Sanders Pace Work Photos

nama | sushi II

Client: Gregg White
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Size: 3500 Square Feet
Completion: Summer 2008

The project was presented to the design team by an existing client looking to adapt and expand upon our previously designed urban sushi|bar in a new location within a recently vacated free standing Spanish themed restaurant located in a budding Arts and Entertainment district 3 miles from the original location.

Budget constraints created challenges by dictating that we work with the existing location of major services within the building.  Additionally the challenge was to eliminate the aesthetic of the previous tenant and incorporate materials and features which generate the atmosphere of the original successful urban concept to this new location.

The major focus was to create and celebrate the critical detailing of a simple yet refined concept and bring a sense of order and organization within the existing space with the thoughtful incorporation of new surfaces and materials.  Steel coil drapery is suspended from the dark exposed ceiling structure to loosely define specific zones while stained concrete floors and exposed brickwork bring color and texture to the space.  Separating the kitchen from the sushi bar is a muted glass tile wall with a single horizontal aperture for food delivery providing a fitting backdrop for sushi preparation.  The utilization of these materials along with natural bamboo panels, expanded color selections, and creative lighting techniques play a key role in the project and create a dining environment that brings a harmonious balance between the physical space and the delicate, intricately prepared foods served within.

AIA Tennessee Award of Merit
AIA East Tennessee Award of Honor