Arquet

Tasked with reimagining the Ferry Building’s 8,500-square-foot corner anchor waterfront space, we transformed the restaurant into a serene, light-filled destination shaped by global influences—Oaxacan craftsmanship, Japanese restraint, and Nordic minimalism—filtered through a distinctly Californian lens: bright, tactile, and natural.

Chef Alex Hong’s richly textured, color-forward cooking became the conceptual anchor for the design. Rather than compete with the artistry on the plate, we sought to build a warm, minimalist stage that elevates the dining experience through light, softness, and material harmony. One of Arquet’s defining gestures is its open kitchen, positioned at the heart of the dining room as a fully transparent culinary stage. With floor-to-ceiling glass framing views of the Bay and Bay Bridge, we reorganized the layout to create a dynamic, theater-in-the-round experience where guests can watch Hong and his team in motion.

The custom private dining room chandelier by Metro lighting, with a hand-sewn linen shade by Helen Holt, crowns the 14′ long custom ash communal table by Ghostown Woodworks. While the glowing wine bottle display wall provides a rythmic backdrop for the entire PDR.