Twisted Grilled Cheese is bringing their edgy reinterpretation of a classic menu to their first brick and mortar in the high-energy Washington corridor. Our goal was to design a space that remains recognizable to the existing fan base, while developing a prototype that can rocket Twisted Grilled Cheese in the fast casual dining sector. We imagine the space as a creative construction zone where colors and patterns from the existing brand are incorporated with raw and industrial  finishes to create a space that feels energetic, original and thought-provoking. Twisted finishes and surreal artwork create unexpected and surprising moments throughout the space. The design feels accessible–– a perfect stop for all ages during the weekend or lunch rush––but also retains an edge, making it a perfect pre-game or late night stop for Washington’s bar crowd.

Located in the heart of Houston’s eclectic Montrose neighborhood, the Garden Bungalows at La Colombe d’Or offer visitors and locals alike an artful respite from the hum of the big city that surrounds. The site is situated across the road from La Colombe d’Or’s newly renovated historic 1920’s Mansion and new residential tower, and is intrinsically connected in both concept and history.

Drawing from the aesthetic of bohemian-chic apartments in mid-century Paris, to which artists who frequented the original La Colombe d’Or in the South of France might have returned back to, these serve as a whimsical nod to the Mansion's French-inspired architecture. Each unit boasts a distinct design style. Mod wallcoverings by artist Domenica Brockman, avant garde color combinations, existing antique finishes and geometric rugs craft a moody backdrop for sculptural custom furnishings.

While the collection of nine suites contain the expected 21st-century amenities like a television and full kitchen, gin design group intentionally developed these spaces for community and connection, an idea that is emphasized by the central stone courtyard, stocked bars in each unit, and furniture designed and placed for lounging, reading, listening to music, and conversation.

‍

El Segundo Swim Club brings 24-hour-fiesta energy to the 2nd ward in Houston, TX. Inspired by Roberto Burle Marx’s work, the design is an ode to the playfulness of 1970s Rio.

A sprawling 1,400 square-foot pool sits under palms and tropical vegetation,  offering a cool reprieve from laying out on the custom sun loungers.  Lush vegetation, rustic wood and stone, desaturated orange tones and a bit of kitsch transports guests from the bustling concrete city and delivers them to  a tropical poolside paradise.

Containers-turned-cabanas house murals and provide shade for lounging and sipping on craft cocktails. Outdoor, private wood-paneled showers, neon woven hammocks and bright daybeds provide bright, relaxing accents to the garden. A perfect escape from the sweltering Houston heat.

The design concept combines the gentility and charm of well-worn guest houses along the back roads of rural Louisiana, with the elegance and grace of the European kitchens that inspired the menu. Natural wood flooring, quilted fabrics, classic farmhouse furnishings and antique touches sourced from local antique fairs as well as Chef Drake Leonards families’ collection. The interior elements were overscaled to fill the soaring space; Voluminous linen lanterns hung between generous wood ceiling beams and oversized artwork, whitewashed shiplap and textured tiles fill the tall walls. A backdrop of century oaks surround the 20’+ glass jewel box. A dynamic bar, curved booths wrapped with cozy bookshelves and multiple tables for large parties are among the many areas at which to enjoy some of the most refined iterations of Cajun Country cuisine. An oyster & crudite station rivals the bustling chefs kitchen for a patron's attention to the finest chefs executing their craft.

‍

The Traveler’s Table concept was developed by an entrepreneur with travelust tendencies to bring the most exotic dishes from his explorations under one roof. The interiors complement the diverse cuisine, layering modern global elements over the existing natural finishes which creates a gorgeous juxtaposition against the building’s modern architecture.

‍
The design goal was to transcend guests into an atmosphere in which they could feel immersed in various cultures while enjoying traditional dishes with a modern twist. The sense of arrival is strong as you approach the space through the lushly landscaped interior patio, highlighted with Traveler’s Palms and other tropical vegetation. Punched tin lanterns glow over a softly plastered bar, inviting a cocktail hour that turns to hours. Within the dining room, the “Traveler’s Table”, created as a homage to the humble street cart, is another experiential moment for large parties or individuals to dine near the open kitchen with a backdrop of colorful spices.

