Restaurant Development + Design Magazine

“By combining fantasy with refinement, Dan Brunn modernizes Japanese restaurant traditions with abstract representations of bamboo, rock garden and bento.  The spatial arrangement, according to the judges, illustrates delicate harmony between strong and silent elements of Japanese cuisine.”

Rebecca Kilbreath, Editor-in-chief

YOJISAN SUSHI

Tasked with creating a dining experience that reflects the elegance of haute Japanese cuisine without relying on overused motifs, the design introduces a fresh, whimsical, and modern perspective. Rather than defaulting to familiar elements like bamboo or rice paper, the space embraces a minimalist yet impactful aesthetic rooted in authentic Japanese materials, culture, and lifestyle.

Upon entry, diners pass beneath a floating canopy of leafy plants, top-lit to evoke the feeling of wandering through a dreamlike Japanese forest. This ethereal gesture is balanced by more grounded elements—reclaimed wood and board-formed concrete—that provide a sense of weight and permanence, mirroring the rustic materials used on the restaurant’s exterior.

The spatial layout takes cues from the form and philosophy of a bento box, offering a composition of varied, intimate zones that reflect the subtle interplay of boldness and delicacy found in Japanese cuisine. Despite its compact footprint, the interior delivers an imaginative and immersive experience, challenging the expectations of its traditionally conservative setting.

The result is a celebrated design that has garnered five local and international awards and earned global recognition, including a cover feature in Grid, a leading German design magazine. It has become a local favorite and a benchmark for innovation in hospitality design.

SIZE
2,000 sf

COMPLETION
2012

ROLE
Principal Architect / Interior Designer

AWARDS
2014 Los Angeles Business Council: Architectural Award
2012 Restaurant and Bar Design Awards: Finalist
2012 Southern CA Development Forum: Design Award
2012 Los Angeles Business Council: Architectural Award
2012 Interior Design Magazine: Best of Year Award

SELECT PRESS
American Architects
Azure
Dwell Magazine
Food and Beverage Magazine
Grid Magazine (cover)
Hypebeast Magazine
Interior Design Magazine
Interiors and Sources
Taschen