VALUE OF INTERIOR DESIGN

Why hire a Registered Interior Designer?

I’m Sonia, the Founder and Principal Registered Interior Designer at Sonia Rose Design. The Interior Design profession is still quite young and this industry is often misunderstood. So, I’d like to take a moment to provide my best answer to the question, ‘Why hire an Interior Designer’? My hope is that by the time you are done reading this, you will understand the benefits of hiring an Interior Designer and how our role comes into play in your next project!

Let me start by defining the differences between an Architect, Interior Designer and Interior Decorator…

Interior Designer Vs. Interior Decorator Vs. Architect

A question I hear time and time again is ‘An interior designer is the same as an interior decorator right?’ This is a common misconception, there are certainly overlapping skills, and each profession has a place in our design industry, however, there are fundamental differences between them. I have listed out the main skillsets (amongst many) each profession offers below for full transparency:

Architect – specializes in the design of the structure of a building (exterior) and has extensive knowledge of building practices and code. They must have knowledge of safety regulations, legal requirements, permit submissions and policies. They are also capable of designing the interior.

Interior Designer – I like to refer to my profession as Interior Architecture rather than Design, because we specialize in the interior ‘Architecture’ of a building, and consider a broad range of factors including both functional and aesthetic aspects. These include items such as; functional space planning, building code knowledge and execution as well as design theory and practices.

We take the exterior building envelope into consideration with all of our designs and will work with the Architect (if one is onboarded / required) to ensure the interior speaks to the exterior. We are also trained and capable of ‘decorating’ the interior environment. See below for a breakdown of the differences between ‘Designers’ and ‘Registered Interior Designers’.

Interior Decorator – specializes in the decoration of an interior and their primary focus is on the aesthetic aspects within a building or room. Projects that don’t require structural work or repairs are typically a good fit for an interior decorator.

It is important to understand what you are looking for and hire someone with the pertinent skills to execute your project effectively. Often all 3 professions are hired for a complete new build project.

When selecting a designer for your project, ask yourself these four questions to help you decide what type of design professional(s) you will need to hire!

Is my project an aesthetic facelift?
- Hire an interior decorator or interior designer
Is my project an interior renovation?
- Hire an interior designer
  - Your interior designer will let you know if you need to hire any additional consultants, such as an architect, structural engineer, etc.
Is my project an interior renovation and exterior upgrade?
- Hire an interior designer and architect
Is my project a new build?
- Hire an interior designer, architect and potentially an interior decorator

What is a Registered Interior Designer?

There are ‘Designers’ and there are ‘Registered Interior Designers’ like myself. ‘Designers’ could be anyone from a decorator to a home stager or stylist, it could also be someone who studied and received a degree in interior design, but hasn’t yet taken the exams to call themselves a ‘Registered Interior Designer’.

Those of us who have chosen the route of becoming a ‘Registered Interior Designer’ have undergone extensive training after graduating from the bachelor of interior design program. We have in depth knowledge of design elements and principals, building code, construction methods, functional space planning and project coordination.

The process to becoming a Registered Interior Designer has a number of steps. After earning a Bachelor of Interior Design degree (BID), we are required to write and pass three separate exams to earn the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification, the North American standard of qualification for interior designers.

With this certification, we obtain extensive knowledge in building systems, codes, construction standards, contract administration, professional practice and project coordination. We then become Registered members of the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) and optionally Interior Designers of Canada (IDC). We are then able to proudly call ourselves ‘Interior Designers’!

So Why Should I Hire an Interior Designer?

Research & Guidance

Your interior designer is there to manage the project from start to finish, coordinating with yourself, onboarded consultants and contractor. We help you set goals and expectations for your project and define a clear path in which we will move forward. Interior designer’s are responsible for coordinating your budget, timeline, interior architecture (space planning), specifications, etc.

It is the interior designer’s job to maintain a smooth process and keep your project on track with the estimated timeline and alleviate you from the many day-to-day questions that come with any interior renovation.

Design Expertise

Interior designers are able to effectively communicate their designs through a multitude of mediums, such as; inspirational imagery, sketches, 3D views, rendered elevations and plans, and the list goes on. Our knowledge of materials, finishes, equipment and, in particular, lighting, is an important aspect to consider when thinking about hiring an interior designer.

