EN / JP

James Kaoru Bury

JAMES BURY DESIGN OFFICE is a multidisciplinary design office shaping refined, stress-free living through product, material, and spatial design.

James Kaoru Bury

Design Director

Previously worked at TOTO Ltd. and Hers Design Inc., engaging in the design of sanitary equipment, home appliances, and lifestyle products. Became independent in 2020 and founded JAMES BURY DESIGN OFFICE Inc. in 2023. In today's world, where a balance between sensibility and efficiency is essential, his work focuses on creating a stress-free living culture while supporting sustainable business practices. He approaches design holistically, from market research and manufacturing processes to final styling, aiming to achieve harmony between design and business. Part-time lecturer at Tama Art University and Musashino Art University.

Philosophy

CUBES diagram

Philosophy

CUBES — A Framework for Premium Design

Exceptional products are not defined by aesthetics alone.
To truly enrich people's lives and endure over time, multiple elements must be fulfilled at a high level, simultaneously.

JAMES BURY DESIGN OFFICE has deconstructed and redefined the essential components of good design into a proprietary framework called "CUBES."
By consistently designing across five key axes, the company moves beyond intuition, enabling the creation of premium design with clarity and reproducibility.

Styling

Form, color, material, and finish that define the visual identity of a product. A precise design language is developed in response to each concept.

Usability

Designed through User Experience analysis and ergonomic consideration, ensuring intuitive and stress-free interaction.

Context

Understanding cultural background, production processes, and brand narratives to create meaningful connections with users.

Environmental Sustainability

From material selection and formulation to manufacturing processes and durability, environmental impact is considered at every stage.

Business Sustainability

Even the most refined design cannot endure without a viable business model. By addressing QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery) and aligning with distribution channels, sustainable value cycles are established.

Education

  • 2005–06 Alberta College of Art and Design
  • 2006–07 Emily Carr University of Art and Design
  • 2007–10 Graduated Tama Art University, Product Design Department

Work Experience

  • 2010–15 Hers Design Inc.
  • 2015–20 TOTO Ltd. Design Center
  • 2020–23 Freelance Designer (JAMES BURY DESIGN)
  • 2023– JAMES BURY DESIGN OFFICE Inc.

Lecture

  • 2012–15 Kyoto University of Art and Design, Product Design Department
  • 2023– Tama Art University, Product Design Department
  • 2023– Musashino Art University, Spacial Design Department

Awards

  • 2026 iF Design Award
  • 2025 Red Dot Design Award
  • 2025 iF Design Award
  • 2022 A Design Award, Bronze
  • 2022 Kyushu Regional Invention Award, Japan Patent Attorneys Association President's Prize
  • 2021 Asia Design Award, Bronze
  • 2018 SHACHIHATA Design Competition Finalist
  • 2017 Asia Design Award, Gold
  • 2015 Good Design Award
  • 2015 iF Design Award
  • 2015 Red Dot Design Award
  • 2012 Japan Plastic Houseware Award

Exhibitions

  • 2026 X-iS "Uool" / Architecture and Building Materials Exhibition / TOKYO
  • 2025 Cosentino "PIECE OF REST" / DESIGNART / TOKYO
  • 2025 X-iS "TAJIMI CUSTOM TILES - WAKEI" / Cersaie / BOLOGNA
  • 2025 "Extrud" / Interior Lifestyle / TOKYO
  • 2025 "Extrud" / Osaka Art and Design / OSAKA
  • 2025 X-iS "Ecorevo" / Architecture and Building Materials Exhibition / TOKYO
  • 2025 Only One Club / Architecture and Building Materials Exhibition / TOKYO
  • 2023 "CHOUCHIN CANDLE" / Spiral Indepent Creators Festival / TOKYO
  • 2023 MATERIAL BANK JAPAN / Featured Projects / TOKYO
  • 2022 Nagoya Mosaic Tile / Architecture and Building Materials Exhibition / TOKYO
  • 2021 "CHOUCHIN CANDLE" / Roppongi Kusou Market / TOKYO
  • 2020 "CHOUCHIN CANDLE" / DESIGNART / TOKYO

Press

  • 2026 AXIS Web / X-iS "Uool"
  • 2025 AXIS Web / "Extrud."
  • 2025 TECTURE MAG / DESIGNART TOKYO 2025 / "PIECE OF REST"
  • 2025 JDN / DESIGNART TOKYO 2025 / "PIECE OF REST"
  • 2023 JDN / Featured Designer No. 295
  • 2021 The Japan Times / "Chouchin Candle"
  • 2021 Pen Online / "Chouchin Candle"
  • 2020 Yanko Design / ICON Clock
  • 2018 TREND HUNTER / "Chouchin Candle"
  • 2018 Yanko Design / "Chouchin Candle"

Company

JAMES BURY DESIGN OFFICE INC.
2F, 1-22-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

Services

  • Product design for home appliances, consumer products, and building materials
  • Spatial design for installations and exhibitions
  • CG visualization for products and spaces

For inquiries, please visit "Contact."