Ideation Design Group (IDG), an award-winning, Phoenix-based interior architecture and design firm, is celebrating the successful opening of a new Mexican restaurant concept at Arizona Mills in Tempe, Arizona. The team is working to finish a $4 million remodel of the entire food court by March 2014.
IDG worked with local celebrity chef and James Beard semi-finalist Silvana Salcido Esparza to provide Tinta Mexicana customers with an authentic, quick-service Arizona dining experience. This isn't the first time the award-winning design firm and the award-winning chef have collaborated. Ideation Design Group led the remodel of Terminal Four at Sky Harbor International Airport, which included the construction of Esparza's traveler-friendly Barrio Café.
“From a full-service restaurant or quick-service restaurant, to a simple remodel, Ideation has treated me as if I was their only client,” says chef Silvana. “I am crazy about these guys! From now on, Ideation is an integral part of my success.”
Ideation Design Group’s multimillion-dollar remodel is transforming Arizona Mills’ food court into a more upscale, contemporary space that reflects the aesthetic of the Phoenix area. The interior architecture and design firm is using local materials, recycled products, and Arizona companies to execute their design vision.
“The redesigned space will offer shoppers a dining experience with more of a lounge feel,” says IDG principal Carl Schaffer.
The new food court color palette consists of earth tones. Design features include porcelain tile flooring with a whitewashed and black-washed wood feel, stacked stone and wood accents, as well as private booth seating, silk plants, and softer lighting. Tinted skylights will soften the space’s natural lighting and make it more energy efficient.
Upon completion, the 40,000 square foot space will feature 11 different restaurants, including Green Leaf's, Bananas, South Philly Steaks & Fries, Far East, Sukotto Japanese Grill, Villa Italian Kitchen, Mo' Burger, and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
