Organization — Design Studios

Masamichi Hirabayashi

Executive Officer & Head of Tokyo Design Studio

Born in 1972 in Azumino, Japan. Graduated from Matsumoto Agatagagaoka High School and Kanazawa Institute of Technology (Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture).

“Form follows function,” as architect Louis Sullivan professed. We believe that buildings should be designed based on their intended purpose, shedding all superfluous elements. Architecture that naturally arises from function is inherently beautiful. In the same vein, if the design drawings are beautiful, the resulting building will, by necessity, be beautiful. We aim to continuously study and research to achieve functional, yet beautiful architectural designs.

Koji Karasawa

Executive Officer & Head of Matsumoto Head Office Design Studio

Born in 1974 in Matsumoto, Japan. Graduated from Matsumoto Misuzugaoka High School and earned a Master’s in Construction Engineering from the Graduate School of Engineering, Hosei University.

Architecture is in constant motion. That is why we strive to stay alert to new technologies and knowledge, and remain mindful of connections between people, communities, and nature when approaching our designs. Our work is to contemplate, sense, and explore the influences and potential that architecture—closely tied to daily life—can have on local communities and the human spirit. The staff at our head office design studio are a carefully selected and cheerful group, primarily engaged in designing public facilities, food processing plants, and residential projects.

Tomoko Nimura

Executive officer & Interior Design Director

Executive Officer / Director of Interior Design /First-Class Architect
Born in Matsumoto City
Matsusho Gakuen High School
Graduated from Nihon University, College of Industrial Technology, Department of Architecture

Have you ever stayed at a hotel or stepped into a building while traveling and thought, “This feels so comfortable”?
We design with the aim of uncovering the reasons behind that feeling of comfort, creating hotels, cafés, and commercial facilities where visitors can experience a touch of something special.

We work alongside our clients, expanding on ideas from concept to completion, to bring to life spaces that embody their visions—whether it’s “a certain atmosphere” or “a particular experience” they want to deliver.

Our design values are:
⋄ Spaces that make people want to visit
⋄ A balance of extraordinary ambiance and a sense of security
⋄ Preserving small discoveries and playfulness

We design not only the drawings but also the atmosphere that flows through a place and the smiles of those who visit. With that mindset, we approach every project with care and dedication.