Studio O+A

Studio O+A and for the Future. We design and experiences.

Welcome to KOKUYO HQ! Located in Osaka, Japan and created through a partnership between Studio O+A and KOKUYO, this new ...
09/25/2026

Welcome to KOKUYO HQ! Located in Osaka, Japan and created through a partnership between Studio O+A and KOKUYO, this new office sparks curiosity, fosters human connection, supports experimentation, and brings the project concept “Promenade of Discovery” to life.

Swipe through to explore our latest project KOKUYO HQ!

📸: Garrett Rowland
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The Treehouse is a quiet, library-like sanctuary for focused work and relaxation, where warm wood, greenery, flexible seating, and panoramic views of Osaka reinforce the connection between people, nature, and the workplace.

Designed to host both internal and external events, the Town Hall provides a flexible setting for learning, connection, and engagement.

A versatile layout and modular furnishings allow the space to adapt seamlessly to workshops, training sessions, and large group gatherings.

Arriving at KOKUYO HQ staff and visitors are greeted by a playful two-dimensional environmental graphic stretching along the corridor and draws inspiration from KOKUYO’s product lines. A colorful composition flows seamlessly from wall to ceiling, guiding everyone toward the office entrance.

The Marketplace is a lively social destination centered around a working mini kitchen and interactive Osaka-style teppan table. Designed for casual coffee, lunch, or a change of pace, it transforms everyday meals into a celebration of culture, conversation, and connection.

In addition, the Marketplace also serves as a flexible hub for solo work, meetings, and events for up to 100 people.

“Curiosity Walls” wrap around the outside of meeting rooms in the exhibition area and serve as living galleries of KOKUYO’s evolution. A curated mix of historic artifacts and contemporary products celebrates the company’s heritage while showcasing its ongoing innovation.

Thanks for following along! Stay tuned for more on this exciting new project. ✨

Continuing our series with KOKUYO HQ, designed by Studio O+A in collaboration with KOKUYO, and located in Osaka, Japan.F...
09/18/2026

Continuing our series with KOKUYO HQ, designed by Studio O+A in collaboration with KOKUYO, and located in Osaka, Japan.

From branding moments to material choices, storytelling is at the heart of KOKUYO HQ’s design. Swipe through to discover how each detail contributes to the story.
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Color-coded portals guide visitors between five distinct zones—Greenery & Parks, Main Thoroughfare, Quiet Alleyways, Residential, and Markets.

Moving through these brand-colored portals captures the dynamic energy of crossing from one neighborhood into the next, signifying a clear transition.

The colors are selected from KOKUYO’s official brand guidelines. These distinctive colors were applied to each transition portal and complement the carpet strategy.

Together, these coordinated colors act as a subtle, intuitive wayfinding system for employees and guests.

Located in the workstation area, this graphic celebrates the collaboration between the O+A and KOKUYO teams. The design elements are drawn from O+A’s urban explorations while in Japan, integrating motifs from the construction site and everyday streetscapes.

The graphic’s color palette echoes the natural tones of Umekita Park just outside the windows adjacent to the graphic.

This intentional use of colors drawn from nature, blur the boundary between the built environment and the outdoors, enhancing the overall wellness of the workspace.

Sustainable materials are integrated throughout the office, reflecting KOKUYO’s environmental commitment. Features include a bespoke reception counter crafted from recycled KOKUYO furniture, a café countertop made with barks from the KOKUYO-protected forest, and displays made from paper tubes and product catalogs.

All of these elements and nuances in the design create a tactile environment rich with storytelling that invites exploration, interaction, and discovery.

We hope to see you here again next week, where the story continues!

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting our newest project: KOKUYO HQ in Osaka, Japan.Designed by Studio O+A in c...
09/11/2026

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting our newest project: KOKUYO HQ in Osaka, Japan.

Designed by Studio O+A in collaboration with KOKUYO, this new workspace brings together the legacy of a celebrated Japanese manufacturer and supplier known for stationery, office furniture, and spatial design solutions.

Located within Grand Green Osaka Park Tower, the new headquarters was shaped through an extensive collaboration between teams in the U.S. and Japan.

We’re kicking off the series with a look at Collaboration, Visioning, & Planning and how we built a shared strategy across continents.

From the earliest stages of the project, O+A’s team traveled to Japan to work directly with KOKUYO’s leadership and teams.

Through stakeholder interviews and visioning sessions, we explored how different groups work, what they needed from their new environment, and what the future of work could look like for KOKUYO.

These conversations became the foundation for a workplace strategy and design tailored specifically to their people, culture, and ways of working.

Great workplace design starts with listening.

During our visioning sessions with KOKUYO, we asked questions designed to uncover what was working, what could improve, and what their teams needed to thrive in their new environment.

