Little Island

There's been a new addition to the West Side, called Little Island.  It happens to be one of my favorite structures in all of NYC, mostly since I have fully realized my love for all things formed concrete.  It's located just to the West of The Whitney, another favorite, which is also near the base of The Highline, yet another asset of this part of town.  We've also recently learned that a Shake Shack will inhabit the space underneath that entrance to the promenade, which will undoubtedly revitalize that part of Meatpacking, which has been slightly dormant since the pandemic.  

In any case, Little Island is a nicely landscaped dynamic little park, with few visual/experiential attractions, lawns for lounging, and a full amphitheater overlooking the NJ skyline.  We really appreciate the organizations that have made things like this possible near our home, namely The Hudson River Park Trust along with The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation.  They have reimagined and transformed several areas of our community, which are used and enjoyed by locals and visitors.  If you haven't been, I encourage a visit as we enter into better weather.  www.littleisland.org  



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New Opening

We are happy to announce the opening of a new room for our client, Gennaro, in Hamilton NJ!  It's bold, and it's pretty, and we wish him continued success there with his growing business!  

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Basquiat

Yesterday, we visited the Starrett Lehigh building, which is currently displaying works by Jean-Michel Basquiat.  By the time of his early death in 1988 at just 27, he somehow had the vision and drive to create some of the most recognizable and influential art work out there.  He was a trend setter then, and remains as such, with current collaborations from Coach to Tiffany's, and countless others.  His work was reflective of the societal issues of his time, most of which, unfortunately, are still relevant today.  The exhibit was haunting.

His studio on Great Jones, where he lived and worked, was right around the corner from our office, in one of the most creative hubs in Manhattan. 

The architecture of the exhibit was also of note.  The exhibition's designer, David Adjaye OBE, was the Architect behind The National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC.  Abbott Miller of Pentagram was responsible for the exhibition's identity.  




57 Great Jones Street Studio
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the Public

A few years ago, we were forced to stay at a hotel while our apartment was undergoing some necessary surgery.  We chose to stay at The Public Hotel in Soho, by Ian Schrager.  To our surprise, it was the best experience we have had outside of living in our own home, dare I say even better at times.  The vibe and comfort level that he has created, through various types of venues, materials, lighting, style of service, etc., made for an excellent environment to live and work in.  We would spend our days in the lounge working among an inspiring crowd (most of whom most likely were just using the place as "the new Starbucks" and not actually staying at the hotel), and the nights at one of the few restaurants there, if not in our small yet completely adequate and attractive room.  This hotel embodies the true essence of a lifestyle brand, mixing all things effortlessly.  It was and is where people want to see and be seen, for good reason.  We have just learned that this hotel brand is a passion for Schrager, which we can get behind 100%.  If only all hotel experiences came close to this one...  

PUBLIC HOTEL

https://hospitalitydesign.com/news/five-on-friday/april-15th-2022/ 

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Restaurant Design Q&A

1- How long does it take to design a restaurant:

On average, it takes about 2-3 months to fully design a restaurant and have plans ready for Department of Buildings submittal.  But the length of the process depends on several factors; renovation vs new construction, what type of occupancy if it falls under, ie: “Place of Assembly”, what if anything has been developed as far as concept, etc.

2- How long does it take to build a restaurant?

Depending on whether it’s a renovation or new construction, the process can vary between 4-6 months of construction, once the plans have been fully approved by local municipalities.

3- What is the cost of construction for a restaurant?

This depends greatly on the area.  In a metro area, it can be 30% more for a build-out, than if you are in a suburb.  In NYC, it can be $300 per square foot, or more, depending on what the concept calls for.  Certain concepts, such as fast-casual, could allow for a lower cost per sf.

4- Do you assist in establishing the restaurant design concept?

We like to be involved as early on in the process as possible.  A designer who specializes in restaurant design can help the client shape the restaurant concept or redirect it if need be, taking all factors into consideration.  It also allows for a most cohesive end result.   

5- What should one assume to pay for a restaurant chair?   

Commercially-rated chair costs can vary drastically, depending on the end use/concept.  For example, a fast-casual concept would typically call for a lower-end cafĂ© chair, which can be around $100.  The intended customer time dictates the comfort level, ie: if you want to turn tables quickly, you don’t want someone to be so comfortable that they stay for an hour or more.  However, when you are looking for more comfort at a mid-range restaurant, the cost would be around $250, while a high-end restaurant chair would start around $350.

6- Is it ok to follow certain trends when you are designing a restaurant in NYC or any other metro area?

Trends are tricky, because they come and go.  Once they go, the restaurant is at risk of no longer being current, and can therefore have a short lifespan.  Every restaurant should be authentic; true to the cuisine and to the character of the owner/chef.  Being current and in touch with how the industry is evolving based on the needs and behavior of customers is more important than following trends.

7- How many square feet does the kitchen require?

Kitchens on average are 30% of the total space.

8- How big should a space be for a restaurant use?

A good healthy size for a restaurant where efficiency is maximized is 150-160 seats.  This would require a space of approximately 3,500 SF. 

9- Do you do residential design as well as restaurant design?

We have loved the residences we have designed.  We were lucky in that those projects came from restaurant clients of ours, who happened to like our style.  It’s important for us, when it comes to residential design, that the clients are in tune with our tendencies.  It makes for an enjoyable process, and usually results in pleasant surprises for our clients, and their friends. 

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Back to Barcelona

This Conde Nast article has me missing one of our favorite destinations, Barcelona.  While there in 2017, we walked our feet off in typical fashion, dipping in and out of countless shops and cafes, making new friends along the way.  The people were so warm and welcoming, and always interesting.  The ingenuity of the people through their design of the simplest of mechanisms, was omnipresent throughout the city.  Suddenly a gate hinge was something to marvel at and take a photo of.  We saw many modern interiors that held a distinctive character through the clever use of natural materials.  They have a great design sense, overall. 

Inigo Bujedo-Aguirre

Having failed miserably at enjoying the tapas scene, lucky for me, our hotel happened to be behind one of the best veg-centered restaurants we have ever experienced, anywhere.  Not included in the list below is Teresa Carles’s restaurants.  We spent each morning at her light and airy Flax and Kale, where the atmosphere was stimulating and the healthy food was undeniably delicious.  Her namesake, Teresa Carles, was equally as fantastic for dinner.  The vibe was right, the service was friendly and attentive, and the food makes me wish that I could be transported back.  Wherever I have traveled since, and even throughout NYC, I have not experienced anything close to what they delivered.

Hoping to revisit sometime soon, here are some other restaurants we’ll be sure to hit:

The 34 Best Restaurants in Barcelona: 

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-restaurants-in-barcelona

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The view in Miami

It was a quick trip to Miami, but very informative.  Brickell is a developing area flush with high rises and relatively new businesses.  It's VERY different from South Beach.  Home to Cipriani, Sexy Fish, and LPM to name a few, restaurant owners are investing in making this a worthy destination.  Based on what we saw while there, we know that Mamo will be a welcomed addition, and it's exciting to be a part of.  Here are a couple shots of the place, as demo has definitely begun...more to come....


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