Our Work

EAT

SHOP

LIVE

PLAY

WORK

About

Connect

Stories

Choose highlighted images for clickable links to projects, news or client and vendor friends. (For our website, click on logo above.)

There’s a lot to love about Grand Lake Kitchen’s second location: a daytime deli & diner meets nighttime bar-lounge & bistro. This former project took over the space of a Chinese restaurant in Oakland’s up-and-coming Dimond district - swipe all the way to the end for a “before” pic. The expansive space contains a bar, private dining room, dog-friendly outdoor patio, and retail. We went back recently to get some photos of the space, and enjoyed the opportunity to revisit @grandlakekitchen!

Photos by @eurydice.photo

#restaurantdesign #bardesign #oaklandbars #grandlakekitchendimond #dimonddistrict #oaklandeats #bayareabrunch #interiorarchitecture #interiordesign #architecture #architect #studioKDA

We were delighted to learn that this historic retail building in West Berkeley is a recipient of a Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association award! When we began work on the project back in 2016, the building was dilapidated and the original clerestory windows had been removed. Using research from a similar set of historic shops down the street, we created a design that would reveal the clerestory windows and add a few other historical details as well - plus, repainting and repairing the original Bi-Rite sign.

#restoration #historicbuildings #architecturalrestoration #studioKDA #architecture #designprocess #buildingrestoration

According to the New York Times, 2023 will see many more restaurants adopting practices that create fun, experiential, community-oriented dining experiences. One of our favorite local examples is the margarita and appetizer cart at Comal’s back patio - a dining spot that is always delicious and on-trend.

#studioKDA #comalberkeley #restaurantdesign #mexicanrestaurant #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #2023foodtrends #architecture

Someone’s twinning with the building! We snapped this pic during a recent site visit to 2028 Bancroft Way, a 37-unit apartment building bringing much-needed housing to Downtown Berkeley, from studios to 3-bedroom units. This project will be completed in 2023.

#studioKDA #apartmentdesign #downtownberkeley #housingdesign #architecture #buildingdesign #designprocess #buildingprocess

This mixed-use development features two integrally connected structures. Each facade will have its own unique design and feel: weathered wood, ceramic tile, and stucco on 10th street, and California redwood contrasted with glass panels on San Pablo. Featuring both office space and residential, the project offers two outdoor deck spaces for tenants and ample bicycle parking.

#mixedusedevelopment #office #officedesign
#architecture #architect #buildingdesing #rendering #designdaily #studioKDA #designprocess

A holiday tribute to Berkeley’s 4th Street, a vibrant, festive shopping district in our own backyard. This time of year, with so much life on the streets, always inspires us to shop and dine locally. And we love that we’ve been able to contribute to this rich and vibrant scene!
@fourthstreetshops

#fourthstreetberkeley #studioKDA #architecture #instadesign #holidaylights

Housing that is energy-efficient, sustainable, and located near transit: these are a few of our favorite things. We designed this 41-unit property near the MacArthur BART station to promote environmental responsibility. The design features a large photovoltaic shade structure which will produce enough energy to power all of the apartments - with a series of community decks and courtyards underneath that provide dramatic views of the city.

#sustainabledesign #greendesign #apartmentdesign #housingdesign #architecture #buildingdesign #designprocess #rendering #designdaily #instadesign #studioKDA

Congratulations to the Chef Anthony Secviar-led team at @protegepaloalto for once again receiving a coveted Michelin star! Our bar design includes a bespoke glowing backlit bottle wall and fabric-wrapped ceilings for acoustic comfort. And the dreamy wine cellar highlights owner and master sommelier Dennis Kelly’s impressive 2200+ bottle collection. Next time you’re in Palo Alto, stop by for a unique dining experience (and, of course, Michelin star-worthy cuisine) from these French Laundry alums!

