Deirdre Hayes, Founder of Studio Hayes, has given her insights into the industry.
My route into interior design began with a fine art background, where my focus was painting and drawing. Beginning a degree in Interior Architecture was a significant shift, and adapting to technical drawing and structured design principles took time. However, it opened a new way of thinking about creativity within the built environment.
A defining moment came when I spent a summer as a student living and working in London. Coming from Ireland, the scale, pace and cultural diversity of the city was eye-opening, and exposure to other design disciplines broadened my understanding of design as a wider profession.
I spent much of my free time exploring London’s museums and galleries and was struck by how strongly buildings and interiors could influence how you feel, from the quiet, cathedral-like galleries of the V&A to the industrial drama of the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern. That experience confirmed that I wanted to design the spaces people move through and experience every day.
I enjoy the moment when a concept truly clicks, when brand, operational needs and user experience align in a clear design direction. I am particularly drawn to the strategic side: understanding how a space must perform commercially as well as emotionally, and translating that into layouts, details and atmosphere.
Collaboration is also a major highlight. There is nothing better than problem-solving live on site with a contractor or builder, navigating constraints and finding smart, buildable outcomes together. A strong collaborative team or lack of one can make or break a project, and when collaboration works well, it is one of the most motivating parts of the process.
The standout highlight this year has been launching my own practice while continuing to work at a senior level on hospitality and experiential projects. After many years leading an in-house design team and delivering projects for international brands, stepping into my own studio has been a major milestone.
A particular highlight has been the positive response from clients and peers to a more hands-on, director-led approach, with senior expertise embedded throughout each project. Reconnecting with past collaborators, building new relationships and shaping my own way of working has made this year feel like a real turning point. While starting a business is not always the easiest path, investing my time and energy into something of my own has proved to be the most rewarding aspect of my career.
I am especially drawn to hospitality and social spaces such as bars, restaurants, leisure venues and hotels. These projects are centred around connection; they are where people come together, celebrate, relax and create memories. I enjoy the complexity that sits behind the atmosphere, from circulation and operational efficiency to layouts that support a strong commercial return, paired with the challenge of making the final experience feel effortless, welcoming and atmospheric.
I also enjoy working with heritage and older buildings. Their construction, detailing and layers of history bring a depth of character, and part of the design challenge is respecting that while adapting the space for contemporary use. Through recent residential work, including renovating my own Victorian terraced house in North London, I have developed a deeper appreciation for how these buildings are put together, with each layer revealing a different story. Balancing old and new adds a richness that cannot be replicated.
Balancing ambition with reality is always a challenge. Budgets, programmes and existing buildings do not always cooperate with the initial vision, so you need to be resourceful and solutions focused. Managing expectations and communication across large teams, including clients, operators, contractors and stakeholders, can be demanding, especially when things change late in the process. However, those challenges are also what make the successful moments so satisfying.
I wish I had fully appreciated how much time is spent on coordination, communication and detail rather than purely on design. A strong concept can fall flat if the technical information, drawings and site coordination are not robust. I would also tell my younger self that understanding how projects are financed, procured, built and operated is just as valuable as a good eye; commercial awareness and curiosity about the wider process make you a far stronger designer.
I have also learned the importance of understanding different perspectives. Clients, designers and contractors often approach a project from different standpoints, and acknowledging those differences early on makes collaboration more productive and outcomes more successful.
Spend as much time as possible in real spaces, rather than relying solely on mood boards and digital references. Visit sites and new venue openings, observe how people use them, speak to staff, and take note of bottlenecks, quiet corners and missed opportunities. Form your own design opinions and let those observations guide your thinking.
Seek out a mentor for support, whether within the industry or someone with strong leadership experience. Build strong relationships with your peers, and do not be afraid to ask for what you want or to articulate the direction you want to grow in. Enjoy the wins and learn from the setbacks.
I expect a continued move toward spaces that support fluid, real-world use: places that can transition naturally from day to night, from work to socialising, and from private focus to shared experience. Clients are looking for environments that feel authentic and uplifting, not formulaic. Sustainability will also move further into the mainstream, with increased focus on longevity, reuse and responsible specification.
