results)

    ・Director: ¥600,000/month, ¥10,000,000+ annually (9th year)

    ・Senior Architect: ¥370,000/month, ¥6,500,000 annually (7th year)

    ・Chief Architect: ¥320,000/month, ¥5,000,000 annually (3rd year)

    ・Architect: ¥300,000/month, ¥4,500,000 annually (2nd year)

    ・Assistant Architect: ¥250,000/month, ¥3,500,000 annually (1st year)



    Includes fixed overtime (45 hours/month); additional pay for extra hours

    [Salary Increase] Annual evaluation-based raise

    [Bonuses] Twice a year (based on evaluation and performance; not guaranteed)

    [Part-Time & Internship Opportunities]

    Available for students. Selection process is the same as above.

    ・Model-making: ¥1,200/hour

    ・Drawing/CG production: ¥1,500/hour

    [CAD Operator]

    Available as a project-based freelance position. Estimates required based on volume.

    ■ 01. Mid-Career Architect

    [Background]

    kooo architects has reached its 10th year.

    Our achievements include large-scale onsen ryokans and public sports facilities in Japan, and rich, regionally inspired interior and lodging projects in China.

    In 2023, we were selected for Hyatt’s first luxury onsen ryokan brand “ATONA” through a design competition, leading to expansion in project scale and scope.

    https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000117.000008031.html

    We aim to expand our design team from 30 to over 35 members, strengthening our capabilities.

     

    [Ideal Candidate]

    ・Highly skilled in architectural design and aligned with our firm’s philosophy and work

    ・Eager to take on various project scales and types, transitioning from experience in construction firms or studios

    ・Interested in new lodging facilities under 10,000 m²

    ・Excited about growing international projects

     

    [Duties]

    ・Design coordination with internal and external teams

    ・Lead all phases: concept, schematic, design development, construction documents, and site supervision

    ・3D modeling and rendering, drawing with AutoCAD

    ・Negotiate project-related conditions and contracts with developers, engineers, and contractors

     

    [Position Highlights]

    ・Take part in all phases, from planning to handover (non-divisional work approach)

    ・Variety of programs: housing, commercial, hotels, sports, public projects

    ・Shanghai office work possible upon request

    ・Collaborate on in-house brands like “Ichijo Jukken”, gallery curation, and global ventures

     

    [Requirements]

    ・2+ years architectural design experience

    ・Experience creating schematic drawings

    ■ 02. New Graduate Architect

     

    [Ideal Candidate]

    Our mission is to provide social value through architecture via diverse, global projects.

    We seek those who:

    ・Align with our values and aesthetic vision

    ・Want to grow with the company through design

    ・Are curious, responsible, and willing to tackle diverse programs

    ・Possess unique backgrounds or strong personal passions

     

    [Duties]

    ・Collaborate with senior architects on design development

    ・Participate across all phases—from concept to construction

    ・3D modeling/rendering and CAD drawing

    ・Coordinate with stakeholders, negotiate terms, and present proposals

     

    [Requirements]

    ・Major in architecture (university or technical school)

    ・Strong presentation skills

    ・Individual strengths or unique abilities

     

    [Preferred Skills]

    ・Experience in design internships or part-time work

    ・Awards or recognition in competitions or academic work

    ・Proficiency in Rhinoceros and rendering

    ・Business-level English or Chinese

    ■ 03. CAD Operator

     

    [Background]

    First recruitment in this role, prompted by increased projects and division of design/drawing duties

     

    [Duties]

    ・Translate 3D models (Rhinoceros) into drawings using AutoCAD

    ・Produce schematic and detailed design documents

    ・Review contractor construction drawings (we don’t produce them ourselves

     

    [Requirements]

    ・5+ years drafting experience

    ・Strong AutoCAD skills

    ・Familiarity with the following software: AutoCAD, Rhinoceros, Word, Excel, Google

     

    [Preferred Skills]

    ・Experience in both architectural and interior drafting

     

    [Ideal Traits]

    ・Detail-oriented and highly focused

    ・Flexible when responding to design changes

    ■ 04. Product Designer

     

    [Background]

    With more lodging projects, we now frequently design custom furniture, lighting, art, and signage.

    We value local craftsmanship and regional materials, collaborating with artisans and manufacturers.

    To deepen our focus on individual product development, we are hiring a product designer for the first time.

     

    [Duties]

    ・Design bespoke furniture and fittings alongside architects and designers

    ・Work with materials such as washi paper, lacquer, bamboo, metal, wood, resin, and more

    ・Design everything from tables and chairs to handles, hanger pipes, and switch plates

    ・Lead all phases: concept, drawings, cost/schedule control, delivery, and styling

     

    [Position Highlights]

    ・Projects demand high design sensitivity and functionality

    ・Many opportunities to visit local workshops and deepen knowledge of Japanese materials and techniques

     

    [Preferred Skills]

    ・Furniture or product design experience

     

    [Requirements]

    ・2+ years of professional design experience

    ・Degree (or expected graduation) from a design-related field

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    Employment inquiries at Shanhghai

    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；

    1. 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；

    1. 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；

    1. 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）；

    1. 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；

    1. 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；

    1. Those with English or Japanese ability are preferred;

     具有英文或日文能力者优先考虑；

    1. 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；

    1. 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；

    1. 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；

    1. 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）；

    1. 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；

    1. 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；

    1. Those with English or Japanese ability are preferred;

    具有英文或日文能力者优先考虑；

    1. 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；

    1. 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；

    1. 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；

    1. Have good time planning and management ability;

    有良好时间计划和管理能力；

    1. 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；

    1. 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）；

    1. 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）；

    1. 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。

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    Employment inquiries ichijo-toma

    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

    Interview on “Ichijo-toma”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE36AGkPG7A

     

     

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    Internship

    For Students Wanting to Experience Our Company Atmosphere: 4-Day Internship Program

    If interested, please send an email with the information below.

     

    Eligible Applicants: Third-year university students and above
    Number of Participants: To be determined
    Dates: August 21th (Wed) – August 26th (Tue), 2025，4 days
    Application Deadline: June 2nd ～ July 25th

     

    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.

     

    4-Day Program:

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

    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

    Day 4
    AM: site visit
    PM: work experience

     

    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.

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    Company Orientation on June 2025

    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: June 18, 2025 (Wednesday) 18:30 – 20:00
    Location: 3-14-8 Jiyugaoka, Meguro-ku
    Online: Zoom Link
    Meeting ID: 947 5919 7999
    Password: 335032

     

    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 June 18th.

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