Construction @cooklinesf
Collab with @delagrammar
Custom lighting by @windychien
GC @cooklinesf
📸 by Douglas Friedman

#restaurantdesign #bardesign #southbayeats #paloaltoeats #interiorarchitecture #interiordesign #architecture #architect #studioKDA

A true labor of love, working on Acopio restaurant was an 8-year journey of rebuilding after a fire destroyed the family-owned restaurant. They persevered through insurance claims, zoning code changes, unforeseen construction woes and a pandemic. All the while, they trusted us to bring their vision of an elevated modern Mexican restaurant to life. And their innovative cuisine was worth the wait! Don’t miss this gem dining experience next time you’re in San Jose. @acopiosj

Custom decorative screens by @locallanguage
📸 by @kengutmaker

#AcopioSJ #mexicanfood #bayareaeats #sanjoseeats #southbayeats #studioKDA #restaurantdesign #bardesign #interiorarchitecture #architecture #architect #interiordesign

This new 41,000 square foot building is designed to house a variety of life sciences startups in Berkeley’s expanding biotech landscape. With the MEP systems designed to support a flexible and scalable lab research environment, and a VC-A (very low) vibration standard, the building provides state-of-the-art space for multiple different laboratory types. Ground floor retail and cafe spaces, a sunny south/west facing terrace, and proximity to Berkeley’s Fourth Street shopping district are just the cherry on top for tenants.

#labdesign #lifesciences #futurelab #sciencedesign #scienceandtechnology #architecture #buildingdesign #designprocess #rendering #designdaily #instadesign #studioKDA

Did you know that several of the buildings at @apricotlanefarms were designed by Studio KDA senior architect Buddy Williams? Here’s the tea: these agricultural buildings house vermicompost and “tea,” a biodynamic preparation that is injected into the 234-acre farm’s irrigation system to create healthy, thriving soil. Apricot Lane Farms was featured in the documentary, @thebiggestlittlefarm, which brought their unique approach to ecologically regenerative farming methods to the masses. Buddy is currently leading a team to develop a second tea barn for the site.

#farmdesign #farmarchitecture #agriculture #permaculture #sustainablefarming #sustainabledesign #biggestlittlefarm #instadesign #facades #studioKDA

Thanksgiving is almost here, and @thelocalbutchershop has all your locally-sourced, sustainably-raised, fresh meat needs covered. We designed the space in Berkeley’s Gourmet Ghetto to highlight their one-on-one customer service model, creating a bright and airy space where the customer has a full view of their meat being cut. Be sure to order your Thanksgiving meats by November 17th!

📸: @kengutmaker

#butcher #berkeleyeats #eastbayeats #berkeleyfood #ethicalfood #butcherdesign #interiorarchitecture #instadesign #retailarchitecture #retaildesign #studioKDA

#TransformationTuesday! What was once a derelict industrial building is now a thriving coworking space and community hub - @temescalworks! We’re delighted to see the space used for special events, meetings, mail center and venue for film and photo shoots.

#StudioKDA #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #coworkingspace #temescal #temescalworks #architecture #architect #oakland #designdaily #beforeandafter

October is Latinx heritage month - the perfect time to celebrate all the fabulous Mexican restaurants we’ve worked on over the years, including Nopalito, Acopio, and Comal! Each restaurant design is completely unique (and, each has a distinct perspective on Mexican food as well!) @comalrestaurants @acopiosj @nopalitosf
.
#latinxheritagemonth #studioKDA #mexicanfood #architecture #architect #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #instadesign #bardesign #restaurantdesign #sfeats #bayareaeats

Since the Jewish festival of Sukkot is this week, we thought it would be the perfect time to share about the Berkeley Moshav co-housing project. The Berkeley Moshav is a new intentional community that supports and facilitates Jewish life using the principles of co-living combined with Jewish traditions. The building program was developed in a series of workshops with the Moshav members, resulting in a design that promotes personal interaction through a series of casual and formal gathering areas, supports inter-generational living with playrooms and enhanced accessibility, and recognizes the importance of Jewish ritual with a Havdalah Terrace and both standard and kosher kitchen facilities.
.
#studioKDA #cohousing #berkeleymoshav #architecture #architect #buildingdesign #bayareadesign #cohousingspace #jewishcommunity