Photography

TK Images
Bill Krampitz

‍

Third Parties

Pruitt Structures

‍

Public Services Wine and Whisky had gin design group create a comfortable atmosphere, focusing on the rich character of the space within Houston's Old Cotton Exchange Building. A new VIP area was created using antique walls with detailed arches finished to match existing details of the building’s architecture and restored interior. A tiered bottle display featuring Justin Vann's curated alcohol selection and a semi-circle of art deco shelving seamlessly added functionality to the bar area. An ephemera installation by Ayn Morgan illustrates the legacy of the institution’s original Victorian in-house saloon using antique photographs, maps and drafting composites. Antique furniture arranged in warm, intimate spaces welcomes patrons to experience the detail rich atmosphere while enjoying Public Services Wine and Whisky's artisan offerings.

On the corner of Alabama and Almeda, the restored Axelrad building was a way of showing that you can pay respect to what was once there, while still being a bridge into the present and future.  When walking into the interior of Axelrad, you're instantly hit with a mixture of history and modernity. The walls, adorned with sleek, geometric lines and bright colors, give off a very in-the-now vibe, and the space’s open concept is perfect for mixing and mingling with the garden’s diverse crowd. But underneath that fresh coat of paint lies the strong, sturdy bones of a building that’s over a century old, built with shiplap and love.

Lemongrass Cafe has a longstanding history in the Bellaire community. The interiors of the new restaurant will complement the Pan Asian Fusion menu, influenced by Thai vernacular architecture and interior details. The interior being small in scale calls for minimal, yet richly impactful finishes to enhance the guest experience, creating depth without visual disturbance. A jewel box of a space, all finishes must be harmonious, sophisticated and approachable all at once. Clients should feel relaxed and uplifted.

The overall interior aesthetic will be welcoming with warm wood textures, bronze punched tin and a natural color palette with floral accents. Stepping into the restaurant, a row of custom floral punch tin screens will subtly divide and designate space with the bar layered behind as a focal point on the back wall with ample storage. Trailing greenery and potted plants will be integrated throughout the restaurant to add a layer of nature. Simple wood wood seating with floral upholstery and handmade floral light shades bring in the beautiful nature aspects of the Thai Culture.

The design of the restaurant will provide guests a familiar sense, by creating a comfortable, at-home feeling as you enter the space, catering to all senses with the smell of fresh baked cookies from the oven. The interior design will tie together the menu and culture of the restaurant drawing in new clients to a community staple.

Herb & Beet puts a sophisticated spin on the fine-fast restaurant scene, celebrating the vast diversity of Texas by offering unrivaled local cuisine. The restaurant's design allows for a quick service style with an elevated feel, which reflects the brand’s high standards. Customers are invited to choose their dish and progress down the open line while viewing the talented crew assemble their plates. However, in the evening, the vibe slows down, candles are lit, and the chef expands the daily menu with more intricately designed dishes to pair with the regional selection of beer & wine. The dining room was designed with both service styles in mind, and the result reflects the concepts’ overall commitment to clean, fresh food with light, natural wood, hand painted tile, abundant greenery and branded accents of green and deep purple. Patrons dine below an intricately designed mossy trellis at various seating arrangements, which include a community table wrapped around a tall fig tree, a maple counter facing the patio and more intimate lounge areas with an abstract tree mural as the backdrop. Customers feel a touch of home lounging in front of the plaster fireplace element in the pair of green velvet chairs with a glass of wine or a refreshing housemade lemonade. The patio to the right of the entrance mirrors the concept of the interior trellis with jasmine growing up and over the seating area. Soft globe lights and tabletop candles provide a relaxing ambiance for evening diners on the quaint patio. This Woodlands area restaurant adds a touch of charm to a bustling street, great for the fast paced lunch crowd which easily transitions to a relaxing dinner atmosphere.

Goode Company BBQ is a family staple in Houston, with the new location in The Woodlands, the design stayed true to the rustic aesthetic, utilizing much of the owner's decor and photography paying homage to the family. Reclaimed and Shou Sugi Ban wood installed throughout provide a refined yet rustic aesthetic layered with custom accents such as the inlaid tile entry mat. Many found and antique pieces were used throughout the space including the wire pendants, reclaimed restrooms doors, vintage neon signs and sigange. The shared patio ties the two concepts togther split with picnic tables and equipale furniture. The turf of the patio provides a great space for cornhole.

