Olga Gerasim

2022 – present

Tatami Coffee Table

Furniture · Self-initiated Concept

A modular low table for shared and private spaces, designed with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, adaptable use and contemporary interiors in mind.

Project Information

Client: Self-initiated project

Role: Lead Product Designer

Scope: Research, concept, CMF, CAD and prototyping

Time & Place: 2022, Tokyo, Japan

A room that changes with use

The starting point was the compact 4.5-tatami room: a space shaped by proportion, modularity and the ability to support different activities throughout the day.

Table, display and place to rest

The table is organised as a timber frame with a modular upper surface. Inserts can be rearranged or replaced with cushions, allowing the object to shift between coffee table, display surface and low ottoman.

A removable tray can be positioned on top for tea, books and small objects, or below to create a place for a vertical arrangement such as flowers.

Joinery as structure and language

Traditional joinery principles inform the visual character and the construction logic. The leg structure, inner frame, outer frame and tatami-based modules are designed as a coherent system.

The repeated grid allows the table to be reconfigured while retaining a calm, precise silhouette.

MUJI.com Gallery at Metropolitan Hotel Kamakura

Selected exhibition and spatial projects developed in Japan, connecting narrative, objects, graphics, light and visitor movement.

My role across these projects has included concept development, exhibition design, art direction and the translation of content into physical experience.

Opening Exhibition for MUJI

Client: MUJI

Type: Opening exhibition

Role: Exhibition Design / Art Direction at 72 Steps Project

Venue: MUJI at Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura

Dates: 31 March - 18 April 2021

Commissioned by MUJI for the opening of a new store, the exhibition created an immersive environment centred on warmth, hope and the feeling of a fresh beginning.

Traditional calligraphy was combined with playful participatory activities, scent design and floating artworks. Visitors could choose whether to engage directly with the installations or simply pause and experience the space at a distance.

Lots of new visitors took part in the activities, trippling the in store traffic during the exhibition.

About exhibition (in Japanese) →

Olga Gerasim

2022 – present

Tatami Coffee Table

Furniture · Self-initiated Concept

A modular low table for shared and private spaces, designed with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, adaptable use and contemporary interiors in mind.

Project Information

Client: Self-initiated project

Role: Lead Product Designer

Scope: Research, concept, CMF, CAD and prototyping

Time & Place: 2022, Tokyo, Japan

A room that changes with use

The starting point was the compact 4.5-tatami room: a space shaped by proportion, modularity and the ability to support different activities throughout the day.

Table, display and place to rest

The table is organised as a timber frame with a modular upper surface. Inserts can be rearranged or replaced with cushions, allowing the object to shift between coffee table, display surface and low ottoman.

A removable tray can be positioned on top for tea, books and small objects, or below to create a place for a vertical arrangement such as flowers.

Joinery as structure and language

Traditional joinery principles inform the visual character and the construction logic. The leg structure, inner frame, outer frame and tatami-based modules are designed as a coherent system.

The repeated grid allows the table to be reconfigured while retaining a calm, precise silhouette.

MUJI.com Gallery at Metropolitan Hotel Kamakura

Selected exhibition and spatial projects developed in Japan, connecting narrative, objects, graphics, light and visitor movement.

My role across these projects has included concept development, exhibition design, art direction and the translation of content into physical experience.

Opening Exhibition for MUJI

Client: MUJI

Type: Opening exhibition

Role: Exhibition Design / Art Direction at 72 Steps Project

Venue: MUJI at Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura

Dates: 31 March - 18 April 2021

Commissioned by MUJI for the opening of a new store, the exhibition created an immersive environment centred on warmth, hope and the feeling of a fresh beginning.

Traditional calligraphy was combined with playful participatory activities, scent design and floating artworks. Visitors could choose whether to engage directly with the installations or simply pause and experience the space at a distance.

Lots of new visitors took part in the activities, trippling the in store traffic during the exhibition.

About exhibition (in Japanese) →

Olga Gerasim

2022 – present

Tatami Coffee Table

Furniture · Self-initiated Concept

A modular low table for shared and private spaces, designed with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, adaptable use and contemporary interiors in mind.

Project Information

Client: Self-initiated project

Role: Lead Product Designer

Scope: Research, concept, CMF, CAD and prototyping

Time & Place: 2022, Tokyo, Japan

A room that changes with use

The starting point was the compact 4.5-tatami room: a space shaped by proportion, modularity and the ability to support different activities throughout the day.

Table, display and place to rest

The table is organised as a timber frame with a modular upper surface. Inserts can be rearranged or replaced with cushions, allowing the object to shift between coffee table, display surface and low ottoman.

A removable tray can be positioned on top for tea, books and small objects, or below to create a place for a vertical arrangement such as flowers.

Joinery as structure and language

Traditional joinery principles inform the visual character and the construction logic. The leg structure, inner frame, outer frame and tatami-based modules are designed as a coherent system.

The repeated grid allows the table to be reconfigured while retaining a calm, precise silhouette.

MUJI.com Gallery at Metropolitan Hotel Kamakura

Selected exhibition and spatial projects developed in Japan, connecting narrative, objects, graphics, light and visitor movement.

My role across these projects has included concept development, exhibition design, art direction and the translation of content into physical experience.

Opening Exhibition for MUJI

Client: MUJI

Type: Opening exhibition

Role: Exhibition Design / Art Direction at 72 Steps Project

Venue: MUJI at Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura

Dates: 31 March - 18 April 2021

Commissioned by MUJI for the opening of a new store, the exhibition created an immersive environment centred on warmth, hope and the feeling of a fresh beginning.

Traditional calligraphy was combined with playful participatory activities, scent design and floating artworks. Visitors could choose whether to engage directly with the installations or simply pause and experience the space at a distance.

Lots of new visitors took part in the activities, trippling the in store traffic during the exhibition.

About exhibition (in Japanese) →