Mende has bachelor's and master's degrees from the Tokyo University of Art. He is a visiting professor of lighting design at Musashino Art University and also lectures at Tokyo University of the Arts, among other institutions.
Kaoru Mende is the CEO of Lighting Planners Associates. He has won many awards from the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) and International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).
Mende is also the acting chief of the “Lighting Detectives”, a citizens’ group that specializes in the study of the culture of lighting. Mende has been involved in such superb projects as Tokyo International Forum, JR Kyoto Station, Sendai Mediatheque, Roppongi Hills, National Museum of Singapore, Singapore City Center Lighting Master Plan, Alila Villas Uluwatu, Aman New Delhi, Gardens by the Bay and Façade lighting for Tokyo station.
Kaoru Mende talks about Lighting design of Tokyo Station
Awards
2007
Chino Cultural Complex — Radiance Award for Excellence in Lighting Design, IALD International Lighting Design Awards
Changi Airport Redesign, Award of Merit, IALD International Lighting Design Awards
2006
One George Street — IESNA Award of Excellence
Hiroshima City Naka Incineration Plant — IALD Award of Excellence
Kyoto State Guest House — IESNA Award of Merit
Kyoto State Guest House — IALD Award of Merit
2005
Shiodome Sumitomo Building — IESNA Award of Merit
W Seoul Walkerhill — IESNA Award of Merit
2004
Kani Public Arts Center — IESNA Award of Merit
Shiodome City Center & Block B Common Use Area — IESNA Award of Merit
Nagasaki National Peace Memorial for the Atomic Bomb Victims — Japan Lighting Award
