Interior Designer: Yayoi Suetsugu

Architect: Yayoi Suetsugu

PhD Inc. has completed an extraordinary interior design project in Aichi Prefecture, transforming four individual high-rise units into one expansive and luxurious 500-square-metre residence. Located on the upper floors of a newly constructed tower, the residence offers sweeping views of the city’s skyline and represents a bold statement in contemporary design, combining meticulous detail with advanced functionality.

Created as a primary home rather than a secondary retreat, the design by PhD Inc. balances refined aesthetics with everyday comfort. The layout includes a spacious living room, main and secondary dining areas, two kitchens, a bar counter, a gym, a fully soundproof audio room, four bedrooms, and three bathrooms. Every element was crafted with precision, with measurements refined to within 1 millimetre to embody the elegance of Italian modern design.

Despite the challenges posed by Japan’s seismic regulations, the project features bold applications of marble and fine joint detailing, pushing the boundaries of what is typically achievable in high-rise interiors. PhD Inc. also integrated advanced smart home technology, allowing centralized control via iPads and iPhones. To enhance atmosphere and comfort, glare-free linear lighting was selected over traditional downlights or indirect lighting.

The residence, named “KODOU,” meaning heartbeat, reflects the client’s personal philosophy through expressive interior choices. Italian-made furniture from Minotti, B&B Italia, and Molteni &C was carefully curated, while design accents such as crystal bricks and Ecosmartfire fireplaces add a sense of playfulness and energy.

PhD Inc. strategically avoided excessive partitions, using freestanding furniture to define areas while preserving the panoramic openness of the space. Executed from the early construction stages, the project required deep collaboration with contractors and a thorough understanding of architectural structure, utility systems, and design, making it a standout achievement in modern residential interiors.