We have been trained to understand lighting levels, colour temperature and lighting types to effectively illuminate your space to create that ‘wow factor’. Throughout our professional experience, we have gathered information about manufacturers that back their product and are worth the investment, and we have made connections in the industry to provide you with expert suggestions to create your dream interior.

Technical Skills & Documentation

It is incredibly important to have a complete and accurate set of drawings to pass along to the contractor and subtrades when construction commences. Interior designers have been trained to effectively communicate design and construction details with the trades and provide a comprehensive drawing package to allow the initial design concept to be executed properly.

These drawings are coordinated with all pertinent consultants to ensure the information presented aligns. Without a tight set of drawings, there will inevitably be chaos!

When to Hire an Interior Designer?

The earlier the better. Interior designers (like myself) are able to offer valuable insight in terms of interior planning in relation to the building envelope. If you are working on a new build, it becomes even more important to include us in the beginning , at the same time you are hiring your architect and contractor. By allowing all consultants to coordinate with one another at the start of a project, the risk of error and missing information will drastically decrease.

For example, working on the exterior planning in tandem with the interior planning allows room to make changes as needed prior to the construction on site. This provides an opportunity for all consultants to coordinate items such as; column placement, ceiling heights, window and door locations and dimensions, locations of plumbing, HVAC, etc. If these elements are not properly coordinated, it can have a dramatic effect on the interior layout and function of the final space.

Summary

An interior renovation is a large investment of both your time and money, however, having the right people by your side will make all the difference. The key takeaways are:

Start by investigating your project needs in order to select the appropriate design professional
Interior Designers will answer your day-to-day programming needs and more with our niche knowledge in functional space planning and code
You can trust us to guide you in the right direction in terms of the finishes and materials selection and overall design concept
Interior Designers will provide you with a complete and accurate set of working drawings for effective communication to the contractor on site
Always bring an interior designer in at the beginning of your project!

Best of luck in planning your future project and I hope to hear from some of you as you embark on your exciting journey!

For more articles like this one go to Sonia Rose Design blog.

A holistic design approach that serves up a warm and relaxing atmosphere

Located on Kerr St. in Oakville, Wet Coffee is a café that embodies “coffee culture” and exceptional service. Founded by a young businesswoman passionate about great coffee, Wet Coffee brings a slice of Toronto’s inviting café community to downtown Oakville.

Designer: Jude Kamal, ARIDO

Design Firm: Sansa Interiors

Photography: Sansa Interiors

When approached with the dream of creating a welcoming space where community and coffee thrive, we immediately jumped at the opportunity. We specialize in utilizing nature-inspired elements and holistic design to enhance customer experience, making Sansa Interiors the perfect fit for this project. With neutral tones and a focus on natural materials, our design creates an inviting and relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee, catching up with friends or doing work.

The rounded counter with wooden slat detail in the base is on the left as one walks in and the seating with tables is on the right

Our client has traveled the world in pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee and has honed her skills in sourcing the best beans, understanding how they are harvested and processed, and knowing the optimal temperature to serve a fresh cup. She believes that coffee tastes best when wet-processed, which requires attention to every step after harvesting.

Simple seating area along the wall of the cafe as one walks in, with plain walls behind and simple white pendants. The comfy coushins bring in a calming colour palette

Inspired by the natural beauty of the coffee bean, and the intricate process of creating exceptional coffee, our client built her café’s brand around the beverage’s natural elements such as the soft curves of the bean, hand-made excellence, and a deep respect for nature.

By creating a cohesive brand identity for Wet Coffee café our team designed a unique and inviting space that reflects the client’s values and vision. Using the Wet Coffee logo as a starting point, we crafted a warm and welcoming café that emphasizes community, natural materials, and biophilic design principles.

A wall of merchandise including coffee beans and some clothing items

A little cozy lounge area at the very back of the store with furniture in blush pink and colourful abstract art on the walls

The key element of the design is the rounded main bar with natural wood detailing, which welcomes guests and guides them through the space. The colour palette, curved and organic forms, live plants, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows all contribute to creating a sense of calm and connection to nature, inviting customers to enjoy a cup of coffee and community experience.

Our focus on minimalism and neutral design elements not only creates a visually pleasing space, but also enhances the overall customer experience by putting the focus on the café’s specialty: exceptional coffee. The clean and simple design also allows unique features to take center stage and attract customers who appreciate this design philosophy.