This state-of-the-art cannabis facility - now 99% complete - will support full lifecycle production from seed to store. Here, soil preparation is currently in progress. The space includes custom systems to ensure quality, productivity, operational expense management, and ease of use include reverse osmosis water filtration system for irrigation, automatic condensate reclamation system, CO2 injection system integrated with HVAC ductwork, prevention of air stratification, and (of course) an environmental control system to monitor and adjust soil moisture and nutrients, air humidity and temperature, light and CO2 levels.
.
#cannabisarchitect #cannabisdesign #cannabisfacility #architecture #interiorarchitecture #studioKDA

We were delighted to assist with this year’s SFNOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) Project Pipeline Camp, a four day intensive program that introduces middle school students to the profession of architecture. The students used their creative skills to develop an architectural design for a real site, acquiring skills in model making, architectural drawing, sketching, critical thinking and public speaking. Thank you to Studio KDA team members Angela Kim, Sasha Paul, and Brian Carter for your design mentoring time and commitment!
.
#NOMANational #Minorityarchitects #architecture #mentorship #studioKDA

After a two year break, our company retreat to the Russian River is back! The games, wine tasting, boating, swimming and movie night were all excellent - but having everyone together again was the best part of the trip.
.
#studiokda #architecture #bayareaarchitecture #architectureculture #riverqueenmonterio #russianriver

It’s that time of year again! Students are returning to Berkeley, and we thought this was the perfect opportunity to share one of our student apartment projects, the Ursa! This innovative project fit 50 compact student apartments onto a narrow lot, each unit designed to maximize natural light and privacy. A range of unit types, plus a common courtyard, bike parking, and rooftop deck make The Ursa a welcoming space with student life in mind.
.
#studiokda #architecture #architect #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #instadesign #multifamilydesign #apartmenttour #downtownberkeley #ucberkeley #studenthousing

Whenever we ask the Studio KDA team about favorite projects, the Fourth & Spenger’s project always comes up. When it was constructed, the development brought 55,000 new square feet of retail and restaurant space to Berkeley’s popular Fourth Street area, and has since provided a well-loved outdoor social space with the public plaza, outdoor dining, and small “maker’s row” that house small start-up shops. It is so rewarding to have one of our projects right around the corner from our offices and to be able to see people interact with the built environment day-to-day. @fourthstreetshops @fourthstmakersrow
.
📸: @kengutmaker
.
#studiokda #architecture #architect #plazadesign #outdoordesign #instadesign #fourthstreetberkeley #fourthstreetshops #berkeley

A big thank you to our summer intern Kames Mattheson as he heads back to Wentworth Institute of Technology today. Kames proudly displays a recent project, mapping all of the Studio KDA Multifamily projects in Berkeley. We will miss you!
.
#studioKDA #architect #architecture #workplaceculture #lovewhereyouwork #companyculture

This project is one of our favorite summer workout spots. At 37,000 SF, the flagship Fitness SF in the Transbay Terminal is the largest fitness facility in San Francisco, taking up an entire floor. The facility has many different tailored spaces - including a yoga studio, athletic training center, immersive spin studio, and outdoor class area - and was designed with the management of sound, light, and airflow in mind to enhance the separation of each of these different spaces. @fitnesssf
.
#studiokda #architecture #architect #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #instadesign #fitnesscenter #gymdesign

We couldn’t be happier for our clients, @barshiruoakland! A hi-fi jazz bar, Bar Shiru was featured on the front page of the @sfchronicle yesterday! Inspired by Tokyo’s hi-fi bars, Bar Shiru is the perfect quiet spot to listen to jazz on a vinyl-centric sound system. We designed the space with acoustics front-and-center, and it is so exciting to see its unique design and purpose touted by the Chronicle as part of a movement of Japanese-style bars becoming the height of cool.
.
📸: @maritesabueg
.
#studiokda #architecture #architect #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #instadesign #bardesign #hifibars #oakland #cocktailbar #vinylcommunity

