GRT Architects’ Bad Roman Beverly Hills Features Exuberant Tiled Facade

Bad Roman Beverly Hills: A Maximalist Evolution in LA’s Architectural Landscape

This article explores the recent completion of Bad Roman Beverly Hills, a new restaurant designed by GRT Architects. It examines how this project, the second for the maximalist brand, builds on the original in Manhattan.

The design adapts to the unique Los Angeles setting. The result is a bold and distinctive approach to hospitality design that will capture the attention of foodies and architecture enthusiasts.

GRT Architects: Pushing Design Boundaries Through Bold Experiences

With over three decades of experience in architecture and engineering, my firm has witnessed countless trends in hospitality design. The recent unveiling of Bad Roman Beverly Hills by GRT Architects stands out as an exciting example of how established brands can evolve and thrive in new environments.

The firm’s founders, Tal Schori and Rustam-Marc Mehta, describe this Los Angeles outpost not as a mere replica, but as an “evolution” of their Manhattan original. This philosophy is clear in the vibrant exterior and the moodier, textured interior.

A Striking Exterior Statement: Capturing Beverly Hills’ Attention

The exterior of Bad Roman Beverly Hills is designed to broadcast the restaurant’s unique character. GRT Architects have extended the brand’s bold visual language onto the building’s facade.

• Two-tone stripy green waves now cover what was once beige brickwork, creating a dynamic and eye-catching look.
• Glass-block windows are framed by a checkerboard of natural stone and glossy green-and-yellow tile, adding playful texture.
• Red-neon serpentine motifs and the hand-written logo make the restaurant instantly recognizable within the Beverly Hills streetscape.

This approach to the exterior sets the stage for the immersive experience inside.

An Interior Symphony of Texture and Mythology

The site, a classic Los Angeles bowstring-truss-framed shed, presented a unique opportunity. GRT Architects embraced this typology, using it to guide interior decisions and create a moodier atmosphere.

This design is a departure from the bright, plant-filled aesthetic often seen in the city. The result is a refreshingly distinctive interior.

Embracing Sound and Light Absorption

The designers addressed the acoustics and lighting within the expansive trussed ceiling.

• Tinted natural cork was sprayed onto the ceiling, absorbing sound and light to create a more intimate dining experience.
• Floral references appear in embroidered upholstery, adding subtle thematic touches without overwhelming the senses.

Artistic Collaborations: Bringing Mythological Elements to Life

The interior features collaborations with local artisans, giving the space a unique artistic flair.

• Local neon artist Danielle Bonnet crafted intricate, tendril-like neon elements for the Graniglia sconces and chandeliers, casting a captivating glow.
• Specialty fabricator Calico Design Manufacturing created faux-painted bas-relief snakes that emerge from tiled walls, referencing the brand’s serpentine iconography.

These artistic elements enhance the overall brand story.

Iconic Touches: A Nod to Florence and the Brand’s Character

The restaurant continues the brand’s distinctive iconography, ensuring continuity with its Manhattan counterpart while still feeling fresh.

• A neon-necklaced boar sculpture, inspired by a marble original in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, greets visitors.
• Other mythological creatures, including greyhounds and a figure named Boaris, add narrative and intrigue to the dining experience.

GRT Architects’ portfolio includes hospitality projects like Cucina Alba and San Sabino, as well as unique residential conversions. Bad Roman Beverly Hills showcases their ability to innovate and deliver bold architectural experiences. Photography for this project was provided by Wonho Frank Lee.
 
Here is the source article for this story: “Exuberant” tiled facade fronts Bad Roman Beverly Hills by GRT Architects