In collaboration with Smith Hanes Design
Photography by Andrew Thomas Lee
In Spring of 2012, NO Architecture, working in close collaboration with Smith Hanes Design, renovated an old meat distribution warehouse into what is now one of Atlanta’s most popular restaurants, The Optimist also has the adjacent Oyster Bar, a more casual “fish camp” style venue, featuring an outdoor patio, live music and an oyster bar.
Tim Nichols, owner, of NO Architecture has been partnering up with Ford Fry and Rocket Farm Restaurants as architect for their most recent projects. Located in Midtown West at Howell Mill and 8th, the Optimist brings a classic seafood experience to landlocked Atlantans, with a menu focusing on sustainable seafood prepared in a wood-burning oven.
Architectural elements include 16″ deep steel windows, steel bar shelves and oak ceilings. We expanded the existing brick openings, allowing more light and views into the expansive dinging space. The steel trusses were accented with lights while the brick walls were softened with wood and textile panels.