Look out South Bay!! The newest location of @burmalove (from the @burmasuperstar family) has just started construction at @springline in Menlo Park. These renderings show off a bespoke interior for the 3700 SF restaurant and bar, complete with custom art murals by @lux_create depicting Burmese history. The space features a bar and seating area with curved natural ash wood ceilings, a custom glowing steel shelf wine display, and an emerald green/gray quartzite bartop, set against a roman clay wall finish. This will be Burma Inc’s fifth location - you can visit three in SF and two in the East Bay to get your Burmese food fix while the Menlo Park location is under construction!
.
#burmesefood #burmalove #studiokda #architecture #architect #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #instadesign #restaurantdesign #bardesign #siliconvalleyfoodies #downtownmenlopark #siliconvalleylife #bayareaeats #hospitalitydesign

We are honored to announce that Studio KDA is a finalist for the East Bay Innovation Award in the Built Environment category for our work on Poet’s Place! It is such a privilege to be nominated alongside these fantastic artists, makers, and innovators, whose work makes our East Bay communities so vibrant and rich. We are particularly honored to be recognized for Poet’s Place, a new type of housing designed to help address the housing crisis. The innovative design provides independent and co-living options in stylishly furnished units for below standard rents. 40 new units coming to Berkeley in the Fall! @eastbayeda
.
#studioKDA #EastBayEDA #EastBayiAwards #architecture #architect #buildingdesign #bayareadesign #affordablehousing #coliving #colivingspace #innovativehousing #EastBayEDA #EastBayiAwards

We’d like to take a moment to celebrate staff member Tiffany Amrit as she passes her 20 year anniversary (!!!) with Studio KDA. Tiffany has grown up with the firm (and we with her), moving from a project designer to the head of our interior design division. Tiffany loves to design homes, restaurants, and innovative office concepts, lending her mastery of detail, color, and texture to projects large and small. Congrats, Tiffany! We’re so lucky to have you on our team. 🎉🎉🎉
.
#studioKDA #architecture #architect #workplaceculture #workanniversary #companyculture #lovewhereyouwork #interiordesign

New project just got approved! This mixed-use five-story building at Potrero & San Pablo in El Cerrito has space for a new brewery and restaurant with outdoor patio seating. Tenants get to enjoy a top floor lookout deck with views of the Bay and Mt. Tam as well as a private west-facing terrace on the second story. We’re really excited about the new life, much-needed housing, and public gathering space this modern building will bring to such an important crossroads in El Cerrito! Looking forward to starting construction in early 2023.
.
#studioKDA #architecture #architect #buildingdesign #designprocess #bayareadesign #elcerrito #rendering #buildingsketch #designdaily #instadesign

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Summer is the perfect time to check out a show or enjoy a drink at @cornerstoneberkeley! This former pool hall is a 13,000 SF bar with over 42 beers on tap, an outdoor patio, and a state of the art performance space. One of our favorite details from this project is the custom light fixtures in the lounge area, made from thrifted brass cymbals.
.
#CornerstoneBerkeley #studioKDA #architecture #architect #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #instadesign #restaurantdesign #bardesign #bayarearestaurants #eastbayeats #berkeleyeats #livemusic #bayareaevents

It’s been a while since we’ve touted our awesome team - which is a shame, because our talented, dedicated team has thrived and grown so much since the beginning of the pandemic! Today, we’re celebrating all our new hires - Angela Kim, Hannah Micallef, Vita Rey, Maria Reinstein, Austin Springer, Layla Tahani, and Brett Spencer!
.
#studiokda #architecture #architect #workplaceculture #companyculture #lovewhereyouwork

Longport Fish Co. is open for business! We began work on this project during the pandemic, so it feels particularly sweet to see it come to completion. We brought all the coastal vibes to the design of this modern American fish house, named for the Jersey Shore borough where owner-chef Nicholas diArenzo spent his childhood summers. Next time you’re in Concord, stop in - it’s a great space to enjoy the beginning of summer. @longportfc
.
📸 by @kengutmaker
.
#studiokda #architecture #architect #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #instadesign #restaurantdesign #bardesign #bayarearestaurants #seafoodrestaurant #eastbayfood

