CDI a multilingual Tokyo architecture practice

Design should be enjoyable, diverse and imbued with a strong sense of identity. This, along with innovation and versatility, is at the heart of cdi’s philosophy.

About us

An acronym for ‘Creative Designers International’, cdi is a multi-lingual architecture studio based in Tokyo, accommodating clients in English, Japanese, Mandarin, and French.

Established in 1993 by renowned British architect Benjamin Warner, it has designed iconic structures and interiors across major cities in Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan, collaborating with global clients on a wide array of projects – from towers and skyscrapers, to corporate offices, schools, and a metaverse theatre.

Many of CDI’s buildings in Tokyo have become landmarks of the city’s skyline, including V28 and The Iceberg in Harajuku, which was named one of ‘Seven Architectural Wonders in the World’ by CondeNast Traveller. CDI has also designed high-end interiors for global companies like Dyson, Honda, Panasonic, Pony Canyon, Linklaters, and Allen & Overy.

Whatever the project, we always work with the clients’ needs in mind to deliver future-facing, imaginative structures and inclusive spaces for everyone to enjoy.

An acronym for ‘Creative Designers International’, cdi is a multi-lingual architecture studio based in Tokyo, accommodating clients in English, Japanese, Mandarin, and French.

Whatever the project, we always work with the clients’ needs in mind to deliver future-facing, imaginative structures and inclusive spaces for everyone to enjoy.

The team

Our team consists of eight professionals from diverse backgrounds across Asia and Europe. As well as being a fully bilingual Japanese-English architectural studio, we can also accommodate clients in Mandarin and French.

Benjamin Warner

The founder

Ben has been instrumental in establishing and shaping CDI’s presence across Asia for more than three decades. With over 45 years of experience working across Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea, he has led the delivery of major developments that
have contributed to the evolution of some of Asia's fastest-growing cities.

He began his career in Japan in 1981, working with architect Masayuki Kurokawa before undertaking postgraduate research at the Tokyo Institute of Technology on a
Japanese Government (MEXT) scholarship. He subsequently joined Nikken Sekkei International before becoming one of the earliest international members of the Richard Rogers Partnership (now RSHP) in 1987.

Throughout the 1990s, out of a small office in Tokyo, Ben helped to build RSHP’s presence in Japan, alongside establishing CDI in 1993. Today he holds the role of Managing Director of both companies, applying a depth of knowledge and experience shaped by decades of building across some of Asia's most demanding and distinct markets.

Ben is a frequent keynote speaker at international conferences and has served as a visiting lecturer at several Academic and Professional institutions His work continues to focus on the role of good architecture, strongly promoting the development of sustainable, inclusive and vibrant high-density cities. He now divides his time between Shanghai and Tokyo.

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