Designed a Good Restaurant Lately?

Bestor Architects' design for the Beachwood Cafe was a 2012 winner. Entries for this year's competition are being accepted now. Photo via AIA | Los Angeles.If so, you should submit it to AIA|LA for their 9th annual Restaurant Design Awards. From funky bars and edgy clubs to high-end eateries, here in LA or around the world, every project will be considered, as long as you send your entry by April 1st. This year’s jury includes editor Margot Dougherty, restaurateur Warner Ebbink, and architect George Kelly. Bestor Architects’ Beachwood Café (see above) was one of the 2012 winners, and the organizers are counting on an even better turnout this year. For more information, go to aialosangeles.org. 

Los Angeles Projects Trump AIA's Best Restaurant Designs

Take a Bao (Photo courtesy of MASS Architecture and Design)The American Institute of Architects of Los Angeles presented the 8th annual Restaurant Design Awards as part of their design conference at Dwell on Design last week. The awards took place on the Expo floor of the LA Convention Center with winning categories in Best Restaurant, Best Cafe/Bar, and Best Lounge/Nightclub.

Le Zinque (Photo courtesy of Modern Arc Inc.)While the jury selected nominees from several cities, Los Angeles-based projects dominated the People's Choice winners. Take A Bao in Studio City, designed by MASS Architecture and Design, took home the prize for Best Restaurant Design, prized for its sleek, delineated planes both on the exterior facade and in the interior motif. Modern Arc Inc. and Eric Ryder, AIA won Best Cafe/Bar for their design of Le Zinque in Venice. French Cafe's known as "zincs" inspired the space with the bar as the central feature.

Salvage Bar (Photo courtesy of SCI-Arc)The medley of salvaged wood, stained glass, and vintage brass doors in Salvage Bar won for Best Lounge/Nightclub. Straight Designs and Tima Winter, Inc. decorated the space predominantly out of upcycled materials found in the basement of the Roosevelt.

AIA LA Jury Announces Nominees in the Restaurant Design Awards Competition

Hyde lounge by G+ Design. Photo by Ryan ForbesThe American Institute of Architects Los Angeles has announced 16 nominees in the eighth annual Restaurant Design Awards Competition.

The competition jury was comprised of KCRW radio personality, chef, and restaurateur Evan Kleiman; architect Mark Rios, FAIA; and Bravo's wunderkind Top Chef winner and restaurateur Michael Voltaggio. The jury selected 16 projects in three categories: nine restaurants, three cafe/bars and four lounge/nightclubs. For a complete list, and to vote for the people’s Choice Award in each category, visit the AIA LA website.

The winners will be announced on Friday, June 22 as part of Dwell on Design at the L.A. Convention Center.

5 Days Left to Register for AIA|LA Annual Restaurant Design Awards

About the Restaurant Design Awards:

The AIA|LA’s Restaurant Design Awards (RDA) honor excellence in restaurant design. The competition is open to all individuals and practices with both restaurant owners and architects/designers invited to submit. Either the project itself must be located in the United States or the submitting individual/firm must be US-based. Submissions are accepted in three main categories: restaurants, cafés/bars and lounges/nightclubs. The annual RDA Ceremony recognizes both Jury Award Winners as well as People’s Choice Award Winners, as selected by votes collected from the general public on the AIA|LA website.

Registration forms must be received by 4:00 PM on Monday, April 4, 2011.

For more information visit the AIA|LA Restaurant Design Awards website.

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Designing for the Senses - November/December 2010 - Sample

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