Located in one of LA's most walkable and vibrant neighbourhoods, Uchi West Hollywood features interiors and architecture by ORA. The concept of wabi-sabi—finding beauty in imperfection—was central to ORA, who developed a design concept for the Texas-based Japanese restaurant brand around the rows of suspended live-edge wood slabs sourced from fallen street trees crafted in collaboration with Angel City Lumber.
Nearly 26 tons of fallen local LA street trees were turned into wood for Uchi. This timber is a fundamental design element, milled with care into slab panels highlighting each unique live-edge and grain. Suspended from the ceiling in rows, the panelled 'spines' delineate intimate dining areas while preserving a sense of openness. The panels vary in spacing and height to create moments of surprise and connection. The pattern of the spines is reinforced along the ceiling by sinuous vertical wood planes that conceal cove lighting designed by Dot Dash and a hand-towelled acoustic plaster ceiling that recalls the contours of a Zen garden.
The remainder of the material palette draws from the nature of the timber slabs, emphasizing rich woods, including white oak and walnut and warm, earth-toned upholstery from Maharam, Knoll, and Carol Leather throughout the restaurant. Travertine walls, refined metal shelves, and textured plaster punctuate the interior's perimeter, anchoring the cocktail bar off the entry and sushi bar in front of the open-concept kitchen.
Large openings connect diners to a spacious patio with custom concrete planters by landscape firm SBLA. These planters extend the landscape deep within the restaurant and echo the soft curves of the ceiling above. Iconic mid-century modern California gardens inspire the planting palette.
Connecting further to the city's spirit, ORA led a diverse team of small local businesses, designers, craftspeople and artists. Local custom pieces include a one-of-a-kind glass sculpture and light fixture by LA artist Kazuki Takizawa, which anchors the bar, catching the visitors' eyes upon entry. Inspired by spring cherry blossoms, the delicate glass and brass piece was made in LA, and each element was blown by Kazuki. Solid white oak and brass Cruz bar stools were designed by Lawson-Fenning and made in LA, as was a handmade ceramic Terra lamp by LA ceramics studio Ceramicah. ORA designed upholstered walnut banquettes with details drawn from Japanese joinery. Other vendors include Heath Ceramics, Fontana Arte, Allied Maker and rugs by Nordic Knots.
