When a new client calls it is always an exciting moment. The possibilities are endless.
The potential to collaborate and create something new is high. When a new overseas client calls the energy level jumps higher. Not to say that clients where I live aren’t interesting. But the international ones make you feel a little famous. Someone from outside my sphere of influence found me and wants to work together.
This was the feeling I had the moment I saw the email from LW Designs in Hong Kong. Being contracted to design two restaurant spaces in Saigon for a client. A steak house and a Chinese restaurant.
Initial calls went well and we quickly sorted out a date and time to shoot both spaces. To start I had suggested a two day shoot to cover the spaces in more detail. However, These were already working restaurants so time was limited. We quickly settled on a one day shoot covering both spaces with a half day to scout the locations.
First up was Lai. Â A contemporary Chinese restaurant designed with a little more flair than usual. Chinese restaurants typically use a lot of red in their designs as red is a lucky colour in Chinese culture. Lai however, was different. The subtle use of blue throughout the interior space is what grabbed my attention. It fit well and was understated. The use of tile work in the restrooms was nice. A call back to Saigon’s French history. If it was accidental or on purpose. I am not sure. It did give the restaurant a cool feeling. One that is always welcome from the sweltering Saigon temperatures. The general decor was interesting as well. Lattice work screens broke up the space and made areas private. As they were not solid walls the dining area still felt very open.
The second restaurant we photographed was Prime XXIÂ A much more classic and BOLD venue. To me it felt more like a 1950’s or 60’s gentlemen’s club or cigar lounge. Think lots of rich leather furniture, heavy wood and warm but spotted table lighting. It was like stepping back in time in a way. Of course, the mirrored wine cellar hallway was a very cool feature as well. One that I may have taken a little too much time to photograph as it was so visually interesting. Swivelling glass panels blocking restaurant from the private lounge were tough to photograph. Getting them at right angle to make them visible was a challenge.
Working with LW Design was a very rewarding experience. It is always nice when a client sees eye to eye on your vision for their space. It also helps when a client happens to design things that are right in line with your own personal esthetic.
