CORE served as Executive Architect in collaboration with design firm Studio PCH (Malibu, CA) and Shawmut Design and Construction to execute the Washington, DC location of the world’s most recognized Japanese restaurant, Nobu.

The new restaurant is located on the ground floor of 2501 M, a mixed-use development, which CORE is transforming into high-end condominiums and a 12,000 SF restaurant. The clean and elegant modern design emphasizes the horizontality of the intimate space, with warm oak wood and soft architectural lighting, designed by Isometrix Lighting (London, UK). By strategically placing new plumbing and electrical equipment that serve the condo units above, CORE was able to maximize the available ceiling height of the restaurant space. Additional MEP challenges of the existing building were resolved by housing the majority of the commercial equipment in an underground vault and using an abandoned elevator shaft for a pathway to the roof. CORE worked closely with the teams at Studio PCH, Shawmut, and Nobu as well as the developer PRP to mediate the needs and program requirements for the restaurant tenant and the new condominiums above. Photo credit: Greg Powers