The final outcome of the project was a stunning design that seamlessly blended functionality and aesthetics. Our team successfully delivered on the client’s dream of creating a playful and welcoming space reminiscent of Toronto’s bustling café scene.

The result was a rich, layered design that was both visually appealing and highly functional. This café is now an inviting Oakville destination for locals and visitors alike. We are proud to have played a role in creating this unique space and can’t wait to visit and work from it ourselves.

Contrast and luxury are on display in this understated jewellery boutique

Located in Toronto’s Liberty Village, Carnabys is a jewellery boutique that offers unique collections, bespoke designs, and personal assistance to those who wish to design their own jewellery.

Interior Designer: Johnson Chou, ARIDO
Design Firm: Johnson Chou Inc.
Project Photographer: Ben Rahn / A-Frame Inc.

The project extends the existing corporate branding, employing black as the predominant colour, while the overall design is intended to convey the refined, bespoke nature of the business. The space is both a jewellery boutique with display cases in a composition that allows multiple options for visual merchandising, and a design studio, featuring versatile cabinetry to delineate more intimate consultation spaces within a retail environment.

Jewellery cases shown in the closed option.

Jewellery cases in slate gray and gold shown in the open format with TV on display.

Created as an extension of the corporate branding with black as the dominant colour, the space is intended to convey the artisanal, bespoke nature of the business, and is an exercise in restraint and a study in contrast. Contrapuntal concepts include: dark and light, heavy and weightlessness, textured and smooth, refined and found.

This project was awarded an ARIDO Award of Merit in 2018.

Whisky and whimsy reform luxury hospitality design

Situated in the former Trump Hotel in the heart of Toronto’s business district, the design team was tasked with removing associations with past ownership, while introducing Canadians to the historic St. Regis brand. Inspired by Toronto’s vibrant cultural heritage, the redesigned lobby, lounge, and restaurant express an enduring quality, setting a new standard for luxury hospitality in the dynamic city.

Interior Designer(s): Allen Chan, ARIDO
Design Firm: DesignAgency
Photographer: Brandon Barre

Aligning the design with the elegant spirit of the St. Regis, we carefully selected materials in the lobby and Astor Lounge that exude artistry and craftsmanship featuring authentic woods, leather, and brass. An array of custom elements convey a sense of quiet excellence, while abstractly paying homage to a myriad of inspirations from the region’s geology, history, mapping, and urban architecture. The bronze fireplace in the lounge was inspired by the brick character of Queen Street West, while bespoke furniture pieces throughout echo the unique colours and textures of the Ontario landscape.

The lobby and Astor Lounge are defined by a soft, earthy colour palette, customized furnishings and lighting, and authentic materials and textures which inspire a sense of calm by balancing the energy of the inherently urban location. A key challenge presented to the team was to establish a new environment while retaining character-defining elements like the floors and alabaster walls in the lobby, which were too valuable to remove. By adding elements that worked to shift emphasis away from the floor and walls we were able to redefine the space. A gilded topographical ceiling mural, oak reception cabinet, and an impressive totemic sculpture enhance vertical sightlines, prompt curiosity, and act to draw guests deeper into the hotel.

The 31st-floor bar and restaurant are established as the jewel of the hotel, setting a tone of quality and luxury that draws guests to the restaurant as an inspiring new dining destination for the city. Prior to the redesign, the hotel restaurant was dark, intense, and dated. As a contemporary homage to historic precedents, the new signature restaurant feels transformed, elegant, and enduring.

Drawing inspiration from Canada’s history as manufacturers of distilled whisky and spirits, the design evokes the warm amber tones of whisky, and sparkle of refracted light through the cut crystal glass of a tumbler. The restaurant shimmers and glows as light bounces off the oak walls inlaid with golden beveled mirror detailing.

A 30-foot long marble bar, inspired by France and America’s grand hotel bars sets the stage for a dramatic yet intimate design, as sculpted bronze and smoked mirrored shelving displays backlit liquor bottles. Tailor-made furniture and fixtures such as soft leather stools, playful fringed lamps, bespoke billowing crystal chandeliers, and a custom ceiling mural in a whimsical combination of metallics and golds — the artist’s interpretation of whisky swirling in a tumbler — create a visually rich environment, bringing together culture, architecture, ecology and landscape in single space.

