Stokes Architecture + Design is making waves in Philadelphia's culinary scene, and it's not just about the food. The firm behind Michelin-star-winning restaurants like Friday Saturday Sunday, Provenance, and Kalaya, as well as Wildwood's Morey's Piers, has been quietly shaping the city's hospitality industry for over two decades.
At the helm of this creative force is design director Lance Saunders, who credits the firm's emphasis on using design as a storytelling medium for its recent recognition by Forbes as one of America's Top Hospitality Architects and Designers. "We're kind of telling a story," Saunders explains. "You're thinking about how they're interacting with the space – what they're touching, what they're seeing, what they're feeling."
The approach is "theatrical" in nature, transforming clients' visions into immersive visitor experiences. Take Borromini, Stephen Starr's newest Rittenhouse restaurant, which drew inspiration from traditional Roman trattorias while incorporating historical features of the Alison building. The result is a dramatic space with vaulted ceilings and intricate murals that feels special – even when it lacks immediate connection to the park.
Stokes' work also highlights the importance of paying homage to originality while elevating design elements. When refurbishing Friday Saturday Sunday's Lovers Bar, the firm aimed to create a harmonious space that reflected the owners' unique style. The result is an elevated take on French dining with a colonial-meets-Hollywood-regency flair.
What sets Stokes apart, according to Saunders, is its diverse portfolio – from brasseries to cafes and hotels. "I think our portfolio is interesting in a way that makes us really unique," he says. With Philadelphia's 250th anniversary celebration next year, Saunders hopes the city's creative spirit will continue to gain national recognition.
As Stokes currently works on Banshee, a new bistro opening in the former Tio Flores space, Saunders' optimism is palpable. "There's so many cool things coming up (in Philadelphia) that are very bootstrapped," he notes. "That's bred this elevated sense of creativity in Philadelphia for all these years." With its commitment to innovative design and storytelling, Stokes Architecture + Design is poised to continue shaping the city's hospitality landscape.
At the helm of this creative force is design director Lance Saunders, who credits the firm's emphasis on using design as a storytelling medium for its recent recognition by Forbes as one of America's Top Hospitality Architects and Designers. "We're kind of telling a story," Saunders explains. "You're thinking about how they're interacting with the space – what they're touching, what they're seeing, what they're feeling."
The approach is "theatrical" in nature, transforming clients' visions into immersive visitor experiences. Take Borromini, Stephen Starr's newest Rittenhouse restaurant, which drew inspiration from traditional Roman trattorias while incorporating historical features of the Alison building. The result is a dramatic space with vaulted ceilings and intricate murals that feels special – even when it lacks immediate connection to the park.
Stokes' work also highlights the importance of paying homage to originality while elevating design elements. When refurbishing Friday Saturday Sunday's Lovers Bar, the firm aimed to create a harmonious space that reflected the owners' unique style. The result is an elevated take on French dining with a colonial-meets-Hollywood-regency flair.
What sets Stokes apart, according to Saunders, is its diverse portfolio – from brasseries to cafes and hotels. "I think our portfolio is interesting in a way that makes us really unique," he says. With Philadelphia's 250th anniversary celebration next year, Saunders hopes the city's creative spirit will continue to gain national recognition.
As Stokes currently works on Banshee, a new bistro opening in the former Tio Flores space, Saunders' optimism is palpable. "There's so many cool things coming up (in Philadelphia) that are very bootstrapped," he notes. "That's bred this elevated sense of creativity in Philadelphia for all these years." With its commitment to innovative design and storytelling, Stokes Architecture + Design is poised to continue shaping the city's hospitality landscape.
they're like totally changing the game with their designs i mean who doesnt love a good immersive experience?? 
lance saunders the design director is sooo passionate about his work and its easy to see why stokes has been recognized by forbes as one of americas top hospitality architects & designers! 
the way they pay homage to originality while elevating design elements is genius! 
i'm loving the fact that they have a diverse portfolio from brasseries to cafes & hotels. can't wait to see what they do with banshee, their new bistro opening soon!!! 
. As a foodie and design enthusiast, it'd be awesome to see more restaurants incorporating inclusive spaces that cater to diners with disabilities. Theatrical design might look amazing on paper, but let's not forget about the people who make it all come together! 
. And I'm stoked (pun intended) about the city's creative spirit gaining national recognition next year 
. Can't wait to see what they have in store for Banshee 
!
. And what's with the obsession over uniqueness and originality? Can't they just use some good old-fashioned common sense when designing a space? 
. It's all about balance, you know?
There's just something special about Philly's creative energy, and I think Stokes is helping to amplify it 
Can't wait to see what they come up with next!
. And I love how Lance Saunders emphasizes the importance of originality - it's not just about mimicking what's popular, but about creating something unique that reflects the client's style and vision 
. Philly's got a great energy going on right now, and I think Stokes is playing a big part in shaping that creative spirit 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to dine at a Michelin-star restaurant or hang out at a hotel that's designed with personality? 
. And I love how they pay homage to Philly's history while still adding their own twist