Modern Pan-Asian fusion restaurant chain OKA tasked us with over doubling the size of its Kingly Court site in London’s West End. Rightly proud of his small independent London restaurants, the owner wanted us to elevate the dining experience, whilst retaining its popular cosy feel and building a stronger brand presence at this busy dining destination.

With Japanese Robata grilled delights and Sushi at the heart of the offer at Kingly Court, our interior architecture scheme has been informed by the principle of ‘Notan’ - the Japanese word meaning ‘dark-light’ - a technique that creates harmony and balance in space using symmetry. 

Balance was also important in terms of designing a scheme which complemented rather than dominated the dining experience: “My restaurants are all about the food”, says the owner, “so it was critical that the design team understood how to create an environment that works in harmony with my philosophy”.

Textures and materials quietly evoke a modern Japanese aesthetic. Timber architectural details, bespoke polished plaster walls and raw textured plaster work, together with papered wall panels, are all subtly suggestive of the region’s architecture.

The design scheme plays with dark and light materials as well as colour to create a warm and welcoming, multi-layered transformation of the previous space. What’s more the new layout now allows for a journey of discovery and satisfies the differing needs of diners. 

“I couldn’t be happier with the result. It’s quite a risk to expand your restaurant size in the current economic climate but Lloyd and his team have achieved great things with the space. My customers and staff love it!”

Ohad Kastro, Founder & Owner, OKA Restaurant