Elements of Chinese architectural history are key components of this restaurant’s design

Now opening its seventh location, Congee Queen wanted to incorporate elements of Chinese culture to reach out to new customers while maintaining their iconic brand for existing ones. The seating layout maximizes seating while providing a stunning visual experience from any angle of the restaurant.

Interior Designer: Joe Cho, ARIDO
Design Team: Long Wu, Derek Yeung
Design Firm: J.Cho Design
Project Photographer: AZ Photography

Customers entering feel the vibe of a traditional Chinese restaurant but are greeted with a modern ceiling that emulates one of China’s most iconic and traditional buildings, the Temple of Heaven. Dissecting its architectural features, we were able to create key interior components that recall this important building and its architectural markers.

Two columns were added to the layout, to balance two existing load-bearing columns and place greater emphasis on a centralized ceiling sculpture in the space. The columns are a visual cue that leads the eye to the massive sculpture composed of glowing curved elements. The design team tried several different configurations before finding the perfect angle for each suspended piece. An inky graphic of a dragon, an auspicious symbol of power, strength, and good luck in Chinese culture, done in a swirling indigo welcomes customers inside.

The focus on traditional elements is emphasized with architectural details such as traditional Chinese rooftop edges on the ends of millwork dividers, and black lacquer and bronze accents found in traditional Chinese wooden doors at the host stand. The dragon visual element is recalled in the striated blue marble tables and continues around the surrounding walls, each element extending the customer’s impression of being amongst the clouds.

Inspiration was locally-sourced for this luxurious downtown Toronto condominium

Situated at the intersection of Toronto’s landmark financial and heritage St. Lawrence Market districts, 88 Scott was an opportunity to create a standout, luxury downtown residence.

Interior Designer: Kelly Cray, ARIDO

Design Team: Neil Jonsohn, ARIDO; Christianne Barbuto, Intern, ARIDO

Design Firm: U31

Photographer: Jac Jacobson

Standing proud at 58-storeys, this condominium is anything but meek. The towering neoclassical-style structure demanded an interior as impressive as its presence at the corner of Scott and Wellington. The design was largely guided by our client’s directive to take a ‘Canadian Moderne’ approach which involved looking to Canada’s natural landscape for inspiration. The result is an urban oasis that’s rooted in references to nature.

The experience begins in the 1,500 square foot hotel-style lobby where dark and light coexist to create a dramatic statement. We established a warm and engaging entrance by combining textured and polished stone backgrounds with walnut-paneled walls and screens. Guests are welcomed by Euro-inspired seating that encourages lounging and a double-sided “Ocean Black” slate fireplace that provides a cozy spot for escaping the cold. The fireplace serves as the focal point of the space and overall, contributes to the grand, sophisticated flavour of the lobby.

With the executive demographic target purchaser in mind, we designed a 1,800 square foot business area adjacent to the lobby. This zone contains private workstations, a boardroom, and a lounge for the convenience of residents.

An extensive amenity program was the key to cultivating a luxury lifestyle for 88 Scott’s residents. The amenities are located across the building’s sixth and 46th and 47th split levels (spanning 10,400 square feet total) and include everything from wellness-oriented offerings to entertainment-geared experiences. The sixth floor consists of a fitness centre and a social area featuring a sophisticated party room complete with a kitchen and bar. Unique art pieces animate key areas of the party room: a geometric wood ‘stack’ installation emphasizes the grand fireplace while hand-crafted coffee tables complement lounge seating arrangements.

In the 46th and 47th split level ‘Sky Lounge’ and private dining room, we created a vibrant urban atmosphere by incorporating large windows that frame views of Toronto. By day, the space is bright and airy, while by night, a moodier atmosphere emerges as skyscrapers and Lake Ontario glimmer in the distance. The ‘Sky Lounge’ interior features a combination of raw textures (seen in the wood floors and stone fireplace surround) against more glamorous, fabricated finishes (seen in the mirrored ceiling and lush upholstery fabrics).

One of the main challenges of designing 88 Scott was delivering a high-end yet cost-effective result. For instance, the lobby chandelier, which was originally quoted from a European manufacturer, had to be substituted by a local supplier to accommodate budgetary constraints. Fortunately, the final result achieved the sumptuousness we had envisioned.

Challenges continued as the building’s heritage designation required us to leave architectural elements, like windows, untouched. Since we couldn’t alter the imperfect window openings and sill heights, we added white sheer drapery throughout the lobby to disguise the irregularities.

