Design Renovation restaurant
What I have learned
Freelancing on this renovation was a valuable learning experience. I strengthened my skills in design, construction, project management, and real-time problem-solving. From coordinating with contractors to managing budgets and communicating with the owner, this hands-on work prepared me for future projects as a confident and adaptable designer.
The brief for Kiin Thai Sushi was to create The renovation blends modern simplicity with warm Thai character. Natural materials, soft lighting, and clean lines create a calm, welcoming space. Inspired by Japanese minimalism and Thai hospitality, the design focuses on comfort, flow, and visual balance—especially around the new bar feature.
Before renovation, Kiin Thai Sushi felt outdated—dark, cramped, and lacking flow. During my first site visit, I took detailed measurements and photos to assess its potential. A major design shift came when the owner requested a full bar, which required reworking the entire front zone. I redesigned the layout to improve circulation, storage, and seating while keeping a balanced, cohesive look. These early decisions shaped the overall transformation, guiding upgrades in layout, lighting, and materials within the project’s long timeline and tight budget.
To complete the project as planned, we needed to rebuild the existing structure. I went to meetings every week with the owner, contractors, and other professionals to talk about the project's progress and deal with any problems that arose. I also checked and approved the materials and products used in the construction.
These photos capture the cleared space before construction began. With furniture and decor removed, I could assess site limitations, take accurate measurements, and prepare for a full redesign.
Construction began with steel framing and major layout changes. I visited the site frequently to coordinate with the contractor and make adjustments
When the arch framing didn’t match the drawings, I identified the issue and coordinated directly with the contractor using sketches and translation tools. I adjusted the framing on-site to preserve the original design, showing flexibility and fast problem-solving under pressure.
Rising material costs led to value engineering. I reduced scope while preserving the concept—making on-site design changes and visual notes to keep the vision intact.
Detailed elevation showing wood panel layout and dimensions.
While studying for my Master of Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology, I was also deeply involved in this project. Managing both school and real-world construction was challenging but incredibly rewarding. This page captures moments from that journey—sketches, redlines, site visits, material samples, and meetings. It became a long-term effort, evolving over two years until the project was finally completed.
Balancing my academic work with hands-on design and construction taught me how to adapt, solve problems on the fly, and communicate clearly with contractors and clients. Every mark-up and meeting helped shape the space and strengthen my confidence as a designer.