This slide shows a few examples of the questions we explored—and the insights KOKUYO shared with us.

Collaboration continued throughout the Schematic Design and Design Development phases, with KOKUYO’s team traveling to San Francisco to work alongside O+A.

Together, we refined programming, reviewed materials, and made design decisions in real time creating opportunities for true collaboration throughout the process.

And when we couldn’t meet in person, we leaned on digital collaboration tools to keep ideas moving and the project progressing across the U.S. and Japan.

From the overall concept to the smallest material detail, consistency was essential.

Interior materials were carefully sourced, and brand colors were precisely matched across surfaces, with both teams reviewing selections throughout the process.

This close collaboration helped ensure the design vision remained cohesi

At O+A, staircases are more than a way to move through a space—they’re an opportunity to tell a story. From large-scale ...
08/14/2026

At O+A, staircases are more than a way to move through a space—they’re an opportunity to tell a story. From large-scale architectural installations to floor graphics that mimic a rug—even down to the exact number of steps an employee takes—every detail is intentional.

Swipe through some of our most memorable stair designs and discover how a striking staircase can completely define the character of a space.

Image 1-6, 9: Photo credits - Garrett Rowland
Image 7: Photo credits - Jasper Sanidad
Image 8: Photo credits - Jeremy Bitterman
Image 10: Photo credits - Sakai Beers
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Thoughtful wayfinding shapes how people experience a space. At O+A, custom floor graphics and intuitive pathways are des...
07/27/2026

Thoughtful wayfinding shapes how people experience a space. At O+A, custom floor graphics and intuitive pathways are designed to enhance navigation while reinforcing the identity and character of each environment.

Take a look at a selection of O+A’s memorable floor graphic designs, showcasing how thoughtful graphics and wayfinding shapes the experience of every space.

Image 1: Photo credits - Jasper Sanidad
Image 2: Photo credits - Garrett Rowland
Image 3: Photo credits - Garrett Rowland
Image 4: Photo credits - Garrett Rowland
Image 5: Photo credits - Garrett Rowland
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07/09/2026

At O+A, we’re a multidisciplinary design studio where every aspect of a project is thoughtfully considered. From lighting, artwork, and signage to custom reception desks, each element is carefully curated to create a cohesive and intentional experience.

Recently we had the opportunity to help reposition a historic building for a new generation. Inspired by the building’s legacy, our goal is to honor its roots while making it feel relevant for today.

This project spans a variety of spaces, including a public French café and bakery, a newly reimagined building lobby, and a private rooftop terrace. One project, three palettes.

We’re excited to be part of San Francisco’s continued evolution and grateful for the opportunity to help shape more welcoming, vibrant public places. ✨
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07/01/2026

Earlier this spring, Primo traveled to New York for this year’s Design Nation Conference, where he led an executive seminar and joined Princeton students for a conversation on Studio O+A’s journey.

The theme for the conference was “Morph”, and the integration of design with business. The discussion touched on engineered serendipity, democratic design, access to natural light, and the ways workplaces can foster connection and community.

📸 🎥: Courtesy of Design Nation
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executiveseminar

Happy Pride to the global LGBTQ+ community—honoring pride, progress, and the freedom to be yourself, today and every day...
06/17/2026

Happy Pride to the global LGBTQ+ community—honoring pride, progress, and the freedom to be yourself, today and every day. 🌍❤️
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As part of San Francisco Design Week Studio Crawl, Studio O+A is hosting a happy hour at the studio during the crawl. Jo...
05/27/2026

As part of San Francisco Design Week Studio Crawl, Studio O+A is hosting a happy hour at the studio during the crawl. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the O+A design process, explore materials selections and creative inspirations, and connect through conversations about design. We're excited to meet all of you!

For Studio Crawl tickets, click the link below to purchase tickets for the event: https://sfdesignweek.org/event/studio-oa-studio-crawl/

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Join us at Studio O+A for a conversation with creatives across disciplines—from food and music to architecture and desig...
05/22/2026

Join us at Studio O+A for a conversation with creatives across disciplines—from food and music to architecture and design—as they share their stories, reflect on their professional journeys, and explore the ideas shaping legacy, creativity, and the future.

Talking shop with:�
Conversation #1:
Primo Orpilla, Studio O+A
Kirk Michael Harper aka The Selecter
John Quintos of Cento Coffee
Hosted by Annabelle Udo O’Malley

Conversation #2:
Primo Orpilla, Studio O+A
Gene Sandoval, AIA
Everett Katigbak (multi-hyphenate, analog intelligence advocate)
Hosted by Lisa Boquiren

Thank you San Francisco Design Week for this opportunity. Click the link below to purchase tickets for the event: https://sfdesignweek.org/event/common-threads-cross-discipline-conversations/
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