PREEN Inc, Design Opera and Abramson Architects Among Winners of 2022 AIA Los Angeles Restaurant Design Awards | New
Premium by Preen Inc. Image: Brandon Barré
The Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA|LA) announced the 2022 winners of its coveted annual Restaurant Design Award at a special ceremony held last night in downtown LA.
In a year marked by a return to in-person dining, seven projects stood out for their design flexibility and ability to create an enchanting epicurean experience for diners. Prizes were awarded in the Best Cafe, Best Restaurant and Best Outdoor Cafe or Restaurant categories, with two additional projects named ‘People’s Choice’ winners by online voters.
Architect Anthony Poon of Poon Design and Atlanta-area top chef Jennifer Hill Booker made up the two-person jury for the 17th annual award. Compared to previous years, entries from around the world have been considered regardless of AIA membership status and provided they are each completed by January 1, 2018.
“As an organization that represents the architecture and design professions, we want to recognize outstanding achievement in a category that demands a unique blend of form and function,” said AIA|LA Executive Director, Carlo Caccavale, during the ceremony. “Ultimately, restaurants are among our most important gathering places. Our collective experience over the past two years underscores even more significantly their value and purpose in our daily lives and in our communities.”
A full list of winners can be viewed below.
COFFEE – AWARDS OF MERIT
Dripp Coffee Bar by Abramson Architects. Image: Michael Wells Photography
Dripp Coffee Bar by Abramson Architects
Costa Mesa, California
Jury Comments: “The retro vibe of Dripp Coffee Bar gives you a boost before your first sip. The ‘drip coffee’ wall style adds height and depth to what would otherwise have been a cramped space .”
BEST RESTAURANT/CAFÉ AL FRESCO – HONOR AWARD
LOUIE – WEHO by BULLI. Image: Tim Hirschmann
BOTTEGA LOUIE – WEHO by BULLI
West Hollywood, California
Jury comments: “This luxurious design is intoxicating in all its excess and indulgence. I applaud the investigation and fetishization of every possible detail – every species of stone and marble vein. The openness of the floor plan is more than a simple flexible space and fresh air; it’s a story of community involvement, letting the city in, allowing a restaurant to breathe. Bottega Louie is a company of true craftsmanship and perspiration, leaving no moment unconsidered.
RESTAURANT – HONORARY AWARD AND PUBLIC’S CHOICE
Kodo by M Royce Architecture. Image: gray space
Kodo by M Royce Architecture
Los Angeles, CA
Jury Comments: “So rare to see such elemental beauty and exquisite simplicity. The modest palette and economy of movement speaks softly but memorably. A restaurant doesn’t have to shout to make an impactful statement. Rarely does Such a mood has become so haunting and brilliant. Rarely has such melancholy become so raw and sublime. The design is not just a strategic combination of concrete, stone and metal, but a palette of history and magnificence.
RESTAURANT – HONOR PRIZE
Masaryčka restaurant by archicraft. Image: Tomáš Dittrich
Restaurant Masaryčka by archicraft
Prague, Czech Republic
Jury Comments: “The design plays wonderfully with scale both grand and intimate. The unassuming palette of taupes and blacks beautifully complements the soft white background of the classic arches, columns and cornices of the oldest steam railway station of Prague. The delicate steel frame entails individual social spaces while embracing the collection of diners. The signature ceiling treatment unifies the restaurant with a striking sculptural personality, reading like an art installation.
RESTAURANT – AWARD OF MERIT
Yunomi Handroll by Design Opera. Image: Taiyo Watanabe
Yunomi Handroll by Design Opera
Los Angeles, CA
Jury Comments: “With this reductive approach to a handful of thoughtful ideas, the results offer drama, charm and sensuality. Surfaces are sculpted, treated with the human touch, glazed with the human soul. blacks, grays and whites appear vibrant and rich in tone.Whether it is a seashell, a puzzle, water ripples or land topography, the feature wall creates an invitation to ‘Alice in Wonderland into the Unknown. Using traditional materials in a contemporary way honors a culture’s heritage while looking to the future.’
RESTAURANT – QUOTE
Premium from Preen Inc. (cover photo)
Chandler, AZ
Jury Comments: “Special attention has been paid to the interior lines of the Prime restaurant, creating the illusion of floating in the air. The cohesion of several rooms in such a large space is a testament to the clever use of scale and design.”
COFFEE – PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Cafe Rykn by M Royce Architecture. Image: gray space
Cafe Rykn by M Royce Architecture
Los Angeles, CA
Learn more about this year’s winning restaurant and cafe projects here.
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