Studio UNLTD has designed a space that possesses warmth, soul, and sense of wonder which will reverberate beyond its doors and have a positive impact on the surrounding area. The cornerstone of the project is the dramatic arched bar design with its use of structural glulam beams which toes the line between innovation and beauty. This piece mimics the barrel of a wave, where you might find the chef/owner surfing. The architectural lighting, color scheme and finish materials at the bar bring the magic of the golden hour to life.

A collection of materials and fabrics inspired by a Mediterranean-meets-California palette are at play with touches of modernity creating a mood imbued with irreverence and levity. Skate and surf references throughout the space disrupt the old-world aesthetic and bring moments of rebellion and energy inspired by chef Swikard.

In the dining area, meandering seating sets a relaxed tone with a coastal feel, replete with plant life, marine blue chairs and rust colored booths. The vast, scooped two-way banquette, which acts as a buffer to the bar area, is upholstered in concrete gray and features a yellow “rail” back rest, evoking the Southern California image of a skate park. A blend of a denim-blue decorative tiles adorn the columns in the dining room, adding a touch of the Mediterranean. Underfoot, floors are honey-toned European oak and above board, tabletops are a blend of deep rich wood tones and light-colored, veined stone.

A plethora of intrigue and activity surround the dining room on 3-sides in the form of a floor to ceiling wine room, an alluring private dining room and the chef’s show kitchen. Hanging above the kitchen’s monumental stone clad pass counter, its exhaust hood is clad in a v-shape of corten steel. The private dining room is surrounded by partitions of steel and glass faced with shelving on which the bounty of the journey is displayed. Wood flooring gives way to a contemporary take on a Persian rug in rich burgundy tones which wraps up the wall enveloping you like a cloak.

With Callie, the studio designed a true destination restaurant hidden within an area of urban San Diego, California whose best days lie ahead. Although the area has enormous potential, the beleaguered East Village neighborhood is still considered the fringe of the well-known Gaslamp Quarter nearby. Despite recent development in the area, it has yet to find its footing commercially and its architecture lacks the warmth and character of the quaint Gaslamp. Adding to the challenge was the fact that the restaurant is located on the ground level of a corporate high-rise.

Another benefit in car-obsessed California, Callie is located directly on a trolley line making it accessible via public transport which is a rarity in the city. Furthermore, guests all along the western coast of Southern California have access to the Surfliner train line which links up with the trolley line, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of dining here.