When it comes to modern restaurants, they are not simply places to dine; they evoke immersive guest experiences through meticulous design.
Described as “tropical allure meets cosmopolitan glamour”, Earls Kitchen + Bar’s debut in Miami Worldcenter is designed to elevate the guest experience through refined materiality, layered lighting, and lush greenery.
The restaurant spans about 8,400 square feet with an additional 2,000 square foot patio. The concept was inspired by Miami’s mix of tropical culture, art, and Art Deco glamour. The goal was to create a space that feels lively and social – somewhere people want to gather, spend time, and enjoy the atmosphere as much as the food.
“We wanted the space to feel relaxed and vibrant during the day, and then naturally transition into a more energetic atmosphere at night. Natural materials, layered lighting, and bold artwork help create a setting that reflects the rhythm and personality of the city,” says Jennifer Hoffbeck, vice president, design at Earls Kitchen + Bar. “Miami’s art scene was a big influence for the space. The city has a strong creative identity, especially around events like Art Basel, and we wanted the restaurant to reflect that sense of expression.”
The centerpiece of the space is a stunning island bar, featuring a showstopping stone countertop and a tiered wood canopy above it, which helps anchor the room and create a focal point.
Throughout the restaurant rich warm woods, handmade tile, and colourful velvet seating are used to add depth and texture. The space is also adorned with commissioned sculptural art from talented American and South American artists, and includes works by Ben Medansky, Jenn Krypell, and Mauro Fraza. The artwork anchors the space with bold personality while exemplifying the brand’s dedication to sourcing one-of-a-kind pieces.
The patio uses a custom louvered system, rattan lighting, and lush oversized planters to create a lush, tropical oasis that maintains a seamless flow.
“The wraparound patio was also a big focus. With lush plants and open views onto the plaza, it creates a great spot for people watching and helps connect the restaurant to the energy of Miami Worldcenter,” says Hoffbeck.
The overall material palette includes sand-toned plaster, warm woods, and handmade tile — contrast with teal accents and gleaming metallics to evoke both serenity and downtown glamour.
The design uses scale and dramatic lighting successfully to transform a vast glass volume into a grand experience, capturing Miami’s glamour and energy. The layered lighting strategy features dramatically up-lit plants, warm-dim coves on oversized bar canopies, and glowing chandeliers balanced with mid-level sconces and pendants.
“The space started as a very large glass box, so one of the biggest challenges was creating warmth and a sense of scale. We had to rely heavily on lighting, ceiling forms, materials, and furniture to break the space into comfortable zones,” notes Hoffbeck.
Another challenge was making sure the patio and exterior frontage felt active and inviting. Because of the location within Miami Worldcenter, it was important that the restaurant contributed to the energy of the street.
“One of my favourite parts is how the restaurant changes throughout the day. During the day it feels open and relaxed, and by evening the lighting and atmosphere shift and the space becomes much more energetic. It’s great to see the restaurant come to life in different ways,” she says.
The well-executed project embodies Miami’s cultural diversity, glamour and artistry, earning it a Shine Awards of Excellence as well as Interior Designer of the Year.
“It’s always an honour to be recognized amongst a group of our peers. I know this is commonly said, but this award is ultimately a reflection of my teams work. So what’s most meaningful to me is that my team was recognized,” says Hoffbeck, who also acknowledged the entire project team for their contributions, resulting in the Miami location becoming one of the most successful restaurants in the Canadian chain’s portfolio.
