• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Location: Washington DC, United States

Architect/Interior Designer: Drummond Projects

Construction: Drummond Projects

Photography: Kate Wichlinski

A materially rich palette defines the 6,000-square-foot eatery GAIA, conceived by the interior design firm Drummond Projects. Rock-textured wall coverings, plastered surfaces, modular terraced sofas, and gracefully curved banquettes together evoke the mythological theme of this Washington, D.C. based restaurant, aptly named after the Greek goddess of the Earth. The design channels an abstract, primordial landscape through a selection of charcoal tones, stone-like textures, and lush foliage, establishing an atmosphere of natural beauty and elemental depth.

Soft, ambient lighting emanates from recessed ceilings and flows across the dining areas, delineating architectural volumes while casting a celestial glow. The subtle interplay of speckled light throughout the space suggests a starlit sky, heightening the restaurant’s immersive and dreamlike quality.

From Drummond Projects’ perspective, the central lighting installation, referred to as the lighting cloud is the defining feature of GAIA. This sculptural illumination transforms the interior, merging mythological symbolism with contemporary design. The lightscape not only enhances the spatial narrative but also embodies the firm’s philosophy of design as storytelling, where atmosphere and emotion guide the guest experience.

In GAIA, Drummond Projects succeeds in translating concept into lived experience. The design harmonizes Greek mythology, natural form, and material tactility, inviting guests into a multi-sensory environment that encourages discovery and connection. Balancing bold artistic expression with refined subtlety, the space becomes more than a restaurant, it is a vessel for myth, reflection, and rejuvenation, offering visitors a moment of respite and wonder within the rhythms of modern life.