Culver & Main: A Case Study in Intentional Third Space Design
Downtown Culver City
2nd generation restaurant – formally Shirley Chung’s Ms Chi
8 months from hire to open, under $1M
Tasked with opening a modern take on the classic All-Day Diner.

Culver & Main isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a spatial experience meticulously crafted to adapt throughout the day. From the outset, the design was conceived to transform seamlessly from a morning café to an evening dining destination, embodying the true essence of a third space.

The layout is a maximizing the functional zoning. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a welcoming counter-service area that transitions smoothly into varied seating arrangements—communal tables encourage social interaction, while cozy nooks offer privacy for individuals or small groups. This deliberate arrangement facilitates a natural flow, guiding patrons through the space without the need for signage.

Materials and lighting play pivotal roles in the ambiance. Warm wood tones, minimalist fixtures, and strategic lighting create an environment that feels both upscale and approachable. As daylight fades, the lighting subtly shifts to foster a more intimate atmosphere, signaling the transition from day to night.

The design also gives odes to the classic diner, plus pays homage to the street it inhabits. Large windows and street-facing seating blur the lines between interior and exterior, inviting the community in and allowing the energy of Main Street to permeate the space.

In essence, Culver & Main exemplifies how intentional design can create a dynamic environment that serves multiple purposes throughout the day, fostering community and enhancing the true 3rd space dining experience.

Before…

Radici: Old World Italian, Designed for the Modern Coast
Hermosa Beach – Oceanview, south of Pier
2nd generation restaurant – formally Cali Cantina
16 months from hire to open, under $3M

Radici is a refined Italian restaurant in Hermosa Beach that balances deep heritage with a sleek, contemporary sensibility. Developed in collaboration with RYSE Hospitality, the space was designed to reflect both the sophistication of Italy’s coastal ristoranti and the casual elegance of California living—without ever leaning into cliché.

From the moment you step inside, it’s clear this isn’t your typical trattoria. The interior is clean-lined and minimal, wrapped in warm tones, textured stone, and natural wood. A custom feature wall, printed with a photograph of the owner’s ancestral home in Pacentro, Italy, grounds the space in personal history while subtle rose-gold accents and sculptural lighting add softness and modernity. Nothing is loud or overstated—everything is intentional.

Though modest in footprint, Radici feels expansive. The open floor plan invites natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows, while the back alcove and banquette seating create intimacy and comfort. Lighting evolves with the time of day, shifting the restaurant’s energy from breezy lunch to sultry dinner without altering the space. Guests describe it as polished, serene, and quietly luxurious—an ideal canvas for Radici’s old-world, ingredient-driven cuisine.

This is what timeless dining looks like in a beach town. Rooted in legacy, elevated in execution, and built with restraint, Radici is a masterclass in how to honor tradition without getting stuck in it.

Before…