Since the project’s completion, residents have been taking full advantage of the condominium’s many offerings. The building’s lobby is much more than a spot to wait for an Uber: residents regularly spend time in this space catching up on emails and meeting up with friends before they head out on the town.

This project was awarded an ARIDO Award of Merit in 2019.

Bringing Home to Hotel Design at the Kimpton Saint George Hotel

188 guest rooms, fourteen stories, and one common goal: to integrate elements of Toronto’s culture and personality and provide guests with a distinct sense of place. Our team responded to this vision with a design that communicated a narrative of local pride, diverse heritage, and contemporary culture to create the Kimpton Saint George Hotel. The boutique hotel brand, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is renowned for individually designed boutique hotels positioned to reflect the cities they inhabit. Completed in 2018, the Saint George Hotel, Kimpton’s only hotel operating in Canada, is situated in the heart of Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood.

Interior Designer: Stanley Sun, ARIDO; Ashley Rumsey, ARIDO
Design Firm: Mason Studio
Design Team: Marti Hawkins, Intern, ARIDO

Project Photographer: Naomi Finlay

Its design celebrates Toronto’s layered history and sensibilities. An investigative approach was taken to dissect and analyze the city’s vernacular to better understand key materials, patterns, and nuances that would resonate as indicators of local culture and significance. The diversity of the city’s heritage and culture with its distinct neighbourhoods is explored through locally designed furniture, original artwork, natural materials, and strong interior architectural forms that pay homage to Toronto’s varied architectural style and eras. The design concept is expressed in every facet of the hotel, beginning at the street level with an exterior black wood awning punctuated with small pin-like lights, spelling “Kimpton” in Braille lettering. This lighting feature is a subtle nod to the iconic marquee signs that once occupied the neighbourhood.

Upon entry, the reception area features a marble desk framed with wooden arches, backdropped by a hand-painted mural of a misty Toronto-inspired scene. Adjacent to reception is a guest lounge, designed to feel like a living room. The space is occupied by a collection of bespoke furniture, artwork, lighting, and objects, many crafted by local makers that continue to tell the story of local culture and design. A 400-square foot lounge situated on the main floor is realized in darker, more saturated tones to convey a feeling of warmth and intimacy. The adjacent 1,100-square-foot meeting space, named the Peregrine Room, is, by contrast, bright and spacious. The change in mood between the lounge and the meeting room reinforces the concept of distinct neighbourhoods within the city.

The guestrooms, suites, and generous presidential suite are a continuation of the nostalgic nod to the layered heritage of the neighbourhood. The rooms were designed with a residential approach including a collection of art, custom-designed furniture and lighting, seemingly collected over time. Every element in the suites is carefully designed to provide guests with an experience parallel to a well-appointed apartment in the neighbourhood, offering guests a warm alternative to more traditional hotel accommodations.

This project was also awarded an ARIDO Award of Excellence in 2019.

California cool meets British eclecticism in this serene resort

For their 45 room resort venture, the clients envisioned the modernity of California beach houses with British eclecticism.

Interior Designer: Eric McClelland, ARIDO

Design Firm: Fleur-de-Lis Interior Design Inc.

Photographer: Nhuri Bashir

Allowing the cliffside topography, climate, and budget to dictate the strategy, the client’s personal preferences of roomy bathrooms, luxurious bedrooms, and exterior sitting areas guided the details.

The design team addressed the long-term life of the resort by sourcing durable finishes and moisture-resistant millwork, incorporating hurricane shutters and awnings for emergency lockdown. Tasteful beachy elements were added: nautical lamps, alongside wicker and teak furniture, keeping the focus on the breathtaking ocean views.

OCAD’s first satellite campus brings their trademark brand further east

The name CO says a lot in only two letters, describing a facility that works at the intersection of collaboration, community and co-design. OCAD U CO was conceived as an executive training studio where companies can use facilitated processes cultivated from the university’s focus on design thinking and creative problem-solving to drive major change in their organizations. Located at the Daniels City of the Arts building on the Toronto waterfront, the 14,000 square foot raw interior was long and narrow with sixteen-foot-high ceilings, with one of its greatest assets being its uninterrupted views of Lake Ontario.

