The newly renovated Bali Hai Restaurant, Shelter Island’s Tiki-themed institution is an example of controlled design expertise. The subtly handled remake of the iconic building that has resonated with generations for decades was mastermind by Graham Downes Architecture. "The community has great affection for this harbor landmark," says Downes. "The Bali Hai is like a house you’ve lived in your whole life. Patrons want that hominess and comfortable familiarity. We strived to maintain that pride and history while contemporizing and freshening the environment and improving the functionality." Inside, Graham Downes Architecture restored the original internal timber structure, comprising 15 different species of wood, by sandblasting away years of paint layers. A palette of warm, friendly colors and light sage green, infuse throughout the interior and complement the energizing aqua blue colors of the bay. In keeping with the Polynesian concept, natural materials such as grassy and bamboo wall-coverings/flooring are in place. Bali Hai’s extensive collection of Polynesian artifacts—including tiki figures, statues, antique tapa cloths, wood weapons, ocean charts, maps, and native pictures - have been refurbished to adorn the entire restaurant. Most notable are patterned tapas cloths pressed between glass panels to create room dividers. Other interior additions include a private dining room upstairs, a resort-style lounge featuring a backlit honey onyx bar, and classic-style Hawaiian light fixtures over the bar and staircase. Project team included Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing engineers KHL, Food Service Consultants Orness Design Group, Landscape Architects Garbini & Garbini and General Contractors Hawkins Construction Inc.

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With the type of budget most restaurants put into their bathrooms, the blah's un-design was put together and opened in less than six weeks. Tapping into the power of Craigslist, the Blind Lady's interiors consist of the barstools out of El Cajon's longest standing bar, the chairs from the Hard Rock La Jolla, oak flooring from a warehouse in east village, a 1960s Hamm's billboard out of some guys garage in Oregon, shelves and a bar made out of pieces and scraps left behind by the previous owner, mountains of wood out of people's backyards, a cold box from a subway sandwich shop and a host of equipment purchased at auctions. The sum of all these parts is a warm, livable, enjoyable re-vamp of a space that didn't fill our already busting dumps—in fact, some of the interiors came from the dump. Heart & Soul.

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Emerald City Surf Shop did a complete renovation and transformed their large, old existing space into a beautiful, sustainable, environmentally conscious store, in line with it's purpose as a steward of the ocean. Locally owned and operated by Kelly and Larry Krause, the store has been in business on orange Avenue for 23 years. The newly renovated store’s architecture features exposed brick walls, high wood beam ceilings, custom metal framing, industrial lighting, and a wave mural by Aaron Chang. In remodeling Emerald City, the brothers made certain the building was restored to match its earlier splendor and was environmentally friendly. The architect removed the drop ceiling to reveal the original, gorgeous high-arched ceiling so it is now visible upon entering the store. The nearly 3,000-square-foot display area will be used to open up view corridors. A protruding overhang at the entrance was removed, and the arched display windows invite natural light and an enticing view from the street. The Krause brothers made a commitment to sustainable technology and added 90 solar panels on the roof and salvaged wood from the ceiling and used it throughout our interior design and as our dressing room doors. The new décor also includes a wall mural by iconic surf photographer Aaron Chang, innovative window displays, and creative dressing room art. The design vision is the work of interior designer Jules Wilson. The brothers plan to host art shows once a quarter to celebrate ocean art and area artists, with a continually evolving “look” to the inside of the store.

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architecture and interior design category: The building is a little jewel in the middle of the MCAS base at Miramar. The design concept ties into the base-wide theme as well as creates a unique British West Indies style architectually as well as the interiors. It is the first LEED project for the Marines in San Diego and possibly in the country. The Golf Clubhouse complex includes the following spaces: Main lounge and two dining rooms that open up to a covered outdoor dining terrace. A separate private club for the staff and non-commissioned officers with a bar area, restrooms and access to the covered outdoor dining terraces. The Pro Shop is separated by a breezeway from the main building. There is a full service professional kitchen with separated preparation area, cook line an all the ammenities.

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The vision for La Maestra’s newest facility was to embrace the cultural aspects of the diverse community of City Heights, by providing the refugee population the tools needed to begin a new life. As a result the designer’s role was to create an end result that accomplished just that. Through the use of icons familiar to these cultures, the leaf was chosen. The elements which allow the leaf to grow, also represents the foundation, stability and nourishment needed by the population to also reach their highest goals. The experience, colors and iconic motif begins from the moment you walk up to the building and experience the 3 story murals at each entrance which incorporate a trees elements. The experience continues as you enter the main lobby and are greeted with the colors, textures and forms of nature that creates an environment to begin the healing process. The designers were also careful in choosing recycled and sustainable product that supports the process of healing the earth. Support for manufacturers whose own internal programs create work for underprivileged communities around the world, woman and families adding to the LEED building recognition and La Maestras mantra of “Circle of Care”. These products were used extensively in way-finding and signage creating department identification for a group of people whose English skills are challenged. When you continue to the second floor housing Pediatrics and Family Practice the atmosphere becomes more playful with a bolder use of color. The Child Play area incorporates a jungle theme and a river that flows through it, a canopy of trees for resting, reading, watching videos and just having fun. The theme continues in the Sick Waiting with its massive salt water aquarium and colorful fish so you can forget why you are here. The third floor is the OB/GYN, Dental, Administrative and Conferencing. While the main lobby is bold and vibrant, the OB/GYN department is soothing and has a more serene spa like feel. Again, reaching your goals, obtaining skills, becoming more relaxed in this new environment and place, able to enjoy life and flourish.

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