In hospitality, people are craving connection and shared experience in a world that feels slightly unsettled. This is evident in the rise of concepts rooted in familiar traditions and nostalgic social rituals, from competitive socialising to modern reinterpretations of the corner shop, pub or clubhouse. There is a renewed appreciation for places with heritage, soul and a sense of belonging, which may prompt a return to more timeless design, craft and spatial storytelling, even within larger brands.
AI will become more integrated into the design process, supporting research, visualisation and efficiency. Its value lies in enhancing human creativity and informed decision-making, rather than replacing the designer.
Being an SBID Accredited Interior Designer represents professional credibility, accountability and a commitment to best practice. Accreditation by the Society of British & International Interior Design provides reassurance to clients and collaborators that my experience, training and approach meet recognised industry standards.
It reflects the importance I place on integrity, ethics and continued professional development. Interior design balances creativity with technical knowledge and responsibility, and accreditation reinforces the need to uphold all three consistently.
On a personal level, SBID accreditation acknowledges the breadth of my career to date, from leading in-house design teams to establishing my own practice. It also connects me to a wider professional community and supports my commitment to delivering thoughtful, well-considered design that responds to people, place and context.
About Studio Hayes
Studio Hayes is a London-based, director-led interior design consultancy specialising in commercial interiors, including hospitality, leisure, and retail environments. With over eighteen years of experience across Ireland, the UK, USA, and Australia, the studio delivers distinctive interiors that balance creativity with commercial insight. Every project is overseen at director level from concept through to completion, ensuring consistency, quality, and a deep understanding of each client’s vision. Studio Hayes partners with brands and individuals to create spaces that are purposeful, beautifully crafted, and designed to connect people, from small refurbishments to large-scale hospitality rollouts and unique one-off projects.
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II BY IV DESIGN is proud to announce the opening of SAMMARCO, a refined Italian steakhouse now open in downtown Toronto. This marks the third culinary venture by Michelin-starred Chef Rob Rossi and highly esteemed restaurateur David Minicucci, following the celebrated success of Michelin-starred Osteria Giulia and Michelin recommended Giulietta.
Rossi and Minicucci have established a reputation as industry pioneers by experimenting with colourful, fresh ingredients that honour their individual backgrounds. Together, their ties to the people and places that have influenced them throughout their prosperous careers have shaped the SAMMARCO experience.
Rooted in emotion rather than geography, SAMMARCO invites guests on a personal journey through memory, storytelling, and sensory immersion. Here, interiors and cuisine speak in harmony—each enhancing the other to create a richly layered experience where design, history, and culinary artistry intersect.
It began with a sketch—an idea rooted in the client’s desire to create a place that doesn’t exist, yet feels instantly familiar. SAMMARCO is not defined by a person or a place, but by a feeling. The experience unfolds like a memory wrapped in heritage, inviting every guest to find their own connection. Here, design and cuisine exist in dialogue, reframing how we understand space, storytelling, and the sensory power of hospitality.
The design draws inspiration from Italian heritage and contemporary luxury. Guests are greeted by an amber glass portal, leading into the bar area that is layered with deep wood tones and Barolo-hued upholstery. It’s a place where the first sip of a carefully chosen wine feels like an invitation to slow down and savour every moment.
A nod to Italy’s automotive legacy, custom furnishings with sleek leather seating are inspired by iconic marques such as Ferrari, Alpha Romeo, and Lamborghini. The terrazzo is hand poured and precisely swept into place replicating an arial macro view of Italy’s cobbled streets. This use of terrazzo flooring was not only a choice of aesthetics, but to awaken the senses. Beneath the hum of excitable guests, listen for the tapping of waiters’ shoes as they glide from table to table.
At the heart of the space lies the clover fountain, a bespoke sculptural centerpiece surrounded by intimate booth seating. Its curved form doubles as acoustic softening, while a polished illuminated orb is suspended beneath a sculptural ceiling that fans outward like sunbeams reminiscent of a Tuscan sunset. Light pours from the orb, casting a soft, diffused glow that accentuates the geometry above and anchors the space below. This ceiling isn’t just a finish—it’s a statement. It transforms the atmosphere, inviting guests to look up, linger, and feel immersed in a space where every detail has been carefully choreographed. A fusion of design and art, function and emotion, it sets the tone for an unforgettable hospitality experience.
