WASHINGTON, D.C. – Shawmut, CORE architecture + design (CORE), and Studio PCH unveiled its collaboration on Nobu D.C. The three leading construction management, architecture, and design firms worked in tandem to introduce the world-renowned Japanese restaurant empire’s sophisticated new space to the heart of D.C.’s bustling West End.
"The space we created feels uniquely Nobu but also ties into the Washington D.C. culinary scene,” said Severine Tatangelo, principal at Studio PCH. “Our seamless partnership with CORE and Shawmut resulted in the successful realization of our vision for the restaurant.”
With Studio PCH’s vision in mind, Shawmut, a longtime partner of Nobu, and CORE, the architect for PRP Real Estate Investment Management’s mixed-use re-development that houses the restaurant, set to work on the 11,000 square-foot space. The resulting collaboration nods to traditional Japanese architecture and contemporary design across the restaurant’s bar and lounge, dining room and sushi bar, private dining spaces, and outdoor patios. Studio PCH’s concept emphasizes the horizontality of the space and deftly fuses the restaurant’s style with a D.C. touch. Nobu D.C.’s 250-seat interior greets guests with a space that is at once expansive and intimate, encompassing small seating vignettes and large party dining. The space features a lively open kitchen and 12-seat sushi bar at center stage and a wrap-around bar surrounded by low-slung lounge. A convertible private dining space awaits at the far end of the dining room, giving way to open-air and covered patio seating.
“Our team always looks forward to the opportunity to work with Nobu and bring the brand’s signature style to life,” said Randy Shelly, vice president at Shawmut. “It was an honor to partner with CORE and Studio PCH to introduce Nobu to D.C.’s ever evolving restaurant scene.”
With CORE overseeing the building’s overall transformation to luxury condominiums, the firm worked closely with Studio PCH and Shawmut to integrate the restaurant’s design into the building’s shell while seamlessly accommodating Nobu’s specific needs.
“Incorporating a world class restaurant into this project with a very low structural clearance required tremendous creativity from the designer, architect, and contractor to resolve special and technical conflicts and complexities,” said Dale Stewart, partner at CORE.
Shawmut integrated a series of rare and exotic finishes throughout the space, including full-height limestone from Jerusalem, custom tile from Brazil, an insulated fabric ceiling, custom red Napoleon marble quarried in France, and a custom white oak millwork and wall covering package throughout the space. Shawmut also installed a system of intricate shoji-inspired adaptable sliding doors allowing Nobu guests to customize their private dining space, and coordinated the etching and installation of a 15-foot, 3D Nobu sign at the exterior.
In bringing Studio PCH’s vision to life, the Shawmut and CORE teams overcame unique hurdles along the way, including navigating the site’s bustling location between Dupont Circle and Georgetown. Shawmut took great care to keep the entire process as minimally disruptive as possible for the building’s residential occupants and the adjacent Embassy of Qatar and Francis Field. Nobu D.C. represents Shawmut and Studio PCH’s fifth Nobu project together, and the firms’ first collaboration with CORE.