Q01
Is there a fee for consultations or estimates?
Initial consultations and estimates are free. Feel free to contact us via the form, LINE or phone. It's fine even if your plans haven't taken shape yet.
FAQ
Here are some questions we often receive before a consultation. If you have anything else you would like to ask, please get in touch.
Q&A
01Consultations and estimates
Q02
Is there anything we should prepare before a consultation?
You are welcome to contact us even if many details are still undecided. Floor plans, photos of the property, visual references, an approximate budget, and a target opening or launch date can help us discuss your project. You can also send plans and photos via LINE.
Q03
Can meetings be held online?
Yes, we offer online meetings. For shop and spatial design projects, we visit the property or shop and work while checking the site in person.
Q04
What areas do you cover?
Based in Kobe, we handle shop and spatial design mainly in Hyogo, Osaka and Kyoto, and branding, web design and design advisory mainly in the Kansai and Kanto regions. We also take on projects from farther away through online meetings. For shop and spatial design in other areas, please contact us and we will propose an approach for your case.
Q05
Our budget is small. Can we still consult you?
Yes, please consult us. We will hear your budget and goals and work out priorities with you. We suggest approaches that fit your circumstances, such as making use of what you already have or proceeding in stages.
02Process and timeline
Q06
How long does a project take?
It depends on the scope of work and the scale of construction. If your opening or launch date is set, we work back from there to plan the schedule. Consulting us as early as possible, for example before signing a lease, gives you more options.
Q07
I'm worried about how it will turn out.
We explain our plans with 3D renderings that closely resemble the finished result. In addition to renderings from various angles, you can check textures and colors with samples of the actual materials. For websites, too, we share screen mockups during the design stage as we go.
Q08
Can I commission both design and construction together?
Yes. From design and planning to construction, Rootfor is your single point of contact. We work with partner contractors experienced in shop construction, and check on site during the work for any discrepancies with the drawings.
Q09
Can I use subsidies or grants?
The available programs depend on your business and timing. Working with a partner tax accountant well versed in subsidies and grants, we can advise you on programs you may be eligible for and how to apply. Approval cannot be guaranteed, so please start by telling us about your situation.
03Shop and spatial design
Q10
Can you help us find a property?
Yes. We listen to the type of business and image you have in mind and help you choose a property while checking the location and facility conditions. Please consult us before you sign a contract.
Q11
We're about to choose a property. Roughly how much will it cost?
We recommend requesting a site survey before signing. With some properties, costs vary greatly depending on the condition of facilities such as plumbing, air conditioning, electrical and ventilation. Please consult us first.
Q12
Can you renovate our existing shop?
We handle renovations of any scale. We will hear your goals, budget and timeline, and propose a plan.
Q13
Can I request just signage or a facade (exterior)?
Yes, we take on that work. Since these are key to drawing customers in, we plan with visibility from the surroundings and nighttime lighting in mind.
Q14
Can you also renovate homes?
Yes. Drawing on our shop design expertise, we propose plans that excel in both design and functionality. We also take on partial renovations, such as turning part of a home into a workspace or gallery.
04Branding and web design
Q15
Can you help with naming and logo design?
Yes. We also accept naming-only or logo-only projects. If you commission shop, spatial, or web design as well, we develop a cohesive identity across them.
Q16
Can we request only a website?
Yes. We accept requests for web design alone, including websites for ryokan and hotels, restaurants and companies. We handle everything from structure and design to photo direction, building on WordPress (a content management system), and updates and maintenance after launch.
Q17
Do you design websites for ryokan and hotels?
We have handled web design and photo direction for Shinonome-so, Kinosaki Onsen, Seiryu-so, Kirishima Momijidani and others. We design the path to booking around the booking system you use.
Q18
How much does a website cost?
The cost of a website depends on the number of pages, the features needed, and whether photography or foreign-language pages are required. We learn about your business and needs, clarify what is necessary and what to prioritize, and then provide an estimate.
Q19
Can we request a website even if we don't have text or photos ready?
Yes. You can consult us before your text and photos are ready. We listen to you and organize the appeal and information that should be conveyed. We review the photos you already have and, if needed, propose a shoot plan and direction.
Q20
Can you redesign our current website while considering its search visibility?
Yes. We review the content and structure of your current website and sort out what to keep and what to revise. We also analyze traffic as far as available data allows, and take steps to minimize the impact on search, such as setting up redirects when URLs change.
Q21
Can you help arrange hosting and a domain name?
Yes. We can advise on web hosting and domain names. Hosting is where your website's files are stored; a domain name is its web address. After reviewing your current arrangements and settings, we can guide you through setting up, retaining, or transferring them.
Q22
Can we consult you about improving our website to get more inquiries and bookings?
Yes. We review the information you present, the order of pages and the flow to inquiries and bookings, and make the site easy to use, including on smartphones. We also consider ways to make use of your current booking system. The scope of analysis and improvement after launch can be discussed according to your wishes.
Q23
Can you handle SEO so we can be found in search?
Yes. Our website projects take into account measures to help you be found in search (SEO). We anticipate the words your customers use, such as “[area] + [business type],” and design page structure, headings and text accordingly. For shops and facilities, we also check consistency with your Google Maps listing.
Q24
Can you create websites in English or other languages?
Yes. We create websites in English and other languages. We organize the information international customers need, including product and service descriptions, directions, and instructions, and propose a clear site structure. We agree on the languages and pages needed with you.
Q25
Can we consult you about a website designed with AI search, such as ChatGPT, in mind?
Yes, you can consult us. We organize your service details, facility information and FAQs, aiming for a site that search engines and AI can easily understand. We cannot guarantee mentions or citations in AI answers, or search rankings.
05After opening or launch
Q26
Can you handle promotional materials and website operation after opening?
Yes. We continue to support you after opening with promotional materials, website updates and maintenance, photography and more. For ongoing support, we also offer monthly design advisory.
Q27
Can we update the website ourselves after launch?
Yes. We set up the site so you can update areas such as news and blog posts yourself before handing it over. We also offer WordPress update services and maintenance.