Emile’s is conceived as a contemporary airport bistro that fuses the warmth of a neighborhood restaurant with the efficiency and clarity required in a high-traffic terminal. The design language balances bold graphic identity with an intimate interior atmosphere, creating a recognizable destination visible from afar while remaining comfortable at a human scale. Color, pattern and lighting are orchestrated to convey a sense of lively hospitality rooted in Houston’s cosmopolitan energy.
The project emphasizes permeability between terminal circulation and the dining area, using a semi-open perimeter that invites spontaneous entry. Visual anchors such as the branded façade, illuminated signage and regimented ceiling elements guide travelers intuitively from concourse to counter, minimizing wayfinding stress in a transient environment.
The layout is organized around a central communal axis formed by a long shared table that visually aligns with the entrance. This gesture extends the concourse into the dining space, acting as both a spatial divider and a social condenser for solo travelers and small groups. Perimeter seating with smaller tables provides more intimate zones while preserving clear sightlines to the bar and departure concourse.
The bar is strategically located along one edge as a functional and visual backbone, consolidating service, storage and display in a single linear element. Open shelves and backlit bottles create depth, while the bar’s position allows staff to oversee the entire floor for operational efficiency. Circulation paths remain generous and direct, respecting luggage maneuverability and accessibility standards.
The façade operates as an oversized graphic portal. A deep teal backdrop with repetitive white “X” motifs establishes a strong visual identity, while horizontal timber slats introduce warmth and rhythm. The illuminated script logo is integrated as a sculptural element, projecting slightly from the plane to catch light and shadow.
Inside, the ceiling is treated as a unifying canopy. Suspended linear elements echo the exterior slats, compressing the scale and acoustically softening the open terminal volume. Blacked-out soffits conceal services and create contrast with the wooden strips, while track lighting delivers flexible, directional illumination that can adapt to changing furniture layouts.
The interior palette combines warm woods, deep reds and brass accents with graphic black-and-gold wall patterns. Timber flooring and tabletops introduce a tactile, residential quality, offsetting the hardness of the terminal’s terrazzo and metal finishes. Upholstered chairs in rust-red velvet tones offer visual richness and comfortable seating for extended dwell times.
Custom banquettes and freestanding tables are dimensioned for rapid turnover without sacrificing comfort, with carefully calibrated table spacing to maximize capacity while maintaining personal space. Decorative globe pendants over the communal area provide a soft, diffused light that contrasts with the more technical track lighting, adding a theatrical focal point above the central zone.
Lighting design is layered to articulate zones and reinforce brand identity. The glowing Emile’s sign and integrated LED strips along the base of planters and counters establish a welcoming threshold. Accent lighting highlights the patterned feature walls and photographic artwork, contributing to a narrative of place and memory within the transient airport context.
Graphic elements are curated along one wall in a gallery-like composition, using black-and-white imagery and simple frames to provide visual rhythm without overwhelming the compact footprint. The result is an atmosphere that feels both energetic and refined, encouraging short stays while remaining pleasant for longer layovers.
Sustainability strategies focus on durability, maintenance and responsible material selection in response to 24/7 operation. High-traffic surfaces such as flooring, bar fronts and tabletops are specified in robust, long-life materials to reduce replacement cycles. Upholstery fabrics are chosen for stain resistance and ease of cleaning, extending usability and limiting waste.
LED lighting throughout minimizes energy consumption while delivering precise control over illumination levels. The semi-open layout leverages existing terminal daylight and reduces the need for additional perimeter walls, lowering material use. Integrated planter elements introduce biophilic cues, improving perceived air quality and comfort without complex systems. Collectively, these measures provide a resilient, efficient bistro environment suited to Houston’s busy airport context.