More than a visual triumph, SAMMARCO champions generational craftsmanship and local production. Many of the restaurant’s key elements—woodwork, stone, glass, and metal—are handcrafted by Canadian artisans, echoing Italy’s legacy of master fabrication through a local lens.
The space also features the largest collection of Canadian art ever installed in a restaurant setting, a testament to the country’s rich creative spirit. This curated display spans from abstract to traditional, forming a cultural dialogue and reinforcing SAMMARCO'S role as a platform for both culinary and creative expression. Each work was personally curated by II BY IV DESIGN’s founding partners Dan Menchions and Keith Rushbrook to enhance the restaurant’s immersive ambiance, crafting a setting where art and cuisine come together in seamless harmony.
Named in honour of revered Toronto restaurateur Michael Carlevale—an influential figure who helped shape the city’s dining scene throughout the 1980s and 1990s and is often credited as a driving force behind Toronto’s modern culinary identity—this space pays tribute to his enduring legacy. For Minicucci and Rossi, who were profoundly shaped by Michael’s friendship and inspiration, it felt only fitting to celebrate him in this way.
The private dining room is a sanctuary of elegance and reflection. Its walls reflect the sunwarmed golds of an Italian vineyard, while regal blue leather chairs encircle a striking bespoke table. Crafted with individually veneered pattern pieces and installed by hand on-site, the table mirrors the unique floor it rests upon—a testament to the care and craftsmanship at the heart of this space. Much like Carlevale himself, the room offers guests a dining experience defined by warmth, refinement, and unforgettable detail.
SAMMARCO is more than a restaurant—it’s a landmark of cultural storytelling, craftsmanship, and immersive hospitality. Through the convergence of food, design, and emotion, it sets a new benchmark for dining in Toronto.
About II BY IV DESIGN
Founded in 1990 by partners Dan Menchions and Keith Rushbrook, II BY IV DESIGN is a multi-disciplinary global design studio creating vision-forward, iconic and transformative designs that stand the test of time. Driven by passion and dedicated to constant innovation and excellence, Menchions and Rushbrook have been recognised as industry leaders, earning the title of “Designers of the Year” five times, along with over 500 international interior and product awards in the hospitality, residential, retail, restaurant, commercial, marine and product design sectors.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a striking and glamorous restaurant design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, TNN Studio.
This project transforms a Grade II-listed building in Bishop’s Stortford, UK, into a bold, multi-level Asian fusion restaurant that blends historic character with contemporary glamour. The interior concept draws inspiration from Art Deco and Bauhaus design—celebrating the building’s heritage while creating a striking new destination for dining and nightlife.
Category: Restaurant Design
Design Practice: TNN Studio
Project Title: No.14
Project Location: Bishop's Stortford, United Kingdom
Design Practice Location: London, United Kingdom
The client wanted a high-concept Asian fusion restaurant that felt like a true destination — a place that could rival a night out in London while remaining rooted in the community. The brief included multiple layers of experience: refined fine dining, lively cocktail lounges, and a private wine room for intimate gatherings.
The Roaring ’20s and the glamour of the Art Deco era were central inspirations. We wanted to capture that sense of celebration, sociability, and timeless style, while translating it into a contemporary setting. Our aim was to create a layered journey, where guests could move through different moods and atmospheres as the evening unfolded.
Working within a Grade II listed building always brings challenges, particularly balancing modern services and multiple functions within a heritage shell. Coordinating distinct experiential zones across the levels — each with its own identity, yet all tied together with a cohesive design language — required careful planning and collaboration with contractors and conservation teams.
Seeing the space come alive and witnessing the community embrace it has been incredibly rewarding. From intimate dinners to lively nights upstairs, No.14 has quickly become a new local landmark. The positive feedback and the way people are using the venue exactly as we envisioned — gathering, celebrating, returning — has been the highlight for us.
The SBID Awards are internationally respected and celebrate design excellence across disciplines. Their unique balance of expert judging and public voting offered us a way to showcase No.14 both within the design industry and to a broader audience. It felt like the right platform to share a project that is ambitious, vibrant, and rooted in community.
