Bronze Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2026

Mamuli

Interior

Restaurant, Bar & Cafe Interior Design

Completed / Built / Professional Category

Architect / Designer:

Ekaterina Baklan, Anton Baklan

Studio:

SOIA Design

Copyright:

Misha Chekalov

Mamuli is a restaurant that redefines cultural storytelling through interior design. Drawing inspiration from Georgia’s rich traditions while embracing cutting-edge aesthetics, the project transcends the boundaries of hospitality design. The result is a layered, immersive environment where heritage and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.

The clients approached our studio with a bold request: to create a restaurant that honors Georgian culture yet avoids the clichés often seen in themed interiors. They wanted a space that would captivate a contemporary audience, stand apart from competitors, and elevate the dining experience into something memorable. Functionality was equally important — the venue needed to flexibly accommodate intimate dinners, lively cultural events, and family gatherings, all without compromising its unique character.

This challenge resonated with our studio’s philosophy. The project became an opportunity to craft a narrative where traditional motifs are not replicated but reimagined, giving the space both emotional resonance and modern appeal.

At Mamuli, every design decision reflects a dialogue between past and present. Warm tones dominate the material palette, creating an atmosphere of hospitality that is both comforting and sophisticated. Walls finished with subtle gold plaster bring a soft glow, suggesting luxury without ostentation.

Custom-designed beehive-shaped chandeliers, inspired by Georgian architecture, hover above the dining hall as sculptural centerpieces. In contrast, the balusters shaped like black peppercorns pay homage to the country’s deep-rooted love for spices, adding an unexpected tactile detail. Together, these elements express cultural identity through symbolic artistry.

The furniture and millwork are equally bespoke. From zigzag-patterned wooden column cladding to tables carved from tree trunk slices, every piece is designed to highlight craftsmanship and material authenticity. A fireplace built directly into a dining table creates a surprising focal point, merging intimacy with spectacle. The bar counter and shelving were tailor-made to frame the restaurant’s vibrant social life, while one-of-a-kind chandeliers function as luminous works of art.

For us, Mamuli is more than a dining destination — it is an architectural and cultural statement. By weaving traditional references into a contemporary framework, the studio created a space that embodies Georgian warmth while appealing to a cosmopolitan audience.
The result is a restaurant that doesn’t simply serve food but stages an atmosphere: one that celebrates heritage, embraces innovation, and leaves a lasting impression on every guest who steps inside.

SOIA Design

SOIA Design is a full-service Interior design firm based in Los Angeles and serving worldwide. We are known for creating modern, eclectic residential and commercial spaces, especially custom homes and high-end restaurants. Our team of visionary interior designers in Los Angeles, led by Anton Baklan and Ekaterina Baklan, committed to elevating spaces into extraordinary works of art.