Interior design is not just about constructing an aesthetically pleasing environment. For companies like Adean Studios, it’s all about creating an immersive experience within a space that the world has yet to discover. Recently, DesignSpec Co-Founder Fiona Sanipelli sat down with Alexa Nafisi-Movaghar, the founder and creative director of Adean Studios. They discussed Adean’s recent exciting project, Cafe Goldie, their brand philosophy, and how DesignSpec is helping streamline the company’s workflow.

Cafe Goldie has just been recognized by the LIV 2024 Hospitality Design Awards as the winner of “Restaurant – Casual”

Could you tell us about your background in design and how Adean Studios was started?

Alexa: My whole life has always been geared around hospitality operations and services. Growing up in Park City, a resort town, I was immersed in the tourism industry. Throughout middle school and high school, I worked in hotels and restaurants, gaining valuable insights into their internal operations. After spending some time at large design firms, I realized I wanted to find my own voice rather than be confined by corporate regulations. When we founded Adean Studios in 2019, we decided to focus on restaurants and hotels. The storytelling and narrative possibilities within these spaces are endless.

The entire philosophy of Adean Studios is customization and narration-driven. We strive to create a transportive environment for anyone coming to visit our spaces. The company pays close attention to every detail, from cutlery to plants, prioritizing a harmonious sensory experience within our interiors. As a small boutique studio, our meticulous approach allows us to maintain high standards, and we intend to keep it that way.

“The entire focus of Adean Studios is customization and narration-driven.”

Alexa Nafisi-Movaghar

I appreciate that you began your career in high school by working at restaurants and hotels. This background really enhances the understanding of how a restaurant operates. In your opinion, what is the most crucial aspect of working in hospitality or restaurant design?

Alexa: Operations are the most critical factor in hospitality and restaurant design. You can create a beautiful space, but the business will struggle to succeed if the food is poor quality and the operations are not well managed. We work closely with our operating partners, which helps us successfully develop projects through a personalized approach. While our company collaborates with large corporations, we also enjoy cultivating new, smaller brand identities because it allows us to be part of their storytelling.