When it comes to architecture and engineering it pays to think outside the box. Maki Nibayashi speaks to Kimikazu Uemura, President of International Design Exchange Inc.

Please tell us about your organization

At index, we see the immense possibilities for business that exist in Japan, but we also recognize the obstacles that organizations face when expanding their operations here. A number of service sectors, including real estate and construction, are still culture bound, and a complex regulatory environment presents particular challenges for companies without native ties. A Tokyo-based consultant company, index helps companies of all sizes find the right locations for their facilities, manage construction and renovation projects, and run their operations with local facilities and administrative support. With professional expertise, unmatched service and valuable insight on local culture and regulatory issues, we offer organizations a partnership that will enhance their success in Japan. Current representative projects include site location assistance for a major international retailer making its entrance into the Japanese market; site-planning and best-use analysis for an educational institution situated in Tokyo; project management of a 20-story office building from acquisition of the property through construction and final tenanting; and the outsourcing of the entire Japanese corporate real estate function of a major international consultancy firm.

How is the real estate and construction business in Japan now?

The real estate market is undergoing a fundamental change with the arrival of international funds and investors. Property valuation methods have had to consider the income approach to a higher degree. Also, a much higher degree of due diligence on properties are being required. As foreign investors enter the development market, the construction industry will have to adapt in similar fashion to the expectations of their new clients. Foremost, they will require more transparency. As for real estate prices, they have completely bifurcated. Although all prices have plummeted from their peak during the Bubble, prime areas are recovering while non-prime areas, particularly regional markets, continue to suffer. The construction industry will do the same, while innovative firms will grow, those slow to change will be left behind.

Where do you hope your company to be in the next five years?

We see ourselves in several years occupying a floor in one of the buildings of a client we are either assisting or will assist in the future, with over 100 employees, continuing to provide the highest quality engineering and real estate consultancy services to a wide range of clients. By then we will have become a public company, having completed an IPO scheduled now for 2003. As our company evolves, our emphasis and specific services may change somewhat, however, our commitment is to become the No.1 engineering and real estate consulting firm in Japan.

What positions are you seeking to fill

As a rapidly expanding consulting firm we are seeking Engineers and Architects who are willing to think out of the box and want to provide consulting services on a wide range of projects. We are also looking for Real Estate and Facilities Professionals who wish to use their knowledge and experience in a consulting environment. The positions require that the candidate have a sound basis in either engineering, construction, architecture or real estate, but the candidate must also be willing and adapt such disciplines to find creative solutions for our clients.

Please tell us about salaries, responsibilities, benefits, etc

Our employees are offered competitive yearly salaries commensurate on experience and ability. Salaries will be reviewed yearly and adjusted strictly on merit. Our compensation package offers full social and health insurance.

Contact information

index ( International Design Exchange, Inc.), Kojimachi 31 Mori Building

1F, 5-7-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083 Japan

Tel: 03-3512-5521, Fax.: 03-3512-5523, E-mail: info@ind.co.jp  URL: