LUSTIG
Culver City, CA
Client: Lustig LLC, Chef Bernhard Mairinger
Location: Culver City, CA
Scope: 2,735 sf Restaurant with Outdoor Dining
Role: Architect of Record
Nestled within the historic Helm's Bakery, Lustig is a 2,750-square-foot celebration of gathering, warmth, and Austrian culinary tradition. The restaurant's name—meaning fun, playful, and enjoyable—became the guiding principle for creating a space where people naturally connect over vibrant food and convivial atmosphere.
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The design honors the building's industrial concrete-and-steel bones while infusing them with approachable warmth. Bold red accents and rich wood tones soften the raw architectural elements, creating a dynamic yet comfortable setting. This balance between heritage and contemporary energy establishes a strong sense of place—rooted in history yet alive with possibility.
The architecture tells a story that complements Chef Bernhard Mairinger's cuisine: honest, joyful, and inviting. Every detail—from material choices to spatial flow—supports the experience of gathering. The space feels simultaneously casual and considered, encouraging guests to linger, converse, and discover.
Working again with Studio UNLTD, the team created more than a restaurant; a destination was created that embodies its name. The visual language of the space invites participation and pleasure, matching the spirit of the menu. Lustig demonstrates our belief that architecture should foster joy and connection—creating places where the experience of being together is as memorable as the meal itself. This is placemaking at its most essential: designing spaces that naturally bring people together.
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Interior Designer
Studio UNLTDStructural Engineer
Reiss Brown Ekmeji
Electrical Engineer
TEK Engineering GroupMechanical and Plumbing
Engineered SolutionsPhotographer
Stephen Paul Stocker -
2022
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