Cartier headquarters in Tokyo opened after renovation

A place where the European suite is complemented by Japanese tranquility and contemplation

Photo: Tomuki Kengaku

The Japanese studio I IN has completed the reconstruction of the Cartier headquarters in Tokyo. The designers sought to create an environment that would help the company’s employees to feel the brand’s philosophy on a subconscious level. “How to bring the essence of luxury associated with Cartier into the workspace?” — the founders of the studio Yohei Terui and Hiromu Yuyama wondered. In the updated interiors, the designers reflected the character and values of the brand, using the company’s signature shades — saturated red, champagne and gold.

Photo: Tomuki Kengaku

The entrance area with a round red sofa designed by Time & Style is fenced with golden slats and serves as a waiting area for visitors. Cartier’s signature red shade appeared in strategically important places — a sofa in the foyer, a raised podium with a tatami mat in the recreation area and as accents in the locker room. Muted gold and shades of champagne were used for decorative slats in the entrance area, carpets woven by Yamagata Danzu (one of the oldest carpet suppliers in Japan), abstract chandeliers, wall panels and even in the stripes separating the workstations on the central desktop.

The office windows overlook the gardens of the Imperial Palace.

Photo: Tomuki Kengaku

The office is bright and spacious thanks to the open layout, an abundance of natural light coming from panoramic windows, and a muted background with shades of white, cream and light wood,

A custom-made gold leaf panel hangs in front of the living room with a golden fence.

Photo: Tomuki Kengaku

The golden panel at the entrance echoes the circular shape of the living room and emphasizes the sense of luxury and craftsmanship inherent in the Sartier brand, as well as a large lamp in the main work area. It is made of undulating golden blinds and accentuates a round communal table with matching stripes that separate the workplaces.

A durable Kvadrat fabric was chosen for the round sofa in the foyer.

Photo: Tomuki Kengaku

The lamp-blinds in the work area.

Photo: Tomuki Kengaku

The main workspace has an open layout. In its center there is a round desktop separating individual places with golden lines. In the center of the table there is a large pot with plants. Some of the additional tables are divided by partitions (for those who like more private work), other tables are completely open, allowing employees to work with a view of the gardens of the Imperial Palace.

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Photo:: Tomuki Kengaku

A separate recreation area is a more social space designed for meetings, employee communication and breaks. In the center of this space there is a bar with a marble countertop, surrounded by soft sofas and tables, like in a cafe. In addition, a raised tatami mat is installed in the corner of the living room, which allows employees to relax in a traditional Japanese atmosphere.