Noraneko Ramen Shop & Bar
Portland, Oregon | 2015
Kina was involved in the Noraneko ramen shop project in close-in Southeast Portland, both as the architect-project manager, and the co-owner of the business venture.
Many of the space's existing industrial qualities were retained: open web steel trusses, weathered galvanized metal decking and rough concrete floors. Kina interspersed the Japanese-scaled guest area with a forest of steel columns, off of which were hung benches, countertops, the bar, and room dividers. Attached to these supports were layers of reclaimed plywood, clear-sealed cement board, 2x wood components and mirrors. The lighting scheme includes simple track lighting with LED fixtures and Isamu Noguchi light fixtures.
In addition to designing the front of house, Kina laid out the back of house areas, focusing on maximizing the functionality of the extremely busy kitchen and the utility of a second floor mezzanine, which served as the office, a generalized storage area and secondary prep kitchen.
In collaboration with Heroist, Kina worked on the design of Noraneko's brand package, including coordinating the neon sign design and installation. She continued to provide creative direction and design assistance for on-going tenant improvements as Noraneko’s operations changed.