Emile’s is conceived as a contemporary airport bistro that fuses the warmth of a neighborhood restaurant with the efficiency and clarity required in a high-traffic terminal. The design language balances bold graphic identity with an intimate interior atmosphere, creating a recognizable destination visible from afar while remaining comfortable at a human scale. Color, pattern and lighting are orchestrated to convey a sense of lively hospitality rooted in Houston’s cosmopolitan energy.
The project emphasizes permeability between terminal circulation and the dining area, using a semi-open perimeter that invites spontaneous entry. Visual anchors such as the branded façade, illuminated signage and regimented ceiling elements guide travelers intuitively from concourse to counter, minimizing wayfinding stress in a transient environment.
The layout is organized around a central communal axis formed by a long shared table that visually aligns with the entrance. This gesture extends the concourse into the dining space, acting as both a spatial divider and a social condenser for solo travelers and small groups. Perimeter seating with smaller tables provides more intimate zones while preserving clear sightlines to the bar and departure concourse.
The bar is strategically located along one edge as a functional and visual backbone, consolidating service, storage and display in a single linear element. Open shelves and backlit bottles create depth, while the bar’s position allows staff to oversee the entire floor for operational efficiency. Circulation paths remain generous and direct, respecting luggage maneuverability and accessibility standards.
The façade operates as an oversized graphic portal. A deep teal backdrop with repetitive white “X” motifs establishes a strong visual identity, while horizontal timber slats introduce warmth and rhythm. The illuminated script logo is integrated as a sculptural element, projecting slightly from the plane to catch light and shadow.
Inside, the ceiling is treated as a unifying canopy. Suspended linear elements echo the exterior slats, compressing the scale and acoustically softening the open terminal volume. Blacked-out soffits conceal services and create contrast with the wooden strips, while track lighting delivers flexible, directional illumination that can adapt to changing furniture layouts.
The interior palette combines warm woods, deep reds and brass accents with graphic black-and-gold wall patterns. Timber flooring and tabletops introduce a tactile, residential quality, offsetting the hardness of the terminal’s terrazzo and metal finishes. Upholstered chairs in rust-red velvet tones offer visual richness and comfortable seating for extended dwell times.
Custom banquettes and freestanding tables are dimensioned for rapid turnover without sacrificing comfort, with carefully calibrated table spacing to maximize capacity while maintaining personal space. Decorative globe pendants over the communal area provide a soft, diffused light that contrasts with the more technical track lighting, adding a theatrical focal point above the central zone.
Lighting design is layered to articulate zones and reinforce brand identity. The glowing Emile’s sign and integrated LED strips along the base of planters and counters establish a welcoming threshold. Accent lighting highlights the patterned feature walls and photographic artwork, contributing to a narrative of place and memory within the transient airport context.
Graphic elements are curated along one wall in a gallery-like composition, using black-and-white imagery and simple frames to provide visual rhythm without overwhelming the compact footprint. The result is an atmosphere that feels both energetic and refined, encouraging short stays while remaining pleasant for longer layovers.
Sustainability strategies focus on durability, maintenance and responsible material selection in response to 24/7 operation. High-traffic surfaces such as flooring, bar fronts and tabletops are specified in robust, long-life materials to reduce replacement cycles. Upholstery fabrics are chosen for stain resistance and ease of cleaning, extending usability and limiting waste.
LED lighting throughout minimizes energy consumption while delivering precise control over illumination levels. The semi-open layout leverages existing terminal daylight and reduces the need for additional perimeter walls, lowering material use. Integrated planter elements introduce biophilic cues, improving perceived air quality and comfort without complex systems. Collectively, these measures provide a resilient, efficient bistro environment suited to Houston’s busy airport context.
Our offices are located in Barcelona, Cancún, Chicago and Santo Domingo, but thanks to technology we can do projects on all over the world.
Barcelona
Bac de Roda 136
08020, Barcelona
Spain
Madrid
Av. de Buendía 11
19005 Guadalajara (Madrid)
Spain
Chicago
373 Hazel Ave, Apt A1
60022, Glencoe, Illinois
United States