Interior Designer(s): Caroline Robbie, ARIDO

Design Team: Tor McGlade, Stephanie Wiebe

Design Firm: BDQ Quadrangle

Photographer: Adrien Williams

Since this was to be OCAD’s first satellite project away from its McCaul Street campus, the design team saw the interior as an opportunity to take cues from the University’s iconic Sharp Centre for Design. Early in the research phase of exploring design options for the new campus, the CO design team distributed surveys to elicit what people associated with OCAD. Strong colour blocking and elements of the unexpected, were rapidly identified as the most common significant elements of OCAD’s infamous identity.

The design team decided to run with it, embracing the bold colours that reasserted OCAD’s characteristic identity of creativity and artistic fun. Contrasting the vibrancy of the Sharp inspired design, a black and white pixelated identity, that also informs the University’s trademark brand, was incorporated into the accessible gender-neutral washroom, linking it with the Tabletop’s signature façade. The resultant design creates a stimulating visual and psychological connection between the two campuses, which jumpstarts the creative thinking process with its open, airy spaces, and energizing jolts of colour.

Though typical workplace interiors tend to be muted and generic, the new CO design intentionally embraces shocking colours, to purposefully induce a sense of being slightly unhinged. The interior is organized into clear, distinguishable zones for reception, studios, administration, AV loans, individual workspaces, and meeting areas, as bold colours are further activated within the space to assist with wayfinding and place identity. Connecting the space’s characteristic colour and pixelation at dramatically different scales, from the micro seen on vision strips to medium-scale tiling details, the design emulates the macro scale of the McCaul Street Tabletop.

Each section of CO has is marked by its respective level of public or private exposure and colour. The open kitchenette forms a natural hearth for the relaxed, common area with its bright red cappuccino maker, inviting visitors to linger and get comfortable at the heart of the space. Floating wood ceilings in the Innovation Studios keep voices isolated within each space and discretely integrate AV, mechanical, and lighting, to facilitate a functional and visually appealing design.

The client requested spaces that could be flexible for a variety of activities and to easily evolve over time. Maximizing flexibility, the designers outfitted the largest interconnected studios with operable walls, enabling these rooms to be combined with the open collaboration zone, transforming it into a single 160-foot long event space. Maximizing usable space, the designers were able to carve out two feet from the base building mechanical and electrical rooms to create colour blocked niches with built-in benches and drop-down desks for private or shared study.

The project brings design thinking to life in a bold, yet branded environment. Facilitating interactive workshops, CO blends the professionalism required for successful change management with the playfulness of an arts school, inspiring new and creative approaches to problem-solving.

Beyond COVID-19: How the pandemic will shape restaurant design

As the pandemic continues, there is a change in how we live our lives in all aspects. It is commonly referred to as the “new-normal”. With this restaurant/bar concept we focus on a rooftop design, as outdoor spaces are proven to be safer in preventing virus spread. Could this be the “new-normal” in restaurant design?

RESTAURANT / BAR

This floor plan depicts our Room-within-a-Room™ philosophy, which is critical today, not only for social distancing but for the security and safety of the guests and staff. As you walk through the space, you can see the fiancée meeting the parents of the bride for the first time; a group of guys getting together in a room to play games and watch sports; the book club that meets every month; family gatherings; the couple out for a date; the single business travelers wanting a drink while catching up on emails and the happy bar fly wanting to socialize with others.

Rendering of bar with rectangular counter in centre of the space with hanging storage overhead.

The bar limits direct contact between the bartender and patron with a deeper counter surface and a conveyor system behind Plexiglas. When the drink arrives at the allocated seat, the small glass panel will retract into the bar and redeploy once the drink is safely in the hands of the thirsty customer. To separate the bar guests, there is a glass divider panel between each grouping of two people. The dividers can be lowered to allow groups of three to four to sit together. In addition, the glass will be digitally interactive where menu items can be ordered, and where weather, sports and the latest news can be viewed.

Throughout the restaurant, individual booths give off a sense of being ensconced in a comfortable cocoon with full wall surrounds, a Hepa filter cleaning the air inside. These booths are popular as they add privacy and an air of exclusivity.

The Room-within-a-Room™ concept works well as the world slowly transitions to the “new normal”. It offers customers the comfort and security needed to enjoy a night or day out from isolation. Also it provides instant recognition by the guest that these individual spaces distance them from other guests, making it feel safe to enter. To top it off, it has multiple unique pockets of interest that creates a fun roof top bar drawing people to this hot spot.