Japanese Garden Concept & Design Consultation

I have always been drawn away from noise.

Away from design that competes for attention, from trends that demand to be seen.

The world of image-led aesthetics was never mine.

Japanese gardens embody the opposite way of thinking. Their beauty is not immediate. It is hidden behind walls, softened by time, modest in gesture. They do not announce themselves — they wait.

A true Japanese garden does not impress. It listens. It creates space for stillness, for contemplation, for an unspoken conversation with oneself.

This understanding shaped my approach to design. I offer conceptual garden design consultation for those who seek a space defined not by decoration, but by depth — a place that feels quietly understood, without the need for explanation.

Design with Intention. Space for Stillness.

Not Decoration. Direction.

A watercolor illustration of three eggs, with one large egg in the center and two smaller eggs on either side, on a dark surface.

What I Offer

I work with a limited number of clients each year.

If this approach resonates, you’re welcome to get in touch with a brief description of your space and intention.

The work begins with careful listening. Before any design decisions are made, I take time to understand how the client relates to their space, what they find distracting, and what kind of presence they want the garden to have in daily life. The design is then tailored to these insights, translating them into a coherent spatial logic rather than a collection of decorative elements.

  • I will design a garden that feels Japanese, rooted in philosophy, proportion, restraint, and meaning — not decoration. I provide conceptual Japanese garden design consultation. Clients receive a clear design direction for their space, including a conceptual layout, spatial guidance, and written recommendations for stone placement, material character, planting approach, and proportion.

    The service is delivered through one or more consultation sessions, followed by a design document that can be used by the client or their local professionals for execution.

    I sell:

    • Concept

    • Spatial logic

    • Stone placement philosophy

    • Negative space

    • Meaning (yūgen, seijaku, datsuzoku, kokō…)

    • What not to add

  • Clients come to me because they want to avoid creating a garden that looks decorative, noisy, or superficial. They often have space and budget, but lack a clear design logic rooted in Japanese aesthetics.

    This service helps them make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes that result in a garden that feels empty or inauthentic once built.

    Most “Japanese gardens” outside Japan are:

    • Pinterest pastiche

    • Over-decorated

    • Philosophically empty

    My strength is taste + cultural literacy, not logistics.

    • I do not provide construction services.

    • I do not source materials or manage contractors.

    • I do not replicate existing Japanese gardens or follow trends.

    • I do not offer decorative landscaping or fast, image-driven styling.

    This is a design and consultation service only.

  • This service is not for clients looking for quick results, low-cost solutions, or Instagram-oriented design.

    It is not suitable for those who want exact replicas of famous gardens or who prefer highly decorative outcomes.

    It is also not for projects where design decisions are driven primarily by trends rather than long-term use and restraint.

  • My approach is shaped by a background in architectural practice, enriched by long-term study and close observation of Japanese gardens and spatial design, as well as firsthand experience living in Japan. I emphasize underlying principles—proportion, restraint, and spatial tension—over surface aesthetics.

    This perspective allows me to guide clients toward designs that endure, remaining meaningful and relevant over time, regardless of trends or location.

  • Yes. You won’t pay anything until I present a design that genuinely impresses you. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, you’re free to stop the service at that point without paying anything.

My Process & Deliverables

Consultation & Understanding

Concept board (mood, principles, what to avoid)

Scaled layout (even rough, not engineering-grade)

Stone typology guidance (not supplier names)

Plant categories (not species lists tied to Japan)

Philosophical explanation for every major choice

Traditional Japanese ink painting depicting a landscape with trees on a hillside, a body of water, and a large black moon in the sky, with red Japanese characters in the corner.

Price Window

  • Concept-only: 80,000–200,000 Yen

  • Full design package: 300,000–800,000+ Yen

  • Ongoing advisory during execution: hourly / retainer

Abstract black and gray ink splash on white background.

  • "Creative, reliable, and genuinely passionate about what they do."

    Former Customer

  • "A professional that delivers on their promises."

    Former Customer

  • "Their attention to detail and commitment to quality truly stood out. We’ve already recommended them to others."

    Former Customer

Let’s Work Together

If you're interested in working with me, please complete the form with a few details about your project. I will review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.