Recruit Umeda: Celebrating Osaka’s Spirit in Office Design

Good Place redefines workplace interaction with vibrant, community-focused interiors.

Located within a 41-story skyscraper in Osaka, Recruit Umeda spans four office floors and two dedicated break rooms. Good Place’s design vision centers on building meaningful “connections” between people and spaces, drawing inspiration from Osaka’s rich merchant history, renowned food culture, and playful dialect. The result is an environment that not only supports functional needs but also encourages cross-floor interactions and a strong sense of community.

Distinct zoning strategies are at the heart of the project. The “CO-EN (33)” refresh space on the 33rd floor exemplifies this approach by offering zones tailored to different levels of communication. A semi-circular counter and a prominent communication board serve as focal points for spontaneous conversations, while a diverse palette of colors and fixtures ensures the space remains engaging and adaptable for a wide range of users and activities.

Acoustic considerations were paramount in the design process. Open work areas are balanced with strategically placed meeting spaces and low partitions, separating call centers from quiet focus zones. This thoughtful layout supports both productivity and comfort, allowing employees to choose environments best suited to their tasks while minimizing noise disruptions.

Environmental responsibility also played a significant role. Over 600 pieces of furniture from various sites were repurposed, with careful attention to maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Techniques such as repainting furniture legs helped unify the diverse elements, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability without sacrificing design integrity.

Recruit Umeda’s design journey began with comprehensive employee satisfaction surveys, revealing challenges related to the office’s vast scale and limited inter-team communication. In response, the design team implemented measures focused on “Community,” “Collaboration,” and “Osaka-ness,” resulting in a workspace that celebrates local identity while promoting innovation and interaction.

Recognized with the Silver A' Design Award in 2025, Recruit Umeda stands as a testament to the power of culturally inspired, people-centric office design. The project not only elevates the everyday work experience but also sets a new standard for integrating regional character into contemporary workplaces.

Image Credit: Keiko Chiba (Nacasa & Partners)