In addition to the architecture and interior of Verdad, the Aria team developed the branding for this new concept from scratch. Working with the team at Perry’s simultaneously on the design
and brand identity, it was important the two intertwine seamlessly together. With one team crafting both aspects, intention and execution intertwine, feeding into each other and adapting as the project grew. The concept, an exploration of modern Mexican food culture in Central Austin, prompted an exploration of the country’s visual and cultural history. Establishing brand goals and a point of view with Perry’s, designers delved into research, looking to represent Mexico’s long and complex cultural story with integrity and nuance.
As the brand tone and voice began to take shape, the design team developed a visual identity inclusive of logos, color palette, typography, and brand patterns. Designs for branded elements such as menus, packaging and uniforms, were carefully considered with the interior design for a comprehensive and fully realized brand identity. Common visual elements are featured in both physical form and brand collateral seamlessly integrating brand and design in the restaurant space. Colors and visual textures mimic the natural materials and deep colors of traditional Mexican handicraft, from adobe to fiber weaving. The design team approached the logo, typology and brand assets from this perspective as well, calling to mind both the vibrancy of modern Mexican art and the natural landscapes across Mexico, from the Sonoran Desert to the Baja Coast.
To round out the guest experience, Aria designers curated every detail: choosing tableware and serving ware — even selecting the music to ensure the vibe of the space aligns with Perry’s goals.
“Building Verdad’s brand identity alongside the architecture and interior meant we were able to develop the client’s vision from every angle, adjusting each element to form a cohesive story.
” – Megan Walsh, Principal
Read the full Blueprint HERE
Project Details: Scope Logo, Signage, Tableware, Retail Packaging, Menu Design, Print Collateral, Uniforms, Music Curation Photography Steve Chenn, Jordyn Hunter
Blueprint 2024: Lucky CatBuilding on the style of Lucky Cat’s original London location, Aria worked to maintain the spirit of the brand while adapting it to take a foothold in Miami’s prolific nightlife scene.
Inspired by the jazzy, late-night Kissas of 1940’s Tokyo, Lucky Cat is an exercise in understated opulence. It is a space defined by details, weaving together Japanese artistry and Asian-influenced elements of classic luxury, to create an immersive dining experience. Always aiming to complement the elevated character of the restaurant concept, the design plan was conceived to be the perfect stage on which Lucky Cat’s commitment to culinary craftsmanship could shine.
Delicately draped linens delineate the entry in a modern nod to traditional rice-paper shoji screens. Warm wood tones and natural textures give the walls and furnishings a timeless, enduring quality. Rich upholstery in deep jewel hues and chic, custom brass details weave a thread of subtle sophistication throughout the space, giving guests the sense they have entered a luxurious hideaway.Intricately designed light fixtures pair with Art Deco-style lanterns to give the bar and dining spaces a warm, diffused glow.
With care and precision, Aria’s designers curated pottery artifacts and custom art pieces referencing Asia’s artisan craftwork and the considered Lucky Cat aesthetic. Custom-made ceramic cats line the walls, while hand-painted vintage Japanese fans are displayed alongside an extensive wine and sake collection. An assortment of decorative knives illustrates the development of simple tools into implements capable of refining the smallest details and achieving the time-honored technique prized in Asian cuisine.
The chef’s table, partially veiled by another shoji screen-inspired divider, captivates guests’ attention, giving an enthralling glimpse into the kitchen-theater for a truly shared culinary experience.
“Every vantage point contains another piece of the story and they all come together in this really rich and intimate experience.” – Liz Neuffer, Project Designer
Read the full Blueprint HERE
Project Details: Scope Architecture & Design Seats 162 Square footage 7,652
Contractor Shawmut Design and Construction Engineers Hart, Gaugler & Associates Inc., Henderson Engineers Kitchen Consultant Katz Company Photography Kris Tamburello, Courtesy of GRNA
The Henrico Sports & Events Center is a state-of-the-art event and athletic complex featuring 12 basketball courts, equivalent to 24 volleyball courts, and a massive Event Space. The building’s tilt-up construction, a building process involving on-site concrete fabrication and assembly, adds durability and strength to the structure while allowing for a shorter construction period. The concrete panels provides an industrial aesthetic and large-scale proportion to the interior and exterior of the building. Exposed concrete walls and polished concrete floors add texture while maintaining the open, industrial feel. The simple and sporty color palette is offset with warm wood millwork elements sprinkled throughout.
