Lower East Side, NY

Wayla is a home-style Thai restaurant tucked away on an unassuming street in the Lower East Side, truly a hidden gem of the neighborhood. The restaurant is nestled in the basement at the bottom of a steep set of unmarked steps with an unexpected outdoor space at the end of the space. The vision was to create a relaxed space of natural beauty, amplifying the stark contrast to the dark interior.

The mix of vintage, vegetation, and materials created an eclectic and lush respite from the bustling streets where one could feel completely transported, enjoying a little bit of breezy tranquility in New York City.

Scope: concept, landscape design, furnishing Photography: Nicole Franzen