NCA Studio's design philosophy centered on authenticity and connection. Rather than concealing the building's history, the architecture celebrates it: exposed brick walls, weathered wood structure, and industrial bones become the backdrop for gathering. The design deliberately blurs boundaries between front and back of house, inviting guests into the full restaurant experience—where the energy of cooking becomes part of the atmosphere.

NCA Studio worked closely with Chef Carson and Klein Agency to bring this vision into reality. As the architect and management team, NCA Studio oversaw the project through design, budgeting, permitting, construction and opening. As with many older buildings, this required close coordination with the city and scrupulous design collaboration to navigate the complexities of the unreinforced masonry, upgrades of the majority of the building's infrastructure, outdoor dining permits, CUB, health department, and historic building requirements. This oversight included the large consultant team of interior designers, graphic designers, branding, packaging, and kitchen consultants.

Throughout, the focus remained on creating an authentic gathering place where materiality, craft, and hospitality work in concert to foster memorable connections. The material palette embodies purity and honesty–materials in their basic state provide all the decoration needed, creating warmth without pretense. This minimalist approach allowed NCA Studio to focus on what matters: crafting spaces where refined French-inspired cuisine and the Arts District's creative energy naturally converge.