The facility’s central program is anchored by a main bar and dining area with a concessions and lounge space leading into the gymnasium. With the expertise of acoustical consultants, the open spaces received wall and ceiling treatments including perforated metal panels, sound blanket upholstered wall panels, and a floor to ceiling vinyl curtain to minimize echo, and maintain acoustical separation between the vast, open spaces. This community building is a sought-after spot for sporting and entertainment opportunities, already having garnered thousands of visitors and millions in local economic impact since its opening.
Knowing this facility would see an incredible number of visitors, our team approached this project as an opportunity to prove our technical capabilities alongside our design sensibilities. Even on a project of this scale, Aria’s team poured attention into the smallest of details to present a unified, polished vision.
“Henrico really demonstrated our technical capabilities — how well we can manage all the moving parts in such a large and complex project.” – Martin Kurdaliev, Architetcural Designer
Read the full Blueprint HERE
Project Details: Scope Architecture & Design Square footage 185,000
Contractor EDC Construction Engineers Martin and Martin Consulting Engineers, WT Group Civil Engineers Koontz Bryant Johnson Williams Kitchen Consultant Victor Products AV/LV/Acoustics Solotech Photography Thibaud Guerin-Williams
A new concept from Perry’s Restaurants, Verdad lives up to its name. Truth and authenticity are at the heart of this celebration of Mexican food culture. Working closely with the Perry’s team from the concept’s inception, Aria designers crafted an intertwined design and brand identity —weaving them together seamlessly. Extensive research and mutual passion for the core concept has brought about a comprehensive identity with a distinct point of view. Verdad, beyond a name, is a guiding philosophy for the brand: a menu and an environment which take their cues from Mexico’s historical and modern influences.
The central bar sets the visual tone. Seamlessly flowing from the floor to the bar die, a sprawling custom flooring installation envelopes the bar in a graphic pattern. The abstract organic shapes and colorful terrazzo pay homage to indigenous artistic forms and the rich hues associated with contemporary Mexican floral embroidery and handicraft. This striking focal point draws the eye to the centralized gathering space.
An exposed kitchen engages guests in the communal experience. Tableware and artifacts are woven into the décor, putting the process of food preparation on display. There is an immediate sense of passion and purpose which flows from the cookline into the dining space. Another exclusive experience is the semi-private Agave Table, offering an intimate and immersive dining space to connect with friends and family. The seamless atmosphere encapsulates the beauty of making and sharing a meal — of nourishing soul and body. It highlights food and dining as an active and common experience, celebrating Mexican traditions around dining and the close collaboration between Aria’s project team and Perry’s to bring this concept into being.
“At its heart, Verdad is a celebration of history within this incredibly modern and fun atmosphere.” – Jordyn Hunter, Senior Designer
Read the full Blueprint HERE
Project Details: Scope Branding, Architecture & Design Seats 333 Square footage 10,312
Contractor International Contractors Inc Engineers Hart, Gaugler & Associates Inc., Henderson Engineers Kitchen Consultant Texas Metal Equipment Photography Steve Chenn, Jordyn Hunter
Aria’s first completed STK project brings our client’s signature “vibe-dining experience” to the heart of the Uptown neighborhood in Charlotte. Working with The ONE Group, the existing space was transformed into an elevated and vibrant two-story restaurant with a large outdoor patio.
High contrast black and white tones throughout tie the different spaces together and highlight the architectural elements in the restaurant. Undulating ribbons hang from the ceiling and weave between spaces, guiding the guest’s eye around the main level and up to the mezzanine. One of the most striking elements is the back bar, which spans the double height space and is adorned with “horns”, a nod to the brand’s mascot. The raised dining area features large round booths as well as graphic neon signage and an electric water vapor fireplace that washes the room with a pink glow.
The mezzanine level offers a more intimate experience with a small bar, pool table and private dining rooms partitioned by red glass.
