The Malarkey was designed as a love letter to Portland. Gritty, glamorous, a little weird, and layered with stories that reveal themselves as you move through the space.
Working closely with Brian Malarkey, we built a world that felt true to his energy while giving each room its own story, personality and point of view.
Each space draws from different parts of Portland’s history and culture, from the shipyards and forests to Chinatown, nightlife and the city’s creative spirit. Those stories come through in the color, lighting, artwork, materials and unexpected details.
The goal was never to create a themed restaurant, but rather a space that felt collected, layered and alive. Where hard materials sit next to gentler ones and vintage pieces mix with custom elements. An intentional juxtoposition that twould translate into moments of elegance, humor and complete irreverence.
There is a lot going on in this space, but none of it is random.
Each room has its own story, color palette and personality, while a consistent material language, lighting approach and sense of humor keep the restaurant connected as a whole. The quieter moments give the louder ones room to work, and the layers of art, pattern, texture and lighting create something new to notice every time you look around.
More importantly, the design supports the experience of being there. There are places to gather, places to settle in, rooms that feel intimate and others that feel energetic, which feels like a pretty perfect description of Portland itself.
It works because there is enough structure to hold all of the personality, and enough personality to make it memorable. It is intentional without ever feeling precious.
"The inside glows rosy pink, as if optimism were a color"
Tricorn Black Team: Heylen Thienes, Daley Henderson & Karen Cooley
Architect: Waechter Architecture
General Contractor: R&H Construction
Photographer: Dina Avila
Plants: Pistils Nursery
Collaborators: Mac Pike, KSRA, Melanie Getman, Johnny Lane, Portland Street Art Alliance, Portable Dwellings, Enhance AV, Current Collection, Walls Art, Ink & Wood, Milkshop Studios, Musings Designs, Each Other, Kayleigh Mahony, Amalia Thienes
The Malarkey was designed as a love letter to Portland. Gritty, glamorous, a little weird, and layered with stories that reveal themselves as you move through the space.
Working closely with Brian Malarkey, we built a world that felt true to his energy while giving each room its own story, personality and point of view.
Each space draws from different parts of Portland’s history and culture, from the shipyards and forests to Chinatown, nightlife and the city’s creative spirit. Those stories come through in the color, lighting, artwork, materials and unexpected details.
The goal was never to create a themed restaurant, but rather a space that felt collected, layered and alive. Where hard materials sit next to gentler ones and vintage pieces mix with custom elements. An intentional juxtoposition that twould translate into moments of elegance, humor and complete irreverence.
There is a lot going on in this space, but none of it is random.
Each room has its own story, color palette and personality, while a consistent material language, lighting approach and sense of humor keep the restaurant connected as a whole. The quieter moments give the louder ones room to work, and the layers of art, pattern, texture and lighting create something new to notice every time you look around.
More importantly, the design supports the experience of being there. There are places to gather, places to settle in, rooms that feel intimate and others that feel energetic, which feels like a pretty perfect description of Portland itself.
It works because there is enough structure to hold all of the personality, and enough personality to make it memorable. It is intentional without ever feeling precious.
"The inside glows rosy pink, as if optimism were a color"
Tricorn Black Team: Heylen Thienes, Daley Henderson & Karen Cooley
Architect: Waechter Architecture
General Contractor: R&H Construction
Photographer: Dina Avila
Plants: Pistils Nursery
Collaborators: Mac Pike, KSRA, Melanie Getman, Johnny Lane, Portland Street Art Alliance, Portable Dwellings, Enhance AV, Current Collection, Walls Art, Ink & Wood, Milkshop Studios, Musings Designs, Each Other, Kayleigh Mahony, Amalia Thienes