Editorial: Nari Restaurant
We recently collaborated with Lundberg Design on the build for Pim Techamuanvivit’s new high end Thai restaurant Nari. The name “Nari - นารี - is from the Sanskrit-derived Thai word for “women.” Nari is Pim’s tribute to generations of Thai women who laid the foundation for Thai cuisine, and a personal love letter to the women in her life who taught her to cook and, more importantly, to eat. Below is a short interview with Caroline Nassif, Project Architect at Lundberg Design on the background behind the project.
“We felt so blessed to be able to work with a world class chef like Pim Techamuanvivit. She curated a wonderful team of women’s voices guiding the project. Her food nourished my soul in ways I’ve never felt before. It was magical at every turn.”
What was your vision when you began the project?
Caroline Nassif: When we looked at the raw concrete space with all of the old finishes removed, surrounded by glass walls and light pouring in through the clerestory windows, we felt immediately that we wanted to create an urban greenhouse. Our vision was to allow the plants to overtake the concrete forms and to dominate the dining room. We also hoped that plants growing along the perimeter glazed walls would create a soft screen providing intimacy for the diners while allowing folks passing on the sidewalk to peek through the 3 dimensional screen.
At what point did you think about plants and how they fit into the experience?
Caroline Nassif: Almost immediately, we saw the concrete columns and imagined a post-apocalyptic scene with plants growing up the columns.
Are there elements in the space that people comment on?
Caroline Nassif: The ponytail palm with its curly “hair” and curvy root ball in the center booth is one that gets many comments. When I look at it, I see it as a statue of a woman in the center of the restaurant, which feels evocative of the women whose legacy Pim seeks to honor with this restaurant. It’s a very popular table within the restaurant.
What were some of the native Thai species considered?
Caroline Nassif: We were drawn to some of the larger leaf shapes like elephant ears, and to the soft velvety textures of the silver pothos. Lana did an amazing job of educating us, bring in plant samples, and helping us create compositions with the plants for the perimeter screen. She thoughtfully listened to our design intent and responded with inspiration images and physical samples to make sure we were thrilled with the results.
What are some of your favorite places in San Francisco?
Caroline Nassif: One of my favorite places in SF is Flora Grubb, where Lana and I met to shop for some of the larger pieces for Nari. This was the first time that I actually went shopping for plants with a plant expert, and it felt very much like shopping for building materials, which to this architect was a revelation. I am so grateful not only for the beauty and joy that Lana’s plant design brought to the project, but for the collaboration and the education I received in the process. I look forward to working with you all many times in the future.
