#Japan #Tokyo #Architectural Design #PERSOL Tempstaff #Aoyama Arts

Introduction

On October 30, 2023, PERSOL Tempstaff Inc. announced that it has decided to enter into a share transfer agreement with Aoyama Arts Inc., a company providing a matching platform for the architectural design industry, known as "Architect Tag (アーキタッグ)". This acquisition, effective December 1, 2023, aims to enhance PERSOL Tempstaff's capacity to address the growing staffing needs in the architectural sector.

Background

The architectural design sector is currently experiencing robust demand for construction, driven by significant factors such as redevelopment, inbound tourism, and the establishment of AI-related facilities. However, this demand comes amidst challenges including an aging workforce and a notable shortage of designers. The job vacancy ratio has exceeded five times, leading to missed opportunities for projects due to the inadequate supply of designers. This situation underscores the mounting pressure for the industry to secure qualified talent.

PERSOL Tempstaff has established a department specializing in CAD, providing human resources services primarily for general contractors, real estate companies, and design offices focused on 2D CAD and BIM/CIM operations. The company has engaged with approximately 1,000 clients and employed around 3,000 workers as of September 2025. While PERSOL Tempstaff possesses strong knowledge and a proven track record in training and dispatching CAD operators, it faced challenges in attracting talent for upstream processes like project design and support. Consequently, the company struggled to meet the demand for outsourcing and team dispatch requests.

Conversely, Aoyama Arts, aiming to remedy the designer shortage, has developed the "Architect Tag," which connects design offices and design partners with clients. The company has also introduced services tailored for the industry, such as the specialized job placement service "Design Career (設計転職)" and M&A intermediary services focused on architecture firms. Notably, a year after its launch in November 2021, "Architect Tag" boasts over 45,000 registered designers and more than 5,650 companies (as of September 2025), establishing itself as a frontrunner in industry-specific matching platforms.

Future Prospects

With this share acquisition, PERSOL Tempstaff intends to leverage Aoyama Arts’ extensive network of designers, its proprietary IT infrastructure, and specialized industry knowledge to strategically enter the upstream talent service sector in architectural design. The synergy of PERSOL Tempstaff’s operational structure, customer base, and nationwide network aims to expedite the growth and expansion of Aoyama Arts’ services.

Moreover, the acquisition supports broader efforts to address the social issue of designer shortages in the architectural field. This initiative not only includes staffing solutions but also encompasses outsourcing contracts, team dispatch services, talent placements, and M&A advisory services. The goal is to contribute to the sustainable development of the architectural design industry while actively responding to its diverse needs.

Overview of Aoyama Arts Inc.

• - Head Office: 5-11-24 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 2F Graces
• - Representative Director: Ryoma Katsura
• - Capital: ¥7,750,000
• - Establishment: October 2020
• - Number of Employees: 10 as of May 31, 2025

Main Services

• - Development and operation of the "Architect Tag," Japan’s first matching platform connecting clients with design partners (design firms and designers) in the architectural sector.
• - Specialized job placement service for designers and architects, "Design Career."
• - M&A consulting service focused on the architectural design market, "Architect Office M&A."

Stock Transfer Execution Date

• - The acquisition is set to take effect on December 1, 2025.

Additional Company Information

• - PERSOL Tempstaff Inc.: Offers services including staffing, business process outsourcing, and official contract services. The company rebranded from Tempstaff Inc. to PERSOL Tempstaff Inc. in July 2017, with a vision centered around facilitating labor and employment solutions for a sustainable society.
• - Aoyama Arts Inc. focuses on connecting the architectural design community while providing valuable resources and services tailored to the industry's needs, including M&A and job placements.