It’s been a significant milestone for us. As a boutique studio, being shortlisted affirms that our approach — where craftsmanship, architectural expertise, and storytelling are central — resonates within the wider design industry. It has given us greater visibility, strengthened client trust, and motivated us to keep pushing creative boundaries.
Questions answered by Tulin Naltekin, Founder and Creative Director of TNN Studio.
We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a calm and sleek kitchen design, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a mesmerising restaurant design by 2024 SBID Awards Finalist, Bishop Design.
Sereia, meaning 'Mermaid' in Portuguese, made it's debut on February 29th, 2024, in Miami's Coconut Grove. Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa and Sault Hospitality birthed this culinary gem, vowing excellence. Under Bishop Design's direction, the restaurant dazzles with bespoke interiors. Picture gracefully curved furniture and an ocean-inspired palette—blues, greens, and sandy hues merging seamlessly. The ambiance is mesmerising, both unique and welcoming, mirroring the culinary delights it serves. Among its charms, Sereia offers an intimate private room, accommodating up to twelve guests, ensuring every dining experience is as extraordinary as the Iberian Peninsula, from which it draws its inspiration.
Design Practice: Bishop Design
Project Title: Sereia
Project Location: Miami, United States
Design Practice Location: Miami, United States
The client envisioned a sophisticated yet approachable dining destination that would celebrate the ocean and Iberian coastal culture, mirroring the culinary vision of two-Michelin-starred Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. They wanted a space that would feel elegant yet inviting, with a natural flow between intimate indoor seating and a sun-dappled outdoor terrace. The goal was to craft an immersive environment that complements the refined simplicity of the menu while embracing the charm and warmth of Coconut Grove’s evolving dining scene.
The design of Sereia is a subtle love letter to the sea, capturing the movement, textures, and colours of the ocean without being overtly thematic. Inspired by the Iberian coastline, we integrated a soothing Atlantic palette of rich blues and greens, complemented by natural woods, curved furniture, and textured elements that create a sense of depth and warmth. Soft, ambient lighting beneath banquettes and the wave-like bar adds an ethereal, floating effect, reinforcing the fluidity of the design. The cobbled flooring, reminiscent of the charming streets of Portugal, brings an al fresco dining essence indoors, seamlessly connecting the space with its coastal inspiration.
One of the challenges was achieving a balance between intricacy and simplicity—creating a space that felt refined and luxurious while maintaining an inviting and effortless ambiance. Ensuring that the organic curves, textural contrasts, and layered lighting worked harmoniously required careful consideration and collaboration with craftsmen and contractors. Additionally, integrating the omakase-style crudo bar within the restaurant’s flow without disrupting the intimacy of the main dining space was another design challenge that we successfully navigated.
Seeing the vision come to life and witnessing the seamless interplay between the culinary artistry and the design was incredibly rewarding. The moment guests step into Sereia, they are enveloped in an ambiance that feels both transportive and welcoming. The integration of natural materials, soft lighting, and carefully curated details creates a space that doesn’t just serve as a backdrop but enhances the overall dining experience. The floating effect of the bar, in particular, stands out as a beautifully executed design element that elevates the space.
Bishop Design has always been dedicated to pushing boundaries and redefining the hospitality experience through design. The SBID Awards are an incredible platform that celebrates excellence and innovation in the industry, and we wanted to showcase how Sereia embodies these principles. Entering the awards allowed us to share our creative approach with the global design community and recognize the incredible collaboration that made this project possible.
Being an SBID Award Finalist is an honour that validates our commitment to design excellence and storytelling through space. It highlights the dedication of our team and the passion we bring to each project. This recognition has not only strengthened our industry presence but has also reinforced our mission to create inspiring, immersive spaces that leave a lasting impact.
Questions answered by Paul Bishop, Founder of Bishop Design.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a luxury rental building design by CHIL Interior Design, click here to read it.
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a futuristic and fluid restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, KAI Interiors.
Curve Club is a new members club concept focused on combining both digital and physical locations for the most influential people in the world. KAI Interiors were appointed to design the interior of their first luxury clubhouse, which celebrates cutting-edge design and seamless hospitality. The design incorporates sculptural shapes and innovative lighting techniques while embracing organic materials to mesh with the existing building. Digital art is used to create a ‘dreamland’ feel that rings true to the future-focused Curve Club ethos.