We can hardly believe that Comal celebrated its 10th anniversary last week! Swipe through to view a brief snapshot of our history designing this space ➡️
.
There’s so much to say about Comal. In the past ten years, this favorite local gathering spot for Oaxacan cuisine has completely revitalized its downtown Berkeley block. Comal was an absolute dream to work on: its multiple environments (bar, in-house seating, chef’s counter and lush rear patio) and @meyersoundlabs sound system make it such a unique and delightful space. Congratulations, Comal - and here’s to another decade of delicious food and vibrant community! @comalrestaurants
.
#studiokda #architecture #architect #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #beforeandafter #instadesign #restaurantdesign #bardesign #bayarearestaurants #comalberkeley #mexicanfood #mexicanrestaurant

The SF Ferry Building asked us to enter their gingerbread house competition and our team “nailed it” with this house-under-construction theme! We have all the details : scaffolding, ladders, a debris box, waterproofing membrane, hard hats, workers, rolled up drawings and a job sign. Huge props to @jenlynnnewman for hours of gingerbread baking and sugar windows! And high fives to the design-build team : @laylatahan , Hannah Micallef, Vita Ray, Angela Kim and Brian Carter. On display now @sfferrybuilding - go visit and vote for us ! (voters can win a ferry building shopping spree 🛍)
.
.
.
#gingerbreadhouse #holidayseason #studiokda #constructionlife

Two years and one pandemic later, we finally had our first site visit to our Fresno restaurant design, @annessopizzeria and we were blown away! Thank you @k6constructioninc and clients @jimmypardini @jeffpardini11 for enabling and executing our vision so beautifully. Final lighting and bar shelving are still to come but it’s already looking so fly. Look out Fresno peeps! #comingsoonrestaurant
.
.
.
#restaurantdesign #fresnorestaurant #comingsoon #hospitalitydesign #restaurantandbardesign
#constructionsitevisit #fresnodesign #pizzarestaurant #pizzarestaurantdesign

Thank you #berkeleydesignadvocates for recognizing our Ursa Apartments project in the 2021 BDA Awards in the Innovative Housing category. “Through a skillful floor plan, a narrow through-lot yielded 50 compact student apartments on 5 floors. At ground level, a setback resolves the various restrictions on building form while creating a welcoming entry. Similarly, step-backs in the facade acknowledge the two adjacent structures as well as the increased views available as the floors ascend. And the house that once occupied part of the site? It was moved two blocks and restored to hold 5 apartments”.

Mayor Arreguin kicked off the ceremony that included 7 Berkeley projects that are “examples of dedication and perseverance" and "had the vision to move projects forward and make Berkeley a better and more beautiful community.”

And shout out to the BDA steering committee for making this happen each time!
Anthony Bruzzone
Jack Appleyard
Jay Claiborne
Jean Eisberg
Elisa Mikiten
Mark Rhoades
Michael Robbins
David Snippen
.
📸 by @kengutmaker
.
.
#multifamilydesign #multifamilyrealestate #multifamily #multifamilyinvesting #berkeleydesign #berkeleyarchitecture #downtownberkeley #berkeleyhousing #downtownberkeleyrocks #infilldevelopment #infillhousing @studiokda #studiokda

Our newest multi-family housing project is complete ! Walking distance to the El Cerrito Del Norte Bart, the Cerrito Vista brings 50 residential units to revitalize this section of the San Pablo corridor.
.
📸 by @kengutmaker
.
.
👏🏽SKDA team @buddywilliams79 • JasonAndre • @adriurbi • GC • JS Builders • client • Wang Brothers • graphics • @radiantbrands
.
.
.
.
#multifamilyhousing #multifamilyrealestate #multifamilyinvesting #multifamilyarchitecture #elcerritorealestate #bayareadesign #multifamilydesign #multifamilyinvestors #eastbayrealestate

🍾Congratulations @casabarotti for opening this week in your beautiful new space and weathering construction in 2020!! East bay friends, come try Danielle’s authentic regional Italian specialities soon! Molto delizioso!
.
🛵college x alcatraz berkeley
.
.
#restaurantdesign #hospitalitydesign #berkeleyrestaurants #pizzarestaurant #interiordesign #covidsafedesign #interiorarchitecture #spizzicheria @eater_sf @tablehopper @eastbaynosh @studiokda

Opening this week- outdoor dining at the original Flour and Water restaurant ! Check the parklet we drew and permitted for @flourandwatersf - beautifully realized and built by chefs Thomas McNaughton and @chefryanpollnow . 📸by @ctmcnaughton
.
.
.
#covidoutdoordining #sfrestaurants #outdoordining #pandemiclife
#parkletdesign #eatersf #ggra #bayareahospitalitycoalition #hospitalitydesign

Go City of Berkeley! We were thrilled to help Vice Mayor Sophie Hahn and Mayor Arreguin envision streets, parking lots and new parklets as areas for outdoor dining all across the city as a way to bolster restaurants and connect community safely during CV-19. .

