Dear Jane's

Dear Jane's — IADA 2025 award

Dear Jane's received Bronze Winner recognition at the International Architecture & Design Awards 2025 in Restaurant Interior Design. Project status, design team and credits are listed alongside the presentation.

About the project

Nestled along the water in Marina Del Rey, California, Dear Jane’s offers an unforgettable fine dining experience, steeped in a moody ambiance expertly juxtaposed against invigorating waterfront views. Husband and wife duo Hans and Patti Rockenwagner alongside Michelin-rated chef Josiah Citrin enlisted our studio to bring their 1920s-inspired vision for the seafood destination to life. The pair envisioned a bar that would evoke the “Rat pack” era, replete with dark, heavy rooms that exude a vibrant sense of masculinity throughout the space.

The restaurant marries the best of both worlds –– the casual dining room opens out with large windows, bringing in the easy ocean air and unfiltered sunshine. A backdrop of lighthearted sailboats calls to the teak deck flooring, setting the stage for familiar dining booths in happy yellow and retro blues, clad in custom upholstery branded with Dear Jane’s signature fish. A colorful wall of recycled nautical floats extend the space’s playful buoyancy. In contrast, the bar area exhibits a darker, yet equally alluring atmosphere through intimate candle-lit tables, red-velvety bar stools and red drapery that are complemented by thought-provoking artwork from Santa Monica’s Robert Bermans Gallery.

While the restaurant’s design exudes a deep sense of nostalgia, The Rockenwagners and Citrin also desired a celebration of femininity. As a result, the concept leaned further into a roaring, Gatsby-like elegance that prioritizes unburdened movement throughout the floor plan. The team pulled from the era’s beloved fashion, when skirts were short and full of flapper shag that would twist and snap with every Charleston step. Every interaction centered around electrical connectivity and shared experiences. The design also incorporated a multitude of rich velvets that are softly illuminated by the warm glow of intimate lights. The moodiness is again balanced by the clink of cocktail glasses and laughter, sure to keep things light and airy. The color palette includes a vast range from the roaring 20’s all the way through to today, creating a cohesive bridge that spans a century—taking the best of the best and harmonizing these elements into a sophisticated aesthetic.

Whether planning a birthday celebration, corporate gathering or intimate date night, Dear Jane’s provides a versatile venue for all, offering stunning semi-private and private dining options for any occasion. Dear Jane’s gives patrons a memorable experience full of the character and charm of a bygone era, with delectable seafood cuisine to match.

Minarc

Minarc is an award-winning architectural firm known for its commitment to sustainable, innovative, and minimalist design. Founded by Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir and Tryggvi Thorsteinsson, Minarc is celebrated for its use of their fire-resistant and noncombustible building system that is constructed sustainably, often incorporating Icelandic influences into its work. The firm specializes in diverse architectural projects, including residential homes, accessory dwelling units, and commercial spaces. Minarc's groundbreaking construction system exemplifies their dedication to fire-resistant, noncombustible, modular, and eco-friendly building solutions.