Shawmut recently completed its work on International Smoke, the upscale restaurant concept that offers international interpretations of the barbecue experience, in Miami's Aventura Mall. A collaboration between lifestyle expert and bestselling cookbook author Ayesha Curry and award-winning chef Michael Mina, the popular eatery has expanded into south Florida, making it their third location across the country.

The Shawmut team, in partnership with MBH Architects and the MINA Group, brought to life International Smoke’s first-ever Florida location in just five-and-half-months. The 7,600-square-foot space has a capacity for 300 customers, with additional seating in the 1,600-square-foot outdoor patio, as well as an indoor-outdoor lounge bar. Design features include an open kitchen concept, and a contemporary outdoor trellis that encloses the patio with hanging planters.

“With our extensive experience and deep bench of talented builders in Miami, partnering with International Smoke on their first location in Florida was a natural fit,” said Randy Shelly, vice president at Shawmut. “Having worked in Aventura Mall before, we were able to provide valuable insights for our first-time client, establishing an efficient workflow that resulted in a great final product.”

International Smoke has been carefully designed to complement the menu’s flavorful dishes. A focal point of the space features two wall murals painted by a Los Angeles-based artist, accompanied by integrated hanging planters. Additional design elements include board-form concrete tiling, tiled and wood walls, polished concrete floors, and exposed painted ceilings. Custom metal panels were placed throughout the interior and exterior to round out the restaurant’s design.

International Smoke is one of the latest Miami projects for Shawmut, with recent work including the Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove showroom and the Level Three venue at Aventura Mall, with current work at Camilla in the Aventura Mall and Baccarat in Miami’s Design District.