See link in bio for @sfgate article about our City Council presentation and ideas for street seating layouts (specific streets have not been chosen yet). .
.
Pictured: Umbrellas in Agueda, Portugal provide street shade 📸 by Patrica Almeida, Painted street circles in Sunset triangle Park by @rios.imagines 📸by Kenneth A.Wilson, Woven Fence Art as barricade decor.
.
.
.
#postpandemic #saveourrestaurants #socialdistancing #hospitalitydesign #outdoordining #parkletdesign #restaurantowner #downtownberkeley #cityofberkeley #hopeful #staysafe @studiokda @city.of.berkeley @berkeleymayor @bayareahospitalitycoalition @berkeleyside @eastbaynosh @ggrasf

Thank you to @nomanational for stats and to our former @uc_daap professors Bradford Grant @howard1867 and Dennis Mann for compiling the Directory of African American architects since 1991.
Follow and donate @nomanational @thehiphoparchitect @theblarchitect @blackfemarc @grassrootslaw @untilfreedom @ mnfreedomfund @blackvisionscollective @reclaimtheblock @ckyourprivilege
#designasprotest #designforblacklives #nojusticenopeace #blacklivesmatter
And link in bio to the most comprehensive list of anti-racism resources and actions I’ve seen yet . (Thank you @dehyedration !) We clearly have work to do.

It’s hard being a mom, harder being an entrepreneurial mom, harder yet being an entrepreneurial- restauranteur mom, and UNBELIEVABLY hard being all of these things in the time of CV19!! Happy Mother’s Day to all of these incredibly hard working client-friends who continue to serve food, take care of their workers, their families, and feed and nourish us. Support them now if you can.
.
Pictured : Danvy Vu @tophatterskitchen , May Seto Wasem @grandlakekitchen , Anamika Khanna @kasaindian , Brenda Buenviaje & Libby Truesdell @brendasoakland , Veronica Salazar @elhuaracheloco , Allison Arevalo @pastalouise , Renee Wang @Renee’s Place , Allyson Jossel @nopalitosf , Shirley Azzghayer @somaeats .
.
.
#saverestaurants @indprestaurants #mothersday #womenchefsofinstagram #womenownedsmallbusiness #womenchefsrock #restaurantlife #restaurantowner #bayarearestaurants @tablehopper @berkeleyside @eastbaynosh @luluazzghayer @allisonlarevalo @brendasfrenchsf @lacocinasf @bayareahospitalitycoalition

While we are all struggling with this unprecedented crisis , our hospitality, travel and restaurant businesses are suffering directly and deeply. We’ve compiled an up-to-date list of our Bay Area client friends that you can help with takeout, gift cards or worker donations. And some have found creative ways to help their farm suppliers by selling CSA boxes or are donating food directly to frontline hospital staff . Click the link in our bio for the full list (and we will keep it updated throughout the coming weeks)... Pictured: Protege Restaurant @protegepaloalto 📸by Lucy Marie Photography • GC @cooklinesf
.
.
.
#coronavirusrestaurantrelief
#sfrestaurants
#eastbayrestaurants
#restaurantdesign
@iyasareberkeley @tendergreens @somaeats @brendasoakland @kasaindian @lazybearsf @flourandwaterpizzeria @comalberkeley @artiscoffee @grandlakekitchen @hopscotchoakland @itaniramen @chezpanisse @revivalbarandkitchen @thelocalbutchershop @cornerstoneberkeley @tophatterskitchen @maricaoakland @thewolfoakland @nopalitosf @bunmee @missioncheese @eatproper @roam_burgers @elhuaracheloco @mendocinofarms @barshiruoakland @gatherberkeley @ashateahouse @friendsandfamilybar @lacocinasf @eastbayfeeder @berkeleyside @eastbayexpress @chefsfeed @eater_sf @indprestaurants

