The 8 Best Interior Designers in Tokyo (2026)

We could not confirm a separate mandatory national license for interior design as such on an official ministry page, so ask each studio about its credentials directly. What the ministry (MLIT) does describe is the first-class architect, who is licensed by the Minister and does design, construction supervision and other work on buildings. Several studios here state a registered architect office on their own sites, including Keiji Ashizawa Design, Schemata Architects, Field Four Design Office and ONE Designs.

It depends on the building and the scope. Cosmetic work, such as finishes and furniture, differs from changes to walls, structure, plumbing or electrical systems. Ask the studio, in writing, who is responsible for building approvals and for supervising the construction. ONE Designs says its English-speaking staff handle the necessary building and government applications for renovations, and lists a first-class registered architect license on its site.

None of the studios here publish prices, and structures vary: a fixed design fee, a percentage of construction cost, or a package that bundles design and construction. Ask for the scope in writing, what is included (drawings, furniture, site visits, permit paperwork), who pays the contractor, and what happens if the budget changes. Design-build firms such as ONE Designs say they manage the renovation process from planning to completion.

Usually only within the limits of your lease and with the landlord's or management company's written permission. Many Japanese leases require you to restore the unit to its original condition when you leave, so ask about restoration before you commission any fixed work. Building management rules can also restrict flooring changes and noisy work. Get permission and the restoration terms in writing before a studio starts.

Among the studios in this guide, ONE Designs says it offers end-to-end consultation in English, and Garde, Curiosity, I IN, nendo, Schemata Architects, Keiji Ashizawa Design and Field Four Design Office all have English-language pages on their sites. English on a website does not guarantee every project manager is bilingual, so ask who your day-to-day contact will be and in which language drawings and contracts are provided.

ONE Designs describes renovation of homes as a core service, along with hotels and stores. Keiji Ashizawa Design, Schemata Architects and I IN list residential projects alongside commercial ones, and Field Four Design Office lists residence interiors and hotel work. Garde and Curiosity describe themselves mainly in terms of international retail, hospitality and product work, so confirm that a studio takes private residences before you ask for a proposal.