SPRING studio 19’

Project Brief

Few things bring me more joy than sharing a meal in a cozy restaurant with loved ones. Food has long been a way to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories.

For this project, we were asked to redesign an existing site, Ruth’s Parkside Cafe in Northside, and transform it into a chef inspired dining experience. Our chosen chef was to serve as a basis for all decisions including overall theme, food offerings, and the class of dining. To inspire my design, I chose Ina Garten.

Ina Garten has been my favorite chef since childhood. I fondly remember watching Barefoot Contessa after school, drawn not only to her beautiful dishes but also to the warm, rustic charm of her East Hampton home - its coastal interiors and lush garden left a lasting impression.

Cultivate is a restaurant that emphasizes the connection between Garten and her audiences. I set out to blur the line between screen and reality, inviting guests into a space that feels intimately connected to Ina herself. Inspired by the ambiance of her home, the restaurant creates a shared, immersive experience where diners feel as though they’re right there with her, enjoying the food and the moment together.

Inspired by Ina Garten’s frequent strolls through her garden on Barefoot Contessa, the interior draws from the natural beauty of her outdoor space. The design aims to evoke the feeling of being in her garden, immersed in freshness, warmth, and connection.

The exterior channels the charm of Garten’s Hamptons home while honoring the character of Ruth’s Parkside Café. A rustic pergola with greenery and clean white furniture creates a welcoming, refined atmosphere with the goal of inviting guests in as if they’re arriving at a loved one’s home.