A Harmonious Fusion of Japanese Heritage and Contemporary Workplace Innovation
Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA), the largest subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation—one of Japan’s leading integrated trading and investment firms—unveils a visionary headquarters that seamlessly blends its 105-year-old heritage with modern workplace innovation. Read more
At the heart of the design is a Japanese-inspired prayer space, positioned off the main entry sequence to serve as both a cultural centerpiece and a place of reflection. Authentic Asian millwork, hand-selected furnishings, and intricate tapestries frame a striking intersection of stone and wood tatami mats, grounding the space in tradition while fostering a sense of community.
Beyond the entry, The Hub emerges as a dynamic gathering space, designed with a café-style layout that encourages both casual interactions and structured collaboration. Lounge areas and built-in booths create intimate conversation zones, while a flexible furniture system allows for easy reconfiguration into a town hall setting for company-wide events.
The 60,000-square-foot open-plan workplace is thoughtfully organized into three distinct neighborhoods, each defined by a signature accent color to reinforce identity and belonging. Free-address workstations and reservable desks offer employees the freedom to choose their ideal workspace, while integrated huddle rooms, phone booths, and conference rooms provide varied environments for focused work and collaboration.
A Client Center Designed for Elegance and Versatility
The refined client center exudes sophistication, featuring warm oak wood floors, a spacious boardroom, and an operable Skyfold partition that transforms the space from one expansive meeting room into two intimate settings. A dramatic four-sided, butt-glazed huddle room stands as the focal point of the conference center, shifting from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button for instant privacy. Just beyond, a custom-designed coffee bar, adorned with a striking mosaic tile backsplash, serves as a visual and social anchor.
A Spatial Masterpiece: Overcoming Constraints with Design Ingenuity
Faced with limited ceiling height, the design team introduced an architectural solution that creates the illusion of soaring vaulted ceilings. By integrating ductwork into streamlined 8′ soffits along the perimeter, the central volume remains open, maximizing height and spatial fluidity. This innovative approach turns a structural limitation into an opportunity for sculpting a dramatic, light-filled environment.
Throughout the space, subtle Japanese influences are woven into the design—clean lines, minimalist detailing, and a harmonious material palette of oak, bronze, and warm neutrals create a serene and balanced atmosphere. High-contrast elements, such as textured wall