The design for Kitchen + Cantina tells the rich story of a well known Houston family and restaurant group whose culinary journey led them to the creation of their newest concept, unveiled in 2017. With the client’s ties to Mexico, the design of the 6,500 square foot space was developed to be authentic, thoughtful, and refined. The total renovation budget for the second generation building came in around $2.5 million. Painted brick walls carry through the space creating a base for the vibrant palette. Cement tiles displaying brand colors provide a festive pop, while reclaimed wood warms the space. Handmade star pendant lights and punched tin sconces from Mexico hang from the ceiling, creating a warm glow. Sitting at the bar, you will find yourself under an airy and open steel framework. Weathered barrels, that once held the house brand tequila, sit within the framework. Below, rustic clay pots with lush, trailing plants nestle amongst unique decor collected by the owner during his travels. The decor is thoughtfully curated, creating little moments to be discovered as you dine. Reclaimed oak tables and softly colored chairs sit within the main dining room. Large u-booths frame the space creating the perfect spot for large groups or families to dine together. A long banquette upholstered with Mexican serapes runs along the steel framed windows. Sitting just below impressive punched tin sconces, two community tables provide ample seating for groups of any size. The restaurant has quickly become a staple for the Houston community with its fresh take on the tex-mex concept, creating an upscale yet approachable place to gather with family and friends.

The design for Kitchen + Cantina tells the rich story of a well known Houston family and restaurant group whose culinary journey led them to the creation of their newest concept, unveiled in 2017. With the client’s ties to Mexico, the design of the 6,500 square foot space was developed to be authentic, thoughtful, and refined. The total renovation budget for the second generation building came in around $2.5 million. Painted brick walls carry through the space creating a base for the vibrant palette. Cement tiles displaying brand colors provide a festive pop, while reclaimed wood warms the space. Handmade star pendant lights and punched tin sconces from Mexico hang from the ceiling, creating a warm glow. Sitting at the bar, you will find yourself under an airy and open steel framework. Weathered barrels, that once held the house brand tequila, sit within the framework. Below, rustic clay pots with lush, trailing plants nestle amongst unique decor collected by the owner during his travels. The decor is thoughtfully curated, creating little moments to be discovered as you dine. Reclaimed oak tables and softly colored chairs sit within the main dining room. Large u-booths frame the space creating the perfect spot for large groups or families to dine together. A long banquette upholstered with Mexican serapes runs along the steel framed windows. Sitting just below impressive punched tin sconces, two community tables provide ample seating for groups of any size. The restaurant has quickly become a staple for the Houston community with its fresh take on the tex-mex concept, creating an upscale yet approachable place to gather with family and friends.

The “fine fast” spot off of McGovern Lake was renovated within 30 days and transformed into Ginger Kale. The restaurant has quickly become a go to for coffee, cold-pressed juices, great salads and more. Playing on the surrounding glass box and views of the lake, gin design group wanted the interiors to feel natural and in its element. As such, we wanted to purposefully limit the interior finish palette to five natural elements — concrete, wood, rope, leather, and brick — in order to allow the park’s natural setting to remain the prime focus. Defining interior elements include concrete booths, custom chairs and barstools, and an overscale macramé wall-art installation by macramé artist Nancy McElligott.

Great ice cream begins with great ingredients. So does great design. Flower & Cream’s deliberate details and playful finishes echo the care and attention that goes into making its ice cream. As with artisan ice cream, the intention at Flower & Cream is to break down design to its raw elements and then put them back together into a cohesive whole. Dusty, muted pastels layer on a neutral base of raw blonde wood and deconstructed geometrical patterns merge with soft curves.

The interior at Beckrew Wine House was a true oasis of comfortable yet designsavvy furnishings, subtle and interesting finishes, unique and beautiful lightingand restful colors. Unfinished edges of gray suede and brown quilted leather served asa strong backdrop to the herringbone patterns, honed quartz surfaces, distressedbrick and brass accents. The patio brought a bayou sunset to life with a softgradient, wraparound banquet, modern rattan chairs and a dark green tiled floor.