SBID Awards Category: Restaurant Design
Practice: KAI Interiors
Project: Curve Club
Location: London, United Kingdom
Our client is building a members club that combines both digital and physical locations to the most influential people in the world. Their membership is a freely tradable NFT that gains lifetime access. The design brief called for organic materials & sculptural shapes with seamless details, while bring in beautiful digital art to create a futuristic 'dreamland' feel.
Fluidity and water became a reference we continued to draw inspiration from, to achieve the organic feel. We have used water effect materials and lighting in key spaces, and we echo these fluid shapes throughout the interior.
We were working with a limited budget, so it was crucial that we allocated the budget efficiently to achieve the premium outcome. By utilising existing features, we managed to allow for the high end design features.
Pushing the boundaries and being able to create something unique. The vast majority of the furniture was bespoke which gave us the opportunity to be creative.
To be able to share this project with the SBID community of designers and gain insight into the other wonderful interiors that studios across the globe are designing.
We have been able to connect with leaders in our industry and gain invaluable recognition for our work.
Questions answered by Rebecca Crossling, Interior Designer at KAI Interiors.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a contemporary and sustainable office design by MAWD, click here to read it.
Designed by 4SPACE, Moli by SHI tells a tale as old as time, weaving traditional Chinese architecture with modern extravagance. The name “Moli” meaning "jasmine" in Chinese, carries profound symbolism associated with purity, grace, and elegance, immersing visitors in a feeling of opulence and sophistication right from arrival.
Upon entering the restaurant, guests encounter traditional architectural elements reminiscent of a Chinese temple. Greeted by two guardian lion statues right at the reception, the statues set the tone for the immersive cultural experience that awaits.
Walls adorned with classic carvings create a mesmerising backdrop, while plush banquettes featuring intricate Chinese artwork set the stage for a lavish dining experience. The central floor illuminates with a subtle glow as night descends, creating a magical atmosphere for refined dinners.
The interior of the space showcases a captivating architectural feature deeply rooted in Chinese tradition—the Dougong system. Originating from ancient Chinese construction techniques, Dougong represents a distinctive method of interlocking wooden brackets that provide structural support within a building's framework. This intricate and time-honoured element is prominently featured in the columns, contributing to the structural integrity of the space and its aesthetic appeal.
The restaurant’s wall cladding is a testament to the meticulous artistry and cultural richness inherent in Chinese craftsmanship. Adorned with wood engravings, the surface becomes a canvas that elegantly tells a visual narrative, with each intricately carved detail capturing the essence of tradition and the enduring legacy of Chinese culture.
Above, the ceiling features prominently hanging light features shaped in jasmine flowers, providing gentle and ambient lighting, further emphasising the essence of Moli.
A metallic bead curtain flows into the space, merging the walls with the ceiling, gracefully mimicking the fluid movements of a dragon, as it weaves through the restaurant space and around the columns, starting from the entrance toward the end and grinding the guest gracefully through the space.
In crafting the design concept, careful consideration was given to the selection of furniture; each piece was crafted to the small. The chosen furniture complements but actively implicates and portrays the underlying concept, seamlessly blending functionality with the rich cultural narrative.
The seating arrangements and furniture are expertly crafted with a nod to traditional Chinese woodworking techniques. They are adorned with jacquard velvet fabric that presents an interpretation midway between a figurative depiction of magical tigers and the Chinese mythological realms.
About 4SPACE
4SPACE is committed to high quality of work and superior care in all aspects of our business. One of the Top 20 interior design firms in the Middle East in reference to the Commercial Interior Design Magazine published last February 2019. Led by major partners Amjad Hourieh and Firas Alsahin, our company has become one of the region’s most respected firms, with more than 20 years of industry experience. We have helped create environments that inspire and impact users by providing the local industry with our extensive practical knowledge, be it for retail, hospitality and commercial spaces, or residential and living spaces. Our mission is to achieve success through delivering quality service steered by our passion for excellence, to define the region’s industry practices and to create market benchmarks of international standards.
Akabeko, the latest creation from award-winning design studio 4SPACE, introduces a fresh take on traditional Japanese yakiniku dining. Located in Dubai, Akabeko blends the elegance of Japanese heritage with modern design, offering an immersive and captivating dining experience that appeals to both design aficionados and culinary enthusiasts alike.
