Nami, Orlando, Florida

Adventure calls at Nami, where an air of mystery promises escapism in the form of a singular dining experience. Housed within the art-driven Wave Hotel, Nami comprises a cocktail bar, 10-seat omakase, and an intimate dining room across 4,400 square feet. “The design of Nami is all about creating a journey. We wanted to invite guests into a space where architecture and the experience of dining come together in perfect harmony,” says ASD|SKY project architect Steven Fendley. The voyage begins at the tranquil arrival space, which then opens into the windowless dining room, where focused lighting and a curated sound design immerse diners in an escape from reality. Authentic materials from gold leaf to red-grained wood embolden the qualities of the cuisine while silky Japanese Maple trees draw in nature. A backdrop of haunting Dean Barger murals completes the ethereal effect beneath a wooden ceiling whose panels undulate akin to an oceanic swell. “Our goal was to create a space that feels truly transportive,” adds Ethan Lewis, ASD|SKY project designer. “Every detail is intended to make guests feel like they’ve stepped into another world.”

Photo by Richard Cadan