SERVICES

It begins with a vanilla box.

Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or expand an existing business. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, it begins with a vanilla box, an empty space open to be defined by you. Our restaurant and bar designers help bring your vision to life through graphic design and architecture.

We are based in Honolulu, Hawaii, however can take on a project in any location. Contact us for details.

Restaurant & Bar Designers

architectural solutions
bar design
marketing driven aesthetic
operational layouts
kitchen equipment design
branding and concept development
construction management
digital marketing
3D Rendering

FAQ’s

Can we work on a project in any location?

Short answer is yes. In fact, with the right contractor and client point of contact, most of our projects have been handled remotely. However, seeing a space in person is always best practice. Contact us to discuss options.

What about graphic design services?

We offer a full range of graphic design services including logo, concept, signage, menu, menu board, business card, website, SEO, social media, and printed works. Graphic design and architectural go hand in hand to create the complete brand identity of any business. Our most successful concepts were driven by our full range of services rather than piecemeal.

Why shouldn’t I hire just an architect to handle the whole process?

Our overall design process is typically cheaper, since we handle the bulk of the busy work. However, we are restaurant designers and not licensed architects. So we have to work with architects who are code experts and take on the liability of the build out.

Do I need an engineer?

More than likely, yes. Restaurants and bars have plumbing, mechanical, electrical and specialty equipment. Most of these installations and alterations require engineering drawings. If you are replacing existing equipment instead of building new or doing a major alteration, you might not need to have engineering work done. In the least, an engineer should do a walkthrough to advise you if equipment or fixtures need to be replaced. Doing so might save you time, money, and headache in the long run, especially since major work cannot be done without interrupting service in the restaurant when open.

CASE STUDY: Bar Moga

See snippets of our process below.
Our works can include some or all of our services to fit your needs and budget.

Conceptual Design Phase

The conceptual design phase begins with a concept statement. This is the most important work we do, as it allows us to communicate our creative ideas with our clients and sets the stage for upcoming design work. Designing without a concept statement is like shooting in the dark. The concept statement typically includes design ideas, inspirational images, food and drink menu, and preliminary fixture selections. These concept statements are also typically used by some businesses who want to provide an overview to landlords or investors.

Schematic Design Phase

This phase is important for clients to communicate their operational and creative needs to us. We incorporate workflow, marketing ideas, front of house operations, kitchen and food prep operations, and bar program into our design. Typical works include sketches, existing measurements and evaluation of conditions, demolition plans, schematic / layout drawings, and draft renderings. This phase allows for the most iterations, as the goal is to get a layout down before designing time consuming details.

A bar plan submitted to us by the mixologist. Chefs, bar managers, restaurant consultants, and owners typically submit their own sketches and ideas to guide the design.

Existing measurements taken of the bar. We start by laser measuring and drawing the existing conditions of the space. This allows for a demolition plan and accurate dimensions to work with when designing the new construction. When it comes to max… — Existing measurements taken of the bar. We start by laser measuring and drawing the existing conditions of the space. This allows for a demolition plan and accurate dimensions to work with when designing the new construction. When it comes to maximizing real estate in a restaurant or bar, every inch matters.

Existing images taken of the bar. We also photograph every top, bottom, and side corner of the existing space. This process plus taking measurements helps us to accurately draw the “vanilla box,” or the space without furniture and fixtures. This … — Existing images taken of the bar. We also photograph every top, bottom, and side corner of the existing space. This process plus taking measurements helps us to accurately draw the “vanilla box,” or the space without furniture and fixtures. This then becomes the blank canvas we work with.

Design Development Phase

Design Development is our final phase of work. Our drawing set becomes solidified, fixtures and furniture are chosen, budgeted, and ordered, paint and textures are selected. We do final renderings, which really helps contractors understand what and how to build, as well as helping clients to understand what their space will ultimately look and feel like. Actual fixtures are inserted into the rendering for a super realistic display.

A sample of an ordering estimate we provide to clients. It includes cost, quantity, name, links. and additional information. Some clients prefer to order and coordinate delivery of F&F and materials themselves, and some prefer us to handle thi… — A sample of an ordering estimate we provide to clients. It includes cost, quantity, name, links. and additional information. Some clients prefer to order and coordinate delivery of F&F and materials themselves, and some prefer us to handle this for them.

A sign mockup by our graphic design department. Clients were able to visualize the location and scale of the sign.

Snapshot of a design development drawing

Every detail is worked out in this phase. For example, a spec of the drip trays installed in the bar. We chose the brass to match the art deco theme and created detailed drawings of its installation in the bar.

The sliding door specs to the private dining room

A mirror that we inserted into the rendering. The client liked it, so we purchased it and installed it in the final product.

A rendering including fixtures and finishes that we eventually installed.

The actual final built private dining room shows how accurate our renderings are.

Permit / Construction Phases

Once our design development phase is complete, we hand our digital files over to an architect, who reviews, edits, and stamps the plans. They handle permitting and putting the construction set together. Clients can opt to manage the construction themselves or hire us to manage. Construction management includes some or all of the following: working with the contractor on ordering / purchasing furniture, fixtures, and materials; overseeing the demolition and construction of the new space to ensure that what was designed is what is built; making necessary changes on the fly if something doesn’t work out in reality.