The Occidental, USA

In 2025 – PLACES: High Budget

ProjectThe OccidentalLocationWashington DC, USALighting DesignMap Design Studio, USAArchitectHapstakDemetriou+, USAInterior DesignKen Fulk Interiors, USAClientStarr RestaurantsLighting SuppliersLuminii, Acolyte & Hunza Lighting, Woka Lamps Vienna, The Urban Electric Company, Urban ArcheologyLighting ControlLighting Controls SolutionsPhotographyDouglas Friedman

Since 1906, The Occidental, which is located near the White House, has welcomed world leaders and Beltway locals alike for classic fare and an insider’s perspective. With a nod to its remarkable history and ceremonious pomp, the restaurant’s new owner brought back this fine American dining experience.

The restaurant spans three levels – all receiving filtered, natural light during daytime hours.  During the evenings, the food and dining experience is celebrated with accent spotlights on each tabletop, in addition to soft lighting from battery operated table lamps. The thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful decorative lights placed throughout the restaurant, provide warm ambient lighting while contributing to the highly designed experience.

Two bars are separated from the main dining rooms and serve as a cocktail destination to guests.  Accent downlights highlight the bar tops, complemented by millwork-integrated linear lights. This layered approach transforms the bars into bright, multidimensional focal areas. The onyx bar top is backlit with cooler color temperature that highlights the veins of the stone.

Low level steplights are used for all staircases and circulation areas as a discreet method of illumination. Landscape is up lit, making the planters decorative objects of the dining rooms.

Energy efficient LED light sources were used throughout the restaurant. Warm light sources, with low output, were used to balance design, sustainability, and efficiency, all while adhering to strict local energy codes. A smart dimming system was used and programmed for the lighting to be dynamic throughout all times of the day and atmospheric during the evening, all while maintaining higher light levels at specific focal points.

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