The Lucky Monk - South Barrington, IL

Aria Group was hired to reconcept the former Brass restaurant, turning it into The Lucky Monk, a pizza/burger/beer restaurant featuring an extensive list of quality microbrews. The owner needed to achieve the most dramatic transformation possible on a limited budget. Changes for the 10,000 SF space included a new name, a new menu, and revised kitchen equipment to accommodate the menu changes.

Aria Group’s interior design for the reinvented brewpub involved minimal demolition and maximum use of existing materials, while at the same time changed the ambience of the interior to be nearly unrecognizable from its former self. With the removal of interior partitions, Aria opened up the space and introduced new floating ceiling elements, floor materials, and millwork low walls to completely redefine the layout of the space. The bar was relocated to create a feature island bar area, which also included opening an adjacent wall to feature the restaurant’s existing brew tanks through new glazed openings.

New wall finishes were employed in many areas, whereas some spaces maintained existing brick and millwork, exemplifying how a skillful mixing of old with new can create an entirely different identity. A dramatic new lighting design scheme puts the finishing touch on the Lucky Monk’s new atmosphere. Deep awnings over existing windows along with building lighting completely alter the structure’s exterior image at a minimal cost.