Akabeko is inspired by the iconic Akabeko cow, a symbol of strength and endurance in Aizu folklore. The restaurant’s name and central design element – the striking Akabeko statue – celebrate this cultural symbol while anchoring the restaurant’s identity. The Akabeko cow, with its deep red hue, infuses the space with cultural significance and establishes a connection between Japanese tradition and modern dining aesthetics.
The design of Akabeko is guided by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and the transient nature of life. This philosophy is reflected in the choice of natural materials, subtle textures, and organic forms that permeate the restaurant’s interior. The design seamlessly fuses Japanese tradition with contemporary elements, making Akabeko a visually compelling space where diners can connect with both the past and present.
The interior of Akabeko showcases meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. The contrast of textured black walls against warm wood tones creates a welcoming yet sophisticated atmosphere, while strategically placed, indirect lighting adds depth and warmth to the space. These carefully considered design elements contribute to a sense of tranquility, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the dining experience.
Cultural storytelling is a key component of Akabeko’s design. The restaurant’s layout and décor are inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, from the use of bonsai trees as living art pieces to the intricate light patterns that play on walls and surfaces. The Akabeko statue serves as a focal point, imbuing the space with a narrative that ties the restaurant’s design to its cultural roots. The integration of these symbolic elements goes beyond aesthetics, offering diners an enriched experience that resonates with Japanese heritage.
Akabeko reimagines the yakiniku dining experience by combining the finest Japanese wagyu with state-of-the-art culinary technology. At each table, smokeless grills are seamlessly integrated, allowing guests to enjoy an interactive and intimate cooking experience. The presence of highly skilled chefs adds a personal touch, guiding diners in preparing their meal while showcasing the art of yakiniku.
Akabeko’s menu emphasises quality and authenticity, with a focus on premium cuts of wagyu, celebrated for its marbling and flavor. The combination of traditional Japanese culinary methods and cutting-edge technology ensures that each dish is prepared to perfection, offering diners a taste of Japanese gastronomy at its finest.
The spatial layout of Akabeko is designed with the diner in mind. Carefully arranged booths and tables provide a balance between privacy and connection, allowing guests to enjoy an intimate meal while remaining engaged with the restaurant’s overall ambiance. This thoughtful design creates a welcoming environment where diners can savor their meal while feeling connected to the cultural and social energy of the space.
In addition to its design and culinary achievements, Akabeko emphasizes sustainability through the use of natural materials and energy-efficient technologies. 4SPACE’s commitment to sustainable practices aligns with contemporary global values, making Akabeko not only a celebration of Japanese tradition but also a model for responsible design and consumption in the hospitality industry.
Akabeko by 4SPACE is more than just a restaurant - it’s a journey into the heart of Japanese culture, redefined for modern times. With its thoughtful integration of tradition, craftsmanship, and innovation, Akabeko offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that resonates on both sensory and cultural levels. Whether through its design that celebrates wabi-sabi, its menu of world-class wagyu, or its commitment to sustainability, Akabeko invites guests to enjoy a truly immersive dining experience.
– Size: 240 sqm – Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Contractor: Laads Contracting LLC – Design: 4SPACE
Collaborators: – Furniture by Interior 360 and Al Huzaifa – Lighting by Huda Lighting and Folio Lighting – Marble Granule Flooring by Colortek – Facade covering solution by I-Mesh – Wood flooring by Lignum – 3D printed Akabeko cow by Proto 21
This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a colourful and retro restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Wid Chapman Architects.
Wid Chapman Architects was commissioned to create a fun, colourful retro eating and drinking establishment in the heart of Times Square, NYC.
Practice: Wid Chapman Architects
Project: Peachy Keen
Location: New York, United States of America
The client was seeking a high energy experience and narrative to distinguish itself from other restaurants in a highly competitive market they believed that good food and great drinks were not enough to attract diners. They were keen on the 70s vibe, playful, vibrant and fun filled environment that would give life to one of the group’s strengths a fun, over-the-top beverage program, highlighting signature cocktail recipes that could not be found at your everyday bar or restaurant accompanied by family. Favourite foods that never go out of fashion.