Screened by a custom ribbed façade structure that wraps the exterior and continues to the interior, the outdoor patio creates a truly unique dining experience for the area. The circular patio bar, covered pergola, and red bull sculptures add a dynamic and playful feel to the streetscape.
STK Charlotte is a high-energy and expressive restaurant that is sure to leave a memorable impression.
“We wanted every guest to feel like they were experiencing the heart of the action at STK, like every seat in the house offered a unique moment and perspective.” – Jennifer Ambrose, Project Designer
Read the full Blueprint HERE
Project Details: Scope Architecture & Design Seats 421 Square footage 6,814
Contractor Swinerton Engineers Dependable Guidance Consulting Engineering, PLLC, Kitchen Consultant Landmark Kitchen Design Photography Kris Tamburello, Courtesy of GRNA
Guy Fieri has made a name for himself championing great food with a playful, down-to-earth attitude. This larger-than-life persona posed an interesting challenge when working on Guy Fieri’s Kitchen + Bar at Council Bluffs: How to distill that energetic, rock-and-roll, fun-loving personality into a design. Situated in Harrah’s Council Bluffs Hotel & Casino, we worked with the teams at Caesars Entertainment and Guy Fieri to develop a concept which honored both the Guy Fieri brand and the standard of comfort expected by Harrah’s guests. We aimed to craft a space capable of communicating the “off-the-chain” energy which follows Fieri wherever he goes.
Taking inspiration both from Fieri’s love of music and the performance venue adjacent to the restaurant, we wove musical elements into the décor from the host stand clad in recycled guitar straps to vinyl records and cassette tapes lining the walls. A subtle ceiling feature illustrates a sound wave of some of Fieri’s iconic catchphrases. Reclaimed materials give the space a rustic, homey atmosphere, welcoming guests into Fieri’s world of genuine hospitality.
“This space is really a reflection of all of Guy’s experiences and the public persona he’s cultivated. It was a labor of love, and I think we were able to capture the aspects of Guy’s personality that make him so beloved: his authenticity, his fun and friendly demeanor and his respect and love for the craft of hospitality.” – Liz Neuffer, Project Designer
“This project required thorough communication and coordination, bringing together the ideas of the three distinct teams at Guy Fieri, Caesars and Aria. Add in a truncated timeline and budget constraints in an inflating economy, and we had our work cut out for us. Luckily all of the teams, including Caesars and our contractor at Pinnacle Construction, were really keen to find creative solutions. We were able to have people sipping cocktails and brews by the opening show of concert season.” – Matt Shoener, Project Manager
Read the full Blueprint HERE
Project Details: Scope Architecture & Design Seats 347 Square footage 10,650
Contractor Pinnacle Construction, Inc. Engineers Hart, Gaugler & Associates Inc., MSA Engineering Consultants Kitchen Consultant Jem West Design Consultant Jennifer Lombardo Photography Courtesy of Caesars Entertainment
In 2024 Topgolf Midtown-Atlanta was part of the company’s CapEx program to refresh venues with bright new designs, updated equipment and furniture, a refinished outfield and a new brand upgrade. For months, the Aria team worked closely with the Topgolf Branding team, the Topgolf CapEx and Design teams, consultants and the contractor to coordinate the refresh changes successfully. With scope adjustments happening often throughout the project’s process, we worked closely across teams to ensure accurate and up to date communication as we evolved the look of this location to match Topgolf’s current design direction.
The Main Bar, Event Space, Lower Level Lounge, and Roof Terrace were updated with impactful finish changes, color palette upgrades, and new furniture. The venue received a cooler color palette overall, moving away from browns and beiges to crisp black, white, and signature Topgolf blue and green. This is noticeably visible on the exterior as well with the brand’s iconic blue incorporated into the façade.
