To establish their vibes, many Philly restaurants turn to this architecture firm

Philadelphia's culinary scene is abuzz with some of the city's most celebrated eateries having been brought to life by Stokes Architecture + Design. The firm, led by design director Lance Saunders, has spent over two decades crafting bespoke spaces for top-notch restaurants and establishments.

The Philadelphia-based firm recently made history as one of just a handful of firms named to Forbes' inaugural list of America's Top Hospitality Architects and Designers. This recognition is a testament to Stokes' approach of using design to tell a story, transforming clients' visions into immersive visitor experiences.

Saunders believes this 'theatrical' approach involves considering the space's sensory elements - what patrons touch, see, and feel - while also collaborating closely with clients. For instance, at Stephen Starr's Borromini restaurant in Rittenhouse Square, Stokes incorporated traditional Roman design elements, like vaulted ceilings and intricate murals, to create a dramatic atmosphere that draws guests into the historic building.

In 2023, Stokes refurbished Friday Saturday Sunday, one of just three Philadelphia restaurants to earn a Michelin star last month. By highlighting the restaurant's unique blend of colonial and Hollywood-regency styles while paying homage to its original design, Saunders aimed to make the space more harmonious for diners. The results are striking - an elegant French-inspired salon-style dining room that showcases the owners' vision.

Stokes Architecture + Design boasts a diverse portfolio, encompassing not just fine dining establishments but also cafes, hotels, and office buildings. The firm's commitment to unique design elements has earned it recognition on the national stage. As Philadelphia prepares for its 250th anniversary next year, Saunders hopes this newfound attention will help solidify the city's reputation as a hotbed of creativity.

With several high-profile projects currently underway, including the recently opened Banshee bistro in South Street, Stokes Architecture + Design is poised to continue shaping the Philadelphia dining scene with its distinctive brand of design-driven storytelling.

LOL what's next for Philly? I mean seriously though, that food scene is ON POINT ! I love how they're using design to create these immersive experiences - it's like a whole new level of dining. And can we talk about Borromini? That place looks AMAZING . I'm so glad Stokes Architecture + Design is getting the recognition they deserve, they're really pushing the boundaries with their designs. Maybe one day Philly will be rivaling NYC for foodies

I gotta say, I'm not feeling this whole 'design-driven storytelling' vibe . I mean, don't get me wrong, it's dope that they're bringing these restaurants to life, but is it really necessary to overthink every little detail? Can't we just, like, enjoy our meals without having to take in all the drama of the space? And what about people with sensory sensitivities or anxiety disorders? All this extra design flair can be super overwhelming. Plus, I think some of these designs are straight up opulent and tasteless...I mean, vaulted ceilings and intricate murals at a fancy restaurant? It's just a bit too much for me .

omg i'm so stoked for philly's culinary scene!! stokes architecture + design is doing an incredible job bringing these amazing eateries to life their approach to storytelling through design is truly inspiring lance saunders must be a genius, i mean who else could make borromini look so dramatic and historic? can't wait to see what they come up with next!!!

OMG, have you seen the stats on Stokes Architecture + Design's client list? They've got 12 restaurants and bars under their belt, including some super high-end spots like Borromini! The firm's been around for over 20 years, and it's crazy to think about how many bespoke spaces they've created. Did you know that 80% of their projects are repeat clients? That's like a stamp of approval from the Philly foodies. And can we talk about their collaboration process? It seems like they get 90% of their design inspiration from client feedback alone! Not bad for a company that's been around since 2005. The fact that they're getting recognized on the national stage now is just proof that all those years of hard work have paid off

just saw this about stokes architecture and i gotta say, their vibe is so fire they're not just building spaces, they're creating experiences my fave part is how they incorporate unique elements from the clients' past to make it feel like home would love to see more of their work in philly, can't wait to try borromini

I think it's really cool how Stokes Architecture + Design is bringing these historic buildings back to life through their unique designs . The way they incorporate traditional elements, like vaulted ceilings and murals, into modern spaces creates this amazing atmosphere that makes diners feel like they're in a different time period . What I love most about Lance Saunders' approach is how he collaborates with clients to understand their vision and then uses design to tell a story . It's not just about building a space, it's about creating an experience that draws people in

man... i just love how stokes architecture + design brings these old buildings to life they got such a good eye for detail too, like the vaulted ceilings and murals at borromini restaurant - it's like stepping back in time but still feeling super modern & fancy i'm not surprised they made it onto that list of america's top hospitality architects lance saunders is def a genius and it's awesome to see philly getting all this recognition can't wait to try out some of their new spots, like the banshee bistro

I'm telling you, this whole thing is suspiciously perfect . I mean, a firm getting recognized by Forbes for being one of the best hospitality architects and designers in America? That's just too convenient . And what's with all these fancy restaurant designs? It's like they're trying to create an experience that's more about the design than the actual food itself . I'm no expert, but it feels like Stokes Architecture + Design is more interested in making a statement than serving up delicious eats.

And have you noticed how Lance Saunders always talks about "telling a story" through design? That sounds like a fancy way of saying they're trying to manipulate people's perceptions . I'm not saying it's bad, mind you, but there's definitely something fishy going on behind the scenes. Maybe Stokes is just trying to boost their reputation by associating themselves with high-profile clients and projects . Whatever the reason, I'll be keeping a close eye on this firm .

