Wid Chapman Architects Design a Colourful and Retro Restaurant

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a colourful and retro restaurant design by 2023 SBID Awards Finalist, Wid Chapman Architects.

Wid Chapman Architects was commissioned to create a fun, colourful retro eating and drinking establishment in the heart of Times Square, NYC.

What was the client’s brief? 

The client was seeking a high energy experience and narrative to distinguish itself from other restaurants in a highly competitive market they believed that good food and great drinks were not enough to attract diners. They were keen on the 70s vibe, playful, vibrant and fun filled environment that would give life to one of the group’s strengths a fun, over-the-top beverage program, highlighting signature cocktail recipes that could not be found at your everyday bar or restaurant accompanied by family. Favourite foods that never go out of fashion.

What inspired the design of the project?

We came up with a concept that really gave life to the client’s brief and Peachy Keen is undoubtedly a memorable experience! As soon as you walk through the door, your senses are engulfed in excitement. The vibrant colours, textures, and curvaceous architectural elements combine with high-energy music and a bustling environment to instantly brighten your mood. The atmosphere is electric, yet uniquely welcoming, unlike anything Midtown Manhattan has seen in quite some time. Peace, love, and good vibes!

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

With any restaurant we design we have a particular owner/chef’s vision in mind. But with Peachy we were also tasked with giving effect to an entirely different era whilst keeping it contemporary and blending that with maximalism that can stand the test of time – all combined this created a major design conundrum.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

At WCA we like to showcase colour as a concept versus as an accessory. With Peachy Keen our client was fully on board with really working with colour as a concept and utilising it to full effect in a bold and modern design that captured the 70s era but for today’s diner and today’s culture. We thoroughly enjoyed the utilising bold colours and materials to create many different and playful dining and drinking zones. The restaurant is full of fun and flair a rare combo in fast casual today. This restaurant with all its ‘70s vibes features comfortable space that captures the spirit of the city with a vibrant atmosphere that always feels familiar and right in the centre of the Theatre District.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

As an international hub of design professionals, it’s an obvious place to showcase our work and compete at the highest levels of the industry.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

We are honoured and privileged to be included as an awards finalist. As a hospitality firm we understand the competition for great design and in the era of mass content being recognised as global leaders in design through the SBID Awards helps channel our work and experience to new clients and provide further promotional benefits to existing clients. Hospitality design has become and ever important factor in restaurant attractiveness and success both in the U.S and internationally.

Questions answered by Wid Chapman, Founder of Wid Chapman Architects.