GP Studio designs interiors for Italian restaurant chain Ask

The consultancy was appointed to the project about a year ago, and has already completed sites in Norwich and Glasgow. A Leeds branch will open in March, with others to follow later on.

The Glasgow concept, in the city’s Port Dundas Place, aims to reference the chain’s Italian elements, while also drawing on the town’s design heritage with influences drawn from Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Art Nouveau style.

The space, which opened last week, aims to create a ‘clean, bright and contemporary feel’, featuring an open-plan terrace for al-fresco dining, an open-plan kitchen and an ‘entire double-height wall within the building.’

Michael Witten, interior designer at GP Studio, says, ‘It was previously a hotel so it’s not the most interesting architecture. We used the Art Nouveau style to keep it quite elegant with a lot of bright colours, but we added greys and off-whites to give it a fresh, contemporary feel.’

Contemporary Milanese colours are used alongside Mackintoch- inspired lattice screens for the lighting feature and wall display of wine. Interior product and furniture designer Lee Broom’s sculptured light fittings are used to ‘add a touch of glamour’; while a light fitting designed by GP Studio that features a grid formation of brass rods is suspended from the ceiling.

Gregor Jackson, managing director and partner at GP Studio, says, ‘The challenge was to create a true fusion between Italian and local design themes, giving the restaurant a unique identity that remains recognisable as an Ask Italian.’