SASAKI RESTAURANTS

Project Overview
Sasaki was one of my first widely recognized restaurant design projects in the Miami area and became an important early chapter in my hospitality design career. It was also one of the most intense work periods I’ve ever had since.The restaurant was created for two airline pilots who shared a passion for Japanese cuisine. After meeting their chef during a flight, they developed the vision of opening one of the first Japanese restaurants in Coral Gables, Florida.

The challenge was to create a memorable Japanese dining experience with a total construction budget of only $10,000. The existing kitchen would remain, with only minor improvements, and because the owners offered their own construction skills, it was possible! During their two-week break from their airline careers, they personally built nearly every element of the restaurant, from the shoji screens to the sushi platters. Recognizing their dedication in the first week, made me very proud to have met their skills and friendly crew. 

Design Story
The inspiration for Sasaki came from the quiet simplicity and natural beauty of traditional country Japanese esthetics. The design relied on simple lighting solutions, contrasts in  textural surfaces and soft coloring. 

Shoji screens became the primary architectural element, dividing the dining areas while maintaining a sense of openness. Simple black tile was combined with river rocks and bamboo to introduce natural textures, while paper fans were used to soften the existing Spanish arched windows and shift the look to a Japanese identity.

The interior palette was of pale greens, natural bamboo, warm woods and accents of black and charcoal. This created a serene yet dramatic atmosphere. Small café curtains and bench cushions suspended from bamboo, added warmth and comfort to the dining area.

I asked the chef to add his own touch by hand-brushing a story in calligraphy,  written on one of the walls. This detail reflected the spirit of the restaurant: a space shaped not only by my vision but by the people who believed in, built it and were excellent in serving top notch cuisine to their guests.  

What Makes This Project Unique
Sasaki represents an important foundation of my design philosophy: limitations can become opportunities when clients actively participate in the creative process.

A successful restaurant does not require a large budget when there is careful design, a shared commitment in using found or low cost materials while constructing in a simple fashion. 

The finished restaurant gained national recognition when it was selected for the cover and feature article in Interior Design Magazine’s “Best Low Cost Restaurants of the Year.” For the owners and myself, this made those hard working two weeks, all worthwhile!