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.
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.
! 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 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 
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their approach to storytelling through design is truly inspiring 
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 
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 
. 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 
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 
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 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 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 mean, have u seen borromini? it's like stepping into a roman temple 
he's not just building restaurants, he's building emotions 
...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 
...I'm sure there are plenty of other talented architects out there who could've done the job for half the price 
. And don't even get me started on the murals – some of those look straight outta a bad 90s time capsule 
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Maybe they're working for a secret government agency or something... 
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!