Uchi, or "house" in Japanese, is the culmination of a lifetime of passion and dedication to excellence of James Beard Award‑winning chef and owner Tyson Cole. ORA designed Uchi LA to explore the intersection of modern Southern California and Japanese design sensibilities while embodying the spirit of Los Angeles today.

The restaurant is located within a mixed-use building in West Hollywood, one of Los Angeles’s most walkable and vibrant neighborhoods, on a prominent corner along Santa Monica Boulevard.

The concept of organizing space around a “spine” emerged from the desire to define unique dining destinations while maintaining generous openness within the larger interior. Two spines composed of large live-edge wood slabs suspended from the ceiling weave through the interior and onto the patio, framing dramatic street views.

With slabs varying in width, spacing and height off the floor, the spines also create dynamic moments of surprise and connection.

In collaboration with Angel City Lumber, each slab was sourced from street trees harvested throughout Los Angeles. Inspired by the wabi-sabi concept of finding beauty in imperfection, each slab was meticulously milled to showcase its grain and character. The design recycled 26 tons of wood which is the equivalent to 50 metric tons of carbon sequestered by 214 acres of US forests in a year.

Custom concrete planters run along the spine, pulling a planting palette inspired by iconic mid-century modern California gardens deep inside. Large sliding glass doors open onto the patio, also bringing nature and the city's spirit within.

Above diners, sinuous vertical wood planes run along the spines and unfold throughout the space at different heights, forming a zen garden-inspired ceiling. The curved wood planes conceal cove lighting, which subtly grazes the wood slabs and planes throughout, highlighting the timber’s natural character.

These wood elements, in combination with a hand-troweled acoustic plaster ceiling, deliver impressive acoustic performance and comfort for diners below.

Stone walls, delicate metal shelves, and textured plaster all line the perimeter of the space, anchoring a cocktail bar off the entry and a sushi bar in front of the open-concept kitchen. An exclusive private dining room is located behind the cocktail bar.

Upholstered walnut banquettes, with details inspired by Japanese joinery, offer guests the opportunity to engage with these design elements up close.