Mende has bachelor's and master's degrees from the Tokyo University of Art.
[1] 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.
[1] He is a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES, formerly IESNA) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).
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.