“Architecturally, Midtown’s Lobby received a major redesign. The space was refreshed with a fun and sporty new look via oversized turf walls, sleek black framed retail displays, a punchy new reception desk, and bold new branding signage.” – Guillermo Gomez, Project Coordinator
“One of our biggest priorities for the refreshed design was the teeline, which has the greatest impact on guest experience. Bays received all new seating, a fresh coat of cool black paint, brand new Toptracer ball dispensers, new light fixtures, and a refinished outfield.” – Olga Ratajski, Senior Designer
Read the full Blueprint HERE
Project Details: Scope Architecture & Design Refresh Bays 102 Seats 1,113 Square footage 64,232 Contractor Schaffer Construction Engineers Telios Consultants Villa Lighting, CIMA, Synlawn, Woodard, Contract Alliance Photographer Baxter Imaging LLC
Blueprint 2024: Saltwater Coastal GrillSaltwater Coastal Grill, a new concept from Lyons Group, brings the fresh air and flavors of the sea to the Chicagoland area. Aria Group collaborated with the restaurant and entertainment group to transport guests to the ocean with a timeless coastal atmosphere. The original space was a moody Irish pub, and maximizing light played a key role in transforming it to look fresh and beachy. Our team opened up existing hidden windows to allow more natural light to stream in. Simplified décor, verdant greenery, and LOTS of white paint went into making the previously gothic-styled pub a bright, airy coastal atmosphere. Rich blue color accents bring the Mediterranean to the Midwest.
“The indoor dining space opens to a sun-dappled patio, allowing the fresh breeze and buzzy energy to flow freely inside and out. Three distinct kitchens come together in a cohesive dining space, taking patrons on a tour from coast to coast with oysters from the raw bar, hand-rolled sushi, and fresh seafood straight from the grill. The simple and dynamic space is perfect for sipping beachy cocktails and diving into the expansive array of fresh, sustainable seafood.” – Joe Junius, Project Designer & Senior Associate
“Lyons Group challenged us with renovating a dark Irish Pub into a bright, airy, coastal restaurant on a tight budget. We looked to utilize the budget where it would provide the best impact by lightening the overall palette, creating a sushi bar and adding operable doors to merge the interior with the exterior patio.” – Matt Clarke, Project Manager & Senior Associate
Read the full Blueprint HERE
Project details: Scope Architecture & Design Seats 273 Square footage 6,084 Contractor Kern Konstruction Engineers Advance Consulting Group Intl., TGRWA Kitchen Consultant ADE Restaurant Services Sign Painting Paul Punke Greenery The Silk Thumb Photographer Chris Dilorenzo, courtesy of Saltwater Coastal Grill
Blueprint 2024: Dave & Buster’s RefreshDeveloping the new Dave & Buster’s prototype was an exercise in collaboration. The talent at Aria brought their unique visions to life, reflecting the brand’s exciting evolution through the development of the remodel prototype. This playful and creative approach is evident from the bold architectural elements and a mix of materials with playful shapes which draw guests into a modern and inviting atmosphere. The new design strategy made its debut in Friendswood, TX.
“Inside, guests are immersed in a vibrant world designed to stimulate the senses. Social Bays can be reserved for small groups to play shuffleboard and darts. Creative mural graphics, elevated seating, innovative lighting and individual booths for gaming elevate the entertainment experience even further. Select locations feature a self-serve beer wall that expands the gathering space into the arcade area, reinforcing Dave & Buster’s appeal as a destination for fun and socializing. ” – Telya Wallace, Senior Designer
“This remodel marks a significant step forward for Dave & Buster’s. The design process began with a blank canvas, allowing for creativity and intuition. Challenges arose in balancing the needs of a large client scope with budget constraints and operational needs. However, a collaborative relationship with the Dave & Buster’s team fostered unexpected and successful solutions. The final design reflects a perfect balance between brand legacy and bold evolution.” – Sara Armeanu, Interior Designer
“Cross-studio collaboration within our architectural firm was the project’s driving force. Team members with diverse skills tackled challenges from multiple angles, fostering camaraderie and generating innovative solutions. The entire team is eager to see guests experience the new Dave & Buster’s for themselves.” – Peter Lee, Interior Designer
Read the full Blueprint HERE
Project Details: Scope Architecture & Design Seats 654 Square footage 40,930
Contractor Eckinger Construction Company Design Consultants Made Ember LLC, BADA Design Engineers Henderson Engineers Photographer Shot Maker Media