Islyn Studio Inc.

06/16/2026

Quiet corners in Uchi

06/10/2026

We’re thrilled to see Uchi DC featured by Dezeen.

A sincere thank you to Dan Howarth for his thoughtful coverage and for capturing the essence of the project so eloquently:

“Balancing precision and romance, the result is a richly atmospheric restaurant that feels cinematic in both mood and sequencing — honoring both Uchi’s culinary philosophy and the city’s layered identity.”

Bringing this remarkable new destination to life was an inspiring collaboration, and we’re grateful to everyone who contributed their creativity, expertise, and passion along the way.

Thank you, Dezeen, for helping us celebrate this opening.

Photography by .jess.laird William Jess Laird.

05/12/2026

Uchi DC is now open!

Located in Washington’s Golden Triangle, our second collaboration with was designed as a restaurant deeply connected to the rhythm and character of its neighborhood, warm, intimate, cinematic, and quietly transportive.

Inspired by New Formalist Modernism and the expressive geometry of mid-century architecture, the space unfolds as a carefully orchestrated journey through layered thresholds, hidden corners, and atmospheric dining rooms. Rich tones of crimson, jade green, walnut, and muted gold create a sensual backdrop shaped by soft light, tactile materials, and moments of concealment and discovery.

Rather than announce itself loudly, Uchi DC was imagined as a place that feels found over time, immersive, romantic, and deeply personal. Every room was designed to bring guests closer, to the food, to one another, and to the experience itself.

We’re incredibly grateful to Hai Hospitality and the many collaborators who helped bring this project to life.

Now open in Washington, DC.

Photography by .jess.laird and

WashingtonDC

05/11/2026

At Uchi DC, even the most private spaces are part of the story.

Layered mirrors, glowing paper lanterns, saturated color, and walnut surfaces create an atmosphere that feels surreal, dreamlike, and cinematic.

Each bathroom becomes its own discovery, wrapped in vivid tones of green, red, blue, or orange, drawing guests deeper into the restaurant’s immersive universe.

Throughout the space, moments of concealment and surprise shape the experience, allowing every room to unfold like a scene within the larger narrative.

Opening tomorrow, May 12.

Photography by .jess.laird

05/11/2026

Tomorrow, DC opens in Washington’s Golden Triangle.

Our second collaboration with begins with a moment of quiet arrival.

The reception space was designed as a threshold, warm walnut paneling, softened light, geometric forms, and a restrained material palette that slowly separates the restaurant from the pace of the city outside.

Inspired by the rhythm and refinement of the neighborhood surrounding it, the experience unfolds gradually, intimate, cinematic, and quietly transportive.

Follow along as we continue to share each area of the restaurant in the days ahead.

Opening May 12 at 1700 M Street NW.

Photography by .jess.laird

WashingtonDC

05/11/2026

04/23/2026

Late this summer, we have a new hotel project opening in Greenport, NY with , The Oyster Estate.

Our hearts have been completely taken by this small coastal town on the North Fork, its roadside farm stands, briny oysters, wildflower fields, wineries, cherry blossoms and birding.

We’ve spent our days riding bikes to a sunset swim at 67 Steps Beach, then warming up back at The Oyster Estate hot tub, and our evenings shooting pool and hearing stories of mermaids at Whiskey Wind, in a town that still feels undiscovered, as wild as it is free.

We can’t wait to share this place with all of you, and are deeply grateful to our partners at Blue Flag for trusting us to bring it to life.

04/08/2026

It’s almost ramp season which has us dreaming about a soon needed visit to our project .kingston in the Hudson Valley 🌿