Project: Koko, Hyderabad
A 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant design where we turned bold ideas into an immersive Asian dining experience. Every detail from the entrance tunnel to the custom bar was planned to pull guests into another world.
The entrance to Koko Hyderabad had to be a showstopper. We designed this dramatic red acrylic tunnel, taking it from a prototype in our office parking lot to a stunning 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant installation. It’s all about creating an unforgettable first impression and an experience that transports you.
A look at the renders for Koko Hyderabad, where a massive origami-inspired light installation flows above the main dining area, contrasting with the bold red entrance tunnel.
The bar at Koko Hyderabad was designed to be a work of art, featuring massive custom bamboo light fixtures, hand-painted Asian scenery, and a stunning green marble top.
The Koko suite offers an exclusive dining experience, with a custom red table, luxurious embroidered green chairs, and a unique fish-motif chandelier, all set against traditional hand-painted panels.
The men's washroom at Koko Hyderabad features rich emerald green marble and tiles, custom wallpaper, and a dramatic floral chandelier, creating a space with its own unique, luxurious personality.
I believe washrooms should surprise and delight guests. In the Koko Hyderabad ladies' room, we used bold crimson walls and custom-arched vanities made from a dramatic red and white marble to create a memorable, high-impact space.
A view of the men's toilet stalls at Koko, where deep green tiles and unique umbrella-style pendant lights continue the moody, sophisticated design narrative.
About this collection
The showstopper red acrylic tunnel did not just appear on site. We built a full-scale prototype in our office parking lot first to test the structural integrity and the experience of walking through it. It is that kind of obsession, from the initial mock-up to the final 10,000 sq. ft. build, that ensures the design works as hard as it looks.
Building a brand like Koko in a new city is not just about picking paint colors. When we took on the 10,000 sq. ft. space in Hyderabad’s Financial District, the challenge was to keep the iconic Koko identity while creating a distinct atmosphere that felt right for the city.
The entrance was the biggest technical puzzle. We wanted a red acrylic tunnel that felt like walking into another world. We did not just sketch it. We sampled it in our parking lot, refining the steel frame and acrylic finish until it was perfect. That tunnel now acts as a natural guide, drawing guests in before they even reach the dining area.
Inside, we focused on the zones. We played with a balance of red and green, a nod to Asian influences but interpreted through a high-end lens. The origami-inspired ceiling adds drama, while the bamboo light fixtures over the bar create a warmer, more intimate scale.
Then there are the washrooms. They are not just functional spaces. They are primary photo-op zones. We gave the men’s and women’s washrooms completely different personalities. The men’s space uses emerald green tiles and petal-detail chandeliers, while the women’s space features crimson walls and marble vanity arches. Each detail, from the custom embroidery on the chairs to the integration of acoustics, was mapped out to ensure the guest experience flows from the moment they walk through that tunnel to the moment they leave.
Sarah Sham
I am Sarah Sham. My team and I at Essajees Atelier do not just design restaurants; we create brands you can walk through. We build spaces that feel real, function perfectly, and have enough soul to keep people coming back.
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