Design on a plate

Wilson Associates has officially launched BluePlate, a studio specialising in restaurant consultancy and design solutions. BluePlate will offer the full gamut of F&B-related services, covering food concept briefs, menu engineering, tabletop and uniform design, kitchen planning and financial evaluation.

“My goal in the current economy is to determine how we can create opportunities out of the challenges we face. As a small business owner, I am in the unique position to not only survive the tough times, but actually turn them to my advantage,” Trisha Wilson, founder and CEO of Wilson Associates told CID.

“I have found myself seeking new priorities; there has never been a better time to re-examine your goals! These include realising that where new development has slowed, opportunities for renovation have grown,” she continued.

“In addition, our focus is now on different parts of the market, such as specialty restaurant design.”

BluePlate will approach each design project holistically to create an all-encompassing culinary experience.

“What sets BluePlate apart is that the team is composed of much more than F&B designers. We have a team of hospitality business analysts, graphic and fashion designers and chefs and kitchen planners,” said Wilson.

BluePlate Studios and Wilson Associates will work together to provide this one-stop shop option, and already have over 50 projects underway across the globe.

“Our team examines each project from all points of view. We focus on pushing the creative envelope to deliver a product that is innovative, yet sensible,” stated Dan Kwan, executive design director, BluePlate Studios.

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“Every aspect of the food and beverage process is considered. At BluePlate Studios, we look at dining as a holistic experience because to us, food is an art and a science!”

Wilson Associates has extensive experience in the F&B industry, having launched over 25 critically acclaimed food and beverage concepts around the globe.

At the recently-opened Hilton Beijing Wangfujing in China (pictured), the client sought to reflect the owner’s hometown by blending modern Chinese aesthetics with subtle Portuguese references.

BluePlate projects already underway include a specialty F&B floor at the Hilton Chennai, India; a clean, uncomplicated concept for a Chinese-inspired restaurant at the InterContinental Nanjing, China; an opulent high-end dining experience at the Lotte Hotel Moscow, Russia; and a contemporary yet rustic concept at the beachfront Conrad Koh Samui Resort.

“Drama is very important in my design, tempered with some whimsy,” Kwan revealed. “It’s important to remember that the dining experience is one of entertainment! I envision our restaurants as a collection of culinary arts.”

Wilson anticipates strong demand for the studio’s services in The Middle East. “The Middle East certainly has always been a key strategic market for Wilson Associates. We have received an incredibly positive response from clients and developers, as well as hotel operators who have said BluePlate could not have come at a better time. BluePlate is already actively working on multiple projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain.”