Header: Eric Staudenmaier
The much-anticipated West Coast debut of Austin’s famed Japanese restaurant, Uchi, has landed on a busy corner of Santa Monica Boulevard. But inside, the city’s noise gives way to a quiet and powerful design statement. The architecture and interiors firm ORA, led by Oonagh Ryan, took on the task of creating a space for Hai Hospitality that felt distinctly Los Angeles while honoring its Japanese roots. The result is a dining room that tells a story about the city’s own natural environment.
A forest rises on Santa Monica Boulevard
The first thing you notice inside the 5,200-square-foot restaurant are the trees. Two long, winding rows of massive wooden slabs hang from the ceiling, acting as partitions that create intimate dining zones without closing off the space. This isn’t just any wood. ORA worked with Angel City Lumber to source timber from twenty-five Aleppo Pine trees that had fallen across fourteen different Los Angeles neighborhoods. Nearly 26 tons of local LA trees were given a new life here. The logs were cut into thick, live-edge boards and suspended vertically, their natural imperfections and unique grain on full display. This approach reflects the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which involves finding beauty in imperfections. Beneath these wooden dividers, custom concrete planters designed by landscape firm SBLA run their length, pulling plant life deep into the interior.
Earth, stone, and California light
Beyond the dramatic wood installation, the rest of the material palette is calm and earthy. The design team chose natural materials to balance the rustic timbers. Walls and bars are clad in travertine, with simple metal shelves that make the stone’s texture stand out. The ceiling is a work of art in itself; curved wooden bands hide cove lighting from Dot Dash, creating a soft glow, while hand-troweled acoustic plaster absorbs sound, making the large room feel comfortable. Custom-designed walnut banquettes show off details inspired by Japanese joinery, giving guests an up-close look at the level of craftsmanship. The furniture upholstery comes from well-known names like Maharam and Knoll.
The local touch: Art and furniture made in LA
A major part of the project was to feature the work of local creators. ORA made a point to collaborate with Los Angeles artists and makers to fill the space with unique pieces. Hanging above the stone-topped cocktail bar is a sculptural light fixture by LA artist Kazuki Takizawa that looks like a cascade of cherry blossoms. The solid white oak and brass bar stools were made locally by Lawson-Fenning, and the handmade ceramic lamps are from Ceramicah. The restaurant also displays works from other California-based artists, including Liisa Liiva, Molly Haynes, Rajiv Khilnani, and Rachel Duvall, adding distinct points of interest throughout the space.
This commitment to local sourcing and artistry, from the reclaimed street trees to the custom light fixtures, gives Uchi West Hollywood a real connection to its location. The design, constructed by Build Group, is a celebration of the city’s unexpected natural beauty. For their work, ORA received an Honorable Mention at the LIV Hospitality Design Awards.
Project info
Company: ORA
Lead Designer: Oonagh Ryan
Other Designer(s): James Guillou, Brian Trinidad, Jean Olmsted
Architect: ORA
Interior Designer: ORA
Hospitality: Hai Hospitality
Construction Company: Build Group
Photo Credit: Eric Staudenmaier
Location: 9001 Santa Monica Blvd #101, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Project Date: Dec 7, 2023
Developer: Hai Hospitality
