WASHINGTON, D.C.—Tomu, Inc., an award-winning, sustainability-focused hospitality development company, has started delivering prefab lodging units from its Hagerstown, Maryland production facility. Known for modular guestrooms tailored for hospitality projects, Tomu is now shipping its Signature Villas—designed for personal retreats and vacation rentals—to residential buyers in Virginia. Additional units are readying for delivery to New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas with plans to ship units to California, Idaho, Montana, and Rhode Island in the coming year.
Addressing a growing market need, Japanese-American CEO Chris Osaka witnessed a growing global demand for unique and immersive travel experiences during his tenure at Hilton—a trend that continues to rise. With years of experience in the hospitality industry, Osaka observed firsthand the challenges facing the sector, including supply shortages and increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices.
Drawing inspiration from his travels and personal heritage, Osaka and his team build prefabricated modular units that combine the minimalist elegance of Japanese, Scandinavian, and Baltic design. These units address industry challenges by offering rapid on-site assembly, reducing project timelines, and integrating energy-efficient features.
“The start of residential deliveries from our new Maryland facility marks a critical milestone in our journey to transform lodging with sustainability and innovation,” said Chris Osaka, CEO of Tomu, Inc. “The rising interest from both residential and commercial buyers underscores a shift I’ve observed in consumer preferences—people are seeking experiential, sustainable alternatives in a sea of sameness.”
Expanding Innovation and Recognition
Operating out of the historic WWII Fairchild Aviation facility at Hagerstown Regional Airport, Tomu began production earlier this year, creating modular lodging units specifically designed for commercial leisure-use applications. Units can be assembled on-site in days, offering hospitality developers and private homeowners a fast, efficient way to create distinctive accommodations.
Tomu has been recognized for its innovative approach to modular hospitality, earning accolades such as a nomination for the Independent Lodging Congress INDIE Award in the “Indie Rebel” category and winning the 2024 Skift IDEA Award for “Industry Innovator: Visionary 2030.”
