“We believe in letting the concept inform the style of a project, whether this approach is traditional, contemporary, or a combination of both,” says Kristen Lien, principal architect of Frank Architecture & Interiors. Founded in 2009 by Kelly Morrison and Kate Allen, with Lien joining as a third partner in 2015, the firm credits Alpine Social at the Chateau Lake Louise for putting them on the map, spawning a longterm partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts to transform its F&B spaces. Up next is a food hall in Winnipeg’s True North Square plaza, as well as interior revamps of several Canadian Fairmont properties. Here, the partners dive into three of their most recent F&B projects.
Vermillion
Working within the constraints of Fairmont’s historic Banff Springs hotel proved to be a challenge for the team, which kept most of the existing architecture intact. In the style of a Parisian bistro, a mix of navy velvet seating, polished brass accents, and rich wood millwork renders the space “timeless and glamorous,” says founding director Morrison. The striking grand marble-topped bar looks out to the mountains, with ambient lighting from a series of bespoke globe chandeliers illuminating the room, she adds.
Vermillion’s dining room, replete with navy velvet seating and brass accents.
Pizzeria Gusto
The update of this Winnipeg establishment features warm materials and natural tones throughout, from the wood-paneled walls and saddle leather dining chairs to the parked orange Vespa. “We worked closely with the client to create a strong narrative,” principal architect Allen explains, incorporating the brand’s signature colors through textiles and greenery. The open kitchen area boasts homey details like a pasta maker, canned goods, and cookbooks, creating “a welcoming environment [that] makes guests feel like they’ve just stepped into nonna’s kitchen.”
Natural materials define Pizzeria Gusto.
Bison
In Banff, the Bison is held in high esteem for its cuisine. For the refresh, “we wanted to stay true to the established brand and expected dining experience,” says Lien. To achieve this, the ceiling was painted white to brighten the lofty, industrial space, blue paneling was added for a pop of color, and locally sourced reclaimed wood floors evoke a rustic quality. The highlight, Morrison points out, is the bar: “We reconfigured it to open it up to the surrounding seating areas and added delicate copper detailing to give it a feminine touch.”
Vermillion’s dining room, replete with navy velvet seating and brass accents.