We came up with a concept that really gave life to the client’s brief and Peachy Keen is undoubtedly a memorable experience! As soon as you walk through the door, your senses are engulfed in excitement. The vibrant colours, textures, and curvaceous architectural elements combine with high-energy music and a bustling environment to instantly brighten your mood. The atmosphere is electric, yet uniquely welcoming, unlike anything Midtown Manhattan has seen in quite some time. Peace, love, and good vibes!
With any restaurant we design we have a particular owner/chef’s vision in mind. But with Peachy we were also tasked with giving effect to an entirely different era whilst keeping it contemporary and blending that with maximalism that can stand the test of time - all combined this created a major design conundrum.
At WCA we like to showcase colour as a concept versus as an accessory. With Peachy Keen our client was fully on board with really working with colour as a concept and utilising it to full effect in a bold and modern design that captured the 70s era but for today’s diner and today’s culture. We thoroughly enjoyed the utilising bold colours and materials to create many different and playful dining and drinking zones. The restaurant is full of fun and flair a rare combo in fast casual today. This restaurant with all its ‘70s vibes features comfortable space that captures the spirit of the city with a vibrant atmosphere that always feels familiar and right in the centre of the Theatre District.
As an international hub of design professionals, it’s an obvious place to showcase our work and compete at the highest levels of the industry.
We are honoured and privileged to be included as an awards finalist. As a hospitality firm we understand the competition for great design and in the era of mass content being recognised as global leaders in design through the SBID Awards helps channel our work and experience to new clients and provide further promotional benefits to existing clients. Hospitality design has become and ever important factor in restaurant attractiveness and success both in the U.S and internationally.
Questions answered by Wid Chapman, Founder of Wid Chapman Architects.
If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring an urban and minimalistic public space design by Xtendere Architecture, click here to read it.
A Brasserie-Style restaurant converted from the 19th-century Grade II-listed former Minster School, the design respects and enhances the old Music school building, doing justice to its historical importance. Simple colours, furniture, and pared-back materials allow the building to stand in its own integrity.
Rachel McLane Ltd wanted to retain the school's tradition of being a “coming together space.” We kept the integrity of the school lunch/music hall, once the main assembly area, as one big dining space.
Within the limitations of a Grade II listed building, adaptations were made to meet building control and fire regulations, such as installing a lift, new WCs, and air conditioning. Provisions for accessibility were also made by dropping the floor, removing the steps at the entrance, and installing sandstone ramps. All this required a balancing act involving all parties, including the Minster itself.
Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our approach to materials. Wherever possible, we reused existing materials, lifting and relaying stone flags. Stone lintels and mullions were restored, and timber trusses were sandblasted to remove layers of old paint. This preserves the building's original character and reduces our environmental footprint, a testament to our commitment to sustainability.
All materials used were sympathetic and in tune with the Minster, including wood that is medium to dark oak, antique brushed brass, and furniture that marries a style that is relaxed and eclectically functional.
The simple colour palette allows the building to have its own voice. Muted tones on walls are broken by panelling – some existing and some new. Some of the old scholarship boards are re-hung in situ as a nod to the building’s past.
We created bespoke chandelier lighting from printed manuscripts from the Mister Chorister archives. We printed these onto cotton parchment to make shades and as details on the fixed seating screens. We littered the walls with an eclectic mix of musical instruments. We created a gantry that hung over the central detain section with props from typical school subjects such as globes, rugby boots, chemistry apparatus and so on. We also designed a bespoke piece of back lit wall art made up of the iconic yellow and black HB pencils.
The WCs are individually designed and quirky with a school-related vibe - reflecting, perhaps, the habits of pupil’s past, escaping to the WC instead to avoid maths!
An old pulpit was repurposed as a meet-and-greet station/reception, setting a monastic, scholarly feel for arriving guests.
A dropped ceiling detail conceals mechanical/electrical services and air conditioning. The double-height front windows are single-glazed – counteracted with mechanical heating rather than double-glazing the windows.
As regulations require, fire doors are compartmentalised as sympathetically as possible throughout the interior and made to look like they had always been there.