With all the uncertainty, we at Studio KDA want to reassure our clients that their project is moving forward and in good (well-washed) hands! Our remote systems are up and running, and our teams are in the groove of meeting and working from home.
And if you’re able, please try to support your local restaurant through gift cards and takeout! These past and future clients are open for curbside pickup (and/or gift cards) and these small business owners and their staff could use your $$ help today ! .
.
.
@tophatterskitchen @itaniramen @hopscotchoakland @revivalbarandkitchen @grandlakekitchen @cornerstoneberkeley @flourandwaterpizzeria @nopalitosf @fobkitchen @kasaindian @burmasuperstar @lazybearsf @comalberkeley @protegepaloalto @somaeats @friendsandfamilybar @barshiruoakland 📸 @kengutmaker

RESTAURANT DESIGN 101:
The Number 1 Mistake we see is OVERLIGHTING . DIYers use one kind of light, overhead, with the wrong color temperature, low CRI, and usually TOO bright . Warm welcoming spaces have layers of light , in warm color temperatures and high CRI or color rendition. Our design at Bar Shiru highlights the back bar, tucks glare-y bulbs high inside pendant lights, uplights textural concrete columns and beams and uses table and floor lamps to layer light in a tall space . All the moves to support the main show- vinyl listening and delish drinks! .
.
.
#lightingdesign #resturantbardesign #bardesign #bardesigns #hospitalitydesign #modernlighting #lighting #oaklandinteriordesign #vinylbar #interiordesign #interiorarchitecture #interiordesigner #restaurantdesigner #studiokda #oaklandbars @barshiruoakland

Check out our cool NoCal coastal vibes at our bespoke design of Mendocino Farms , Santana Row . Although this was their 18th location , this look was unlike any of their previous stores. With 25 foot high ceilings, we could install overscaled green walls and a live tree to bring the sunny San Jose outdoors in. .
.
.
#restaurantdesign #hospitalitydesign #commercialdesign #fastcasualdining #santanaroweats #sanjosedesign #interiordesign #commercialinteriors #interiorarchitecture #interiorarchitectureanddesign @mendocinofarms

We’re excited to be part of the re-visioning of El Cerrito’s San Pablo corridor with our 50 unit mixed use design at 10963 San Pablo (at Jefferson) . It’s taking shape now and we recently indulged in a lunch time construction tour led by @halle486 !

From El Cerrito’s San Pablo Specific Plan: “The Plan creates a framework for transforming the Avenue into a multimodal corridor that functions, not just as a thoroughfare, but as a place that provides a multitude of opportunities for living, working and community life. The Plan's key principles are to deepen a sense of place and community identity, attract private investment, strengthen partnerships, enhance the public realm, promote the everyday use of transit, walking, and biking, and foster environmental sustainability.”
.
.
.

#multifamilydesign #multifamilyinvesting #multifamilyhousing #commercialdesign #eastbayrealestate #eastbaydevelopments #elcerritorealestate #multifamilyarchitecture @jsbuilders_ Wang Brothers Investments #cityofelcerrito

Sometimes you have a simple idea and you wonder is it too simple ? But then there’s execution and detailing and you realize it may look simple but it’s not easy . The site for Tidal coffee at the Monterey plaza hotel is steps away from the awe-inspiring Monterey Bay and we wanted to bring the water and waves inside. Why not simulate an ocean wave with an @fireclaytile backsplash mural? We think we nailed it, with thoughtful menu board graphics by @rubberdesignsf and design details by our @studiokda team . (And thanks @unitedfabrics for the wavy sea creature-like fabric! )
.
.
.
#cafedesign #hospitalitydesign #coffeedesign #tiledesign #commercialdesign #contractdesign #oceaninspired #montereybay #tileinspiration #fromconcepttoreality #designprocess .
@montereyplaza
@tidalcoffee
@fireclaytile
@unitedfabrics