Historic Warehouse Transformed Into Asian Inspired Restaurant

  • Prize
    Winner in Interior Design Brand New
  • Company/Firm
    Suzanne Humphries Design
  • Lead Designer
    Suzanne Humphries Evans
  • Architect
    Live Design Group
  • Interior Designer
    Suzanne Humphries Evans
  • Construction Company
    Brasfield & Gorrie
  • Photo Credit
    Caleb Chancey
  • Location
    Birmingham, Alabama
  • Project Date
    April 2024
  • Developer
    Raymond J. Harbert

Prior to becoming a restaurant, the space once served as a warehouse and dates back to the 1920s. In addition to the soaring ceilings and double-layer brick walls, guests are greeted upon arrival by three cormorants—aquatic birds known for their fishing prowess and the mascot of the restaurant—etched into the sidewalk as the official welcome mat. Inside, the design palette is heavily influenced by the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, which can be seen through teal tiling on the back wall and bar and throughout the soft surfaces. The design speaks to both land and sea by incorporating touches of deep teal, blue, and black colors intermixed with earth tones of copper and clay throughout. The copper accents can be seen in the kitchen gas lines, raw bar countertop, mini table lamps, and additional elements throughout the space. Translating the inspiration behind the Asian-influenced menu into the space, the restaurant includes Shou Sugi Ban wood paneling—an ancient Japanese technique that preserves wood by charring it with fire—a 200-year-old Chinese altar table from a Buddhist temple, Shibori-dyed fabrics, and rice paper lanterns.