I'm loving how these architects are bringing the city's restaurants and eateries to life. I mean, have you seen Borromini? The way they've incorporated traditional Roman elements into this historic building is genius . It's like stepping back in time while still getting modern vibes. What I love most about their approach is that it's not just about the space itself but how it makes you feel - all the little details that create an immersive experience. And can we talk about the fact that they're using design to tell a story? That's so cool!

omg u gotta check out stokes architecture + design!!! they're literally changing the game in philly's food scene i mean, have u seen borromini? it's like stepping into a roman temple lance saunders is a genius his approach to designing spaces is all about creating an immersive experience for guests. and the attention to detail? he's not just building restaurants, he's building emotions

Ugh, I'm not surprised they made it onto that list ...I mean, have you seen some of these restaurants? Like, Borromini's all fancy and stuff, but what about the prices?! You're paying top dollar for a vibe, not a meal . And don't even get me started on the renovation process - all that fuss and expense just to make it look pretty ...I'm sure there are plenty of other talented architects out there who could've done the job for half the price .

Man, I'm loving this nostalgic feel of old-school Philly restaurants being revamped into these sick spaces . But at the same time, I gotta think about how some of these designs are super opulent and stuffy... I mean, who thought it was a good idea to put vaulted ceilings in a restaurant? It just feels like they're trying too hard to be fancy . And don't even get me started on the murals – some of those look straight outta a bad 90s time capsule .

On the other hand, I can appreciate the effort to incorporate unique design elements that tell a story and make each space feel special. The way Stokes is blending colonial and Hollywood-regency styles at Friday Saturday Sunday's is actually really cool . It's all about finding that balance between making something new and still respecting its heritage.

I'm also stoked to see more of these Philly restaurants getting the recognition they deserve, especially with this Forbes list . Maybe it'll help attract even more foodies and creatives to the city? Can you imagine a future where Philly is just as iconic for its design scene as LA or NYC?

Man, I love how Stokes Architecture + Design is bringing that 'storytelling' vibe to their restaurant designs ! It's like they're not just building spaces for food, but creating experiences that actually transport you to another world. And it's awesome to see how Lance Saunders and his team are able to weave all these different elements together - from the sensory stuff to the history of the building itself. It's no wonder they made the Forbes list ! The way they transformed Friday Saturday Sunday from a colonial-style spot to a sleek French-inspired salon... magic, right? Now I'm curious to check out that Banshee bistro and see how Stokes is going to bring their design style to South Street

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I'm telling ya, this whole thing about Stokes Architecture + Design just doesn't sit right... like they're trying to make Philly look all fancy and stuff, but what's really going on? Are they trying to brainwash us with their 'theatrical' spaces? I mean, think about it, they're not just designing restaurants, they're creating an experience. A story. What if that story is actually controlled by someone else? Maybe they're working for a secret government agency or something... Like, what's the real agenda here?

Oh man, I'm loving this design vibe from Stokes Architecture + Design! They're totally bringing back the drama and flair of old-school restaurants like Borromini - vaulted ceilings, intricate murals... it's like stepping into a time capsule! But at the same time, they're not just stuck in the past; they're also making the space feel fresh and harmonious for diners. I mean, who wouldn't want to eat in a French-inspired salon-style dining room that pays homage to its colonial roots? And can we talk about how awesome it is that they've got a diverse portfolio too - from fine dining to cafes to hotels... they're just really good at making spaces that make you feel something. Now, if only I could time-travel back and experience these restaurants when they were first opening up...

I'm so curious about this Stokes Architecture + Design firm! They're like a master chef for restaurants and buildings - they get to use their creativity to make spaces that are not only beautiful but also tell a story. I love how they think about all the sensory elements, like what you see, touch, and feel, when designing these spaces. It's like they're creating an immersive experience for patrons! And it sounds like they work really closely with their clients to make sure everyone is on the same page. That makes sense, right? I mean, who wants a design that just looks nice but doesn't reflect the owner's vision? Not me, that's for sure!

omg i just heard about this architecture firm called Stokes and i am literally obsessed! they're like total legends for making philly's restaurants look insane i mean who wouldn't want to dine in a space that's like stepping into a movie set? lance saunders is the man behind it all and his design style is straight fire i'm loving how he incorporates historical elements and sensory details to create this immersive experience for patrons. and can we talk about borromini restaurant tho? it's like stepping into rome in philly anyway, it's dope to see philly getting recognition for its creative dining scene and i'm excited to check out more of Stokes' projects

I'm loving the vibe of Stokes Architecture + Design's work! They're really good at crafting spaces that are more than just a place to eat - they're an experience . I mean, who wouldn't want to dine in a "theatrical" setting with vaulted ceilings and murals? The way they blended colonial and Hollywood-regency styles for Friday Saturday Sunday was pure genius . And it's great that they're not just limited to fancy restaurants - cafes, hotels, and office buildings all get the Stokes treatment . I think Philly is lucky to have them on board for its 250th anniversary celebrations . Can't wait to see what other awesome spaces they come up with next!