Stokes Architecture + Design has taken Philly by storm with its visually stunning and immersive designs that transform restaurants into immersive experiences. For over 25 years, the firm's 12 employees have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, bringing their unique vision to some of the city's most celebrated eateries.
Led by design director Lance Saunders, Stokes has earned a spot on Forbes' inaugural list of America's Top Hospitality Architects and Designers, alongside just 100 firms that are shaping the fine dining and luxury industries. The recognition is a testament to the firm's emphasis on using design as a storytelling medium, which has paid off in a big way.
Stokes has had a hand in designing some of Philly's most iconic restaurants, including Michelin-star-winning establishments like Friday Saturday Sunday, Provenance, Kalaya, and Bardea Steak. The firm has also worked with Stephen Starr's establishments, including The Dandelion and Talula's Garden, as well as the amusement park Morey's Piers.
Saunders' approach to design is "theatrical" in nature, transforming clients' visions into visitor-friendly experiences that engage customers on multiple levels. He explains, "You're thinking about how they're interacting with the space – what they're touching, what they're seeing, what they're feeling." This storytelling approach is evident in Stokes' designs, which often pay homage to historical features and incorporate unique elements that make each space feel special.
Take Borromini, a new restaurant in Rittenhouse Square, for example. The design was inspired by traditional Roman trattorias but also incorporated the historical features of the Alison building, including vaulted ceilings and intricate murals. This blend of old and new created a dramatic effect that makes the space feel "a little bit special," according to Saunders.
Stokes' commitment to highlighting its clients' unique stories is reflected in its recent refurbishment work on Friday Saturday Sunday – one of three Philly restaurants to earn a Michelin star last month. The firm upgraded the interior design, lighting, and fluidity of the restaurant's layout while paying homage to the owners' original style.
The recognition Stokes has received from Forbes is a validation of its approach to hospitality design. When asked about the firm's unique portfolio, Saunders said, "I think when you look at our work and you think about Philadelphia's dining scene, our name is attached to a lot of these restaurants." With a wide range of projects under its belt, including cafes, hotels, and office buildings, Stokes' versatility makes it stand out in the industry.
With Philadelphia set to be in the spotlight next year as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary, Saunders hopes that the city's scrappy sense of creativity will continue to be recognized nationally. As for now, Stokes is working on a new project, Banshee, a bistro opening in the former Tio Flores location, and is excited about the opportunities ahead for Philly's thriving creative scene.
Led by design director Lance Saunders, Stokes has earned a spot on Forbes' inaugural list of America's Top Hospitality Architects and Designers, alongside just 100 firms that are shaping the fine dining and luxury industries. The recognition is a testament to the firm's emphasis on using design as a storytelling medium, which has paid off in a big way.
Stokes has had a hand in designing some of Philly's most iconic restaurants, including Michelin-star-winning establishments like Friday Saturday Sunday, Provenance, Kalaya, and Bardea Steak. The firm has also worked with Stephen Starr's establishments, including The Dandelion and Talula's Garden, as well as the amusement park Morey's Piers.
Saunders' approach to design is "theatrical" in nature, transforming clients' visions into visitor-friendly experiences that engage customers on multiple levels. He explains, "You're thinking about how they're interacting with the space – what they're touching, what they're seeing, what they're feeling." This storytelling approach is evident in Stokes' designs, which often pay homage to historical features and incorporate unique elements that make each space feel special.
Take Borromini, a new restaurant in Rittenhouse Square, for example. The design was inspired by traditional Roman trattorias but also incorporated the historical features of the Alison building, including vaulted ceilings and intricate murals. This blend of old and new created a dramatic effect that makes the space feel "a little bit special," according to Saunders.
Stokes' commitment to highlighting its clients' unique stories is reflected in its recent refurbishment work on Friday Saturday Sunday – one of three Philly restaurants to earn a Michelin star last month. The firm upgraded the interior design, lighting, and fluidity of the restaurant's layout while paying homage to the owners' original style.
The recognition Stokes has received from Forbes is a validation of its approach to hospitality design. When asked about the firm's unique portfolio, Saunders said, "I think when you look at our work and you think about Philadelphia's dining scene, our name is attached to a lot of these restaurants." With a wide range of projects under its belt, including cafes, hotels, and office buildings, Stokes' versatility makes it stand out in the industry.
With Philadelphia set to be in the spotlight next year as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary, Saunders hopes that the city's scrappy sense of creativity will continue to be recognized nationally. As for now, Stokes is working on a new project, Banshee, a bistro opening in the former Tio Flores location, and is excited about the opportunities ahead for Philly's thriving creative scene.
They're not just slapping some fancy lights on the wall and calling it a day – they're actually creating immersive experiences that make you feel like you're part of something special 
. It's all about storytelling, which I think is really cool. I mean who doesn't love being transported to another world through design? 
I'm kinda jealous that I'm still working at a dead-end 9-to-5 while Stokes is out there changing the game 
. Anyway, congrats to them for making Philly's dining scene shine 
gotta love how stokes architecture + design is bringing restaurants to life like no other firm can... those designs are straight fire 
and it's clear they're not just about making spaces pretty, but actually creating an experience for the customer 
the way lance saunders talks about "storytelling" through design really resonates with me - it's all about the vibes and the memories you make in those spaces 
what i'm most excited about is seeing how stokes continues to push boundaries on new projects like banshee 
.
. And that commitment to storytelling? That's something we can all learn from, don't you think? How do we tell our own stories through design, or in our daily lives for that matter? 
I gotta disagree with all these top design firms getting recognition for being all "storytelling" and "immersive". To me it just sounds like fancy marketing speak 
. What about the people who actually cook up a storm in those restaurants? Do they deserve some love too? 
. have you seen some of the other projects they've worked on? while borromini is definitely a gem, i'd love to see them tackle more diverse or challenging spaces in the future 
. now let's see how they execute on that promise with banshee 
Lance Saunders is a genius when it comes to storytelling through design – the way he incorporates historical features and unique elements into each space is just pure magic. 
I'm also loving how they're not afraid to experiment with different styles and ideas, like their new project Banshee. Philly's dining scene is definitely on the rise and I'm hyped to see what Stokes has in store for us next! 
. Plus, all this emphasis on design being a storytelling medium just feels like marketing speak to me 
lance saunders' approach to design is all about storytelling through the space and materials, which sounds so cool! 