Craft opens its doors in Century City, California representing the celebrity chef’s first foray into West Coast dining
Boston, MA – May 19, 2008 – Trendy Los Angeles diners have a new hot spot in which to sample the latest in modern-American cuisine at Tom Colicchio’s latest endeavor, Craft. Shawmut Design and Construction (www.shawmut.com), a leading national construction management firm, along with Bentel & Bentel Architects and Mark Horton Architecture, were the firms of choice for the coast-jumping celebrity chef’s West Coast debut.
The open-plan restaurant, which seats 200, is an 8,500 square foot space in the upscale neighborhood of Century City. Construction began in January of 2007 and required the team to work around the existing facility and utilities in order to meet the operational needs of the restaurant. Although understated from the outside, once inside the lighting becomes brilliant. The lighting scheme in the restaurant is spectacular, including up-lighting on all the columns and European pendant lighting hung throughout the space. The one solid perimeter wall, coupled with two floor-to-ceiling glass window walls, gives the space an unconventional illuminated look. The restaurant’s fourth wall is dedicated to wine display.
In addition to the luminous lighting elements, the project team installed tongue and groove wood floors, interspersed with stone tiling, giving the space a natural look and feel. Wood and fabric paneling line parts of the walls and ceilings, which also feature contour fabric panels inlaid with handmade bronze troughs doubling as HVAC diffusers and tegra tiles inlaid with brass buttons. Booths are separated by mesh metal drapery custom designed by Bentel & Bentel that allow diners a more private dining experience. Outside, the 80-seat terrace is a focal point of the space, bringing the lunch and dinner clientele to teak tables overlooking a four-acre park. Eight foot planters provide a natural element to the 36” concrete textured wall backdrop. In the midst of bustling Century City, this natural oasis provides guests with a quiet sanctuary to enjoy a drink and conversation in the busy city.
About Shawmut Design and Construction
Shawmut Design and Construction is a 100% employee-owned company headquartered in Boston with offices in New York, Providence, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and New Haven. Shawmut is a leading ENR top 100-ranked national construction management firm providing client-oriented services in the following markets: Academic, Commercial, Corporate Interiors, Cultural and Historic Preservation, Healthcare and Science, Gaming, Restaurants, Retail, Spas and Health Clubs. For more information, visit Shawmut’s website at www.shawmut.com.
