Original Construction
1987
Completion Date
2016

Sushi Grand, Mackinac Island’s first and only sushi restaurant, was developed as a 24-seat dining destination affiliated with the Grand Hotel. The project sought to create a distinctive, immersive dining experience within a compact and irregularly shaped space, balancing an intimate atmosphere with efficient seating and food preparation. Inspired by Japanese design traditions, the interior features an elaborate palette of gold, red, and black, complemented by bamboo elements, handcrafted decorative details, and natural textures. The restaurant’s design establishes a memorable setting that celebrates the artistry of sushi preparation while offering a unique addition to Mackinac Island’s dining experience.

The firm’s role focused on interior design, spatial planning, and the integration of custom finishes and decorative elements to maximize the limited footprint while maintaining operational efficiency. To accommodate the program, the south wall was relocated and kitchen facilities were shared with an adjoining restaurant, creating a more functional layout while preserving an open yet intimate relationship between chef and diner. Signature design features include a hand-painted ceiling mural depicting stylized maps of Mackinac Island and Asia against a gold-leaf background, accented with fiber-optic lighting representing major cities. Conical straw-hat pendant lights illuminate the sushi bar’s black-and-gold granite countertops, while hand-painted bamboo trelliswork, an antique gilded carving behind the bar, and genuine bamboo screening at the windows reinforce the Japanese-inspired aesthetic. Rounded dark pebbles cover the floor, evoking the appearance of a shallow wading pool. Together, these carefully coordinated materials and handcrafted details create a distinctive interior defined by craftsmanship, atmosphere, and a strong sense of place.