We acquired old-school subject artefacts that are displayed in the gantry above the banquette seating, a nod to the building's school heritage. We also used copies from original manuscripts associated with the Minster and its choristers, which we printed onto canvas and parchment and incorporated into bespoke chandeliers and screens.
York Minster Refectory is the first listed building in York to have solar. The installation of solar slates on the roof is forecast to produce 11,000 kWh of power annually on average. The energy accumulated from the solar slates feeds into the invertors, which subsequently feed the hot water supplies to the washroom facilities.
An ASHP (Air source heat pump) on the plant deck serves power to the building and underfloor heating system to the entrance lobby.
The front entrance of the York Minster Refectory was designed with a simple, flexible, and easy-to-use takeaway kiosk. The Refectory offers takeaway drinks, cakes, and snacks during the day and is also used for finer evening dining.
The upper floor, which was the school's old science labs, IT suite & geography room, was reconfigured to accommodate accessible WCs with lift and a more open plan, lounge-type hub and meeting area, with mixed seating and tables and spaces for private dining and smaller functions, such as weddings.
York Minster Refectory was opened by King Charles III and Queen Camilla in April, which was kept secret until just before the restaurant opened.
We didn't know until late in the development cycle that there would be a Royal opening, and it meant we had to bring forward and adapt a lot of the project schedules across all aspects of the design work, including signing off concepts, procurement and sub-contracted items.
About Rachel McLane Limited
Rachel McLane Ltd offers a full design service that interprets a client’s brief and delivers their project on time, on budget, and as envisaged. Every client and every project is different, so how we get there is entirely up to the client. Not every project requires internal spaces reconfiguring; not every client has an architect or project manager. However, as a general rule, their project process offers: Feasibility Study – narrowing down your options; Concept Design – sketched visuals of how your space might look; Design Detailing – producing drawings & plans for trades; Purchasing – new, bespoke or repurposed; Fit-Out.
"Snidanishna" is a new story of Ukrainian cuisine in the centre of Kharkiv, which was opened in March 2024. The interior design of "Snidanishna" was realised by the team of the Ukrainian architectural bureau IK-architects.
Snidanishna is a story about the gastronomic, cultural, and ethnographic traditions of Ukraine in a modern interpretation. The project aims to popularise Ukrainian culture and enhance Ukrainian flavour in interior design. This is a unique space, which includes a café, bakery, and souvenir shops of local goods. By researching and analysing the traditions of multiple different regions of Ukraine, the IK-architects team found interesting solutions for an environmentally aware interior that cherishes traditions.
Snidanishna is an example of a combination of historical traditions and their modern use. The project is located in a picturesque area of the city of Kharkiv in the east of Ukraine — it is an example of stability, faith, and love for one's country.
"We followed the principles of traditional Ukrainian house design — with a central entrance, a meeting area and two large rooms-halls on both sides," says Kateryna Yarova, chief architect of IK-architects, who worked with the team on the interior of the facility.
The interior of “Snidanishna” is a collective image of Ukrainian culture, which treats heritage with care and respect, integrating traditions into modernity. Emphasis is placed on changing the functions of using traditional Ukrainian materials. That is how the shingle, the material of the roof, turned into an art object with an oblique cut, and the reed found a second life in the central panel measuring 2 x 1.5 metres. The design was followed by the principles of traditional Ukrainian house design — with a central entrance, a meeting area, and two large rooms-halls on both sides.
Ukrainian colour traditions, such as red and cool-toned green, are intertwined with the latest global colour trends in design. Ukrainian modern minimalism with ethnic elements: a combination of simple, linear forms with traditional Ukrainian colours, motifs, and patterns — our own national identity — we create a modern, high-quality, Ukrainian space in which you want to live and work.
The geography of the institution's interior items stretches from the East to the West of Ukraine. The reeds for the large panel were taken from Stryi, the tapestry with Zmiyevsky cliffs from the Kharkiv region, the dishes for serving dishes were hand-crafted in Opishnya, Poltava region, and the furniture was made by Ukrainian industrial designers.
“I am proud that more than 90% of our interior was made by Ukrainian craftsmen,” says Kateryna Yarova.
About IK-architects Good design is not visible, good architecture is imperceptible – it's just a comfortable state and space for the user; but this is a colossal effort and knowledge for the designer.
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