Kathy Kuo Home

Curating immersive inspiration

Kathy Kuo Home is a boutique home furnishings brand that offers modern and classic home decor for all interior design needs. With a robust and loyal online following, Kathy Kuo Home sought to create its first permanent flagship location with the assistance of MG2 / The Lionesque Group. In addition to curating in an inviting, laid-back, dog-friendly space where customers can immerse themselves in possibilities, Kathy Kuo and her team also wanted to bring their online design center, full digital catalog, and tailored consultation offering to their clients in the heart of Southampton, New York.

The resulting experience is one that perfectly embodies the brand’s high-end offerings, seamlessly weaving together the delight of in-person discovery with the ease of digital retail technology and expert design consultation.

Within just 4,000 SF of retail space, the Kathy Kuo Home flagship uses vignette scenes to feature a hand-selected assortment of the brand’s best-selling products, including indoor and outdoor furniture, décor, and lighting in a range of styles. The store also houses a design resource center for KKH designers to work one-on-one with clients in-person to design their home, and will further serve as a destination for curated events hosted in-store.

Transcending an environment that feels like Kuo’s own Hampton home, it’s an experience that successfully welcomes everyone in the space, encouraging exploration and fueling inspiration.

“Interacting with our customers has always been a top priority for the brand, and there’s no better way to do this than in person.” said Kuo in an interview with Forbes just prior to the store’s grand opening, “We’ve seen continued success through investing in our relationships by providing our high-touch services online and now will have the opportunity for continued growth. Having a physical location will allow us to connect with and serve more customers and clients than ever before, aiding in our brand mission to help as many people as possible love where they live.”

Since opening doors, Kathy Kuo Home’s flagship store has been featured in Architectural Digest, Insider Trends, Modern Luxury, and Business of Home.

It was also awarded the honor of House Beautiful’s 2021 Best Home Stores in America Right Now.


  • Project Details

  • Location Southampton, New York, United States
  • Client Kathy Kuo Home
  • Market Sectors
  • Size 4,000 SF
  • Services
Perspectives

Above & Beyond: A Data-Driven Commitment to Sustainable Design

November 2021 / By Above & Beyond: A Data-Driven Commitment to Sustainable Design, Russ Hazzard

Architect and AIA 2030 Founder Edward Mazria once said, “We tend to rush toward the complex when trying to solve a daunting problem, but in this case, simplicity wins. Better buildings, responsible energy use, and renewable energy choices are all we need to tackle both energy independence and climate change.”

Straightforward, responsible design has long been at the core of MG2’s strategy and philosophy, with sustainable principles and applications woven into our projects at every opportunity. Our three sustainability values—Environmental Stewardship, Purposeful Efficiency, and Restorative Measures—are a simultaneous embodiment of where our firm was the year they were defined and reflect where we want to be in the years to come. MG2 has worked to raise the bar on our designs over time, evolving to match—and where we can, exceed—sustainable certifications and benchmarks.

“We had always reviewed our specifications for opportunities to suggest sustainable products and methodologies to our clients, which when we started were just better choices from a location and ‘better for the environment’ point of view,” says Russ Hazzard, President of MG2.

“Today, those sustainable vendor and materials recommendations aren’t just convenience, they’re a fundamental part of our DNA and design process. As a result, clients who once might not have been open to alternatives are looking to us as experts and advocates, armed with the right solution to set them on a path toward a more sustainable future.”

Costco Wholesale Headquarters Campus – Issaquah, WA

As architects and designers of built environments, the implications of everything we do, of every project we take on, are unmistakable. AIA’s 2030 Challenge outlines two specific goals that pledge firms must strive toward:

  1. A 90% reduction in built environment operating energy systems by 2025.
  2. A 45% reduction—a percentage imposed by our own team—in built environment embodied carbon by 2025.

“Greenhouse gas emissions reduction is the challenge of the century for the entire industry.” states Johnny Klemke, Building Performance Analyst at MG2, “How do we keep building more and more while producing less and less impact in the natural environment? That’s the question we’re taking on at MG2. By helping teams come up with more efficient, less carbon-intensive solutions for their designs, we’re also showing clients that sustainability doesn’t need to be a cost burden on the project.”

By helping teams come up with more efficient, less carbon-intensive solutions for their designs, we’re showing clients that sustainability doesn’t need to be a cost burden.

Johnny Klemke, Building Performance Analyst

“Our greatest hurdle is bringing the industry along with us,” says Jon Guerechit, a designer at MG2 helping to lead our operating energy initiative, “One benefit is that indisputable data makes it easier to convince clients that a cost-saving measure can also serve the environment. But the numbers aren’t always in our favor. Embracing the mindset of being a steward of the environment is harder because it forces stakeholders to think differently and invest in the distant future. It’s a mentality we’re pushing for across the board.”

Today, as we continue to evaluate and evolve our firm’s sustainability action plan, we’re committed to going above and beyond the goals outlined by AIA’s 2030 challenge by adding two more of our own

  1. A rigorous commitment to working with forward-thinking vendors and using sustainable materials that adhere to the highest standards possible.
  2. A reduction of water consumption—30% to 45% for indoor and 50% for potable outdoor—in all of our projects by 2030
PCC Community Markets – Seattle, WA

Adding materials to the mix.

From improving indoor air quality to reducing construction waste, the materials our architects and designers specify matter. Our choices represent an enormous opportunity to enhance the health of the planet and the people who live on it.

In addition to becoming proud signatories of the AIA Materials Pledge, MG2 has created our own rigorous Materials Evaluation System. Using a stoplight structure, our specialists analyze and rank every vendor, product, and material we use, to ensure that where and whenever possible, we’re adhering to the highest attainable sustainability standards for a better future.

PCC Community Markets—the largest grocery co-op in the United States—has partnered with MG2 for years on their journey to better their store’s materials and target LBC Petal Certification. In its Ballard location, the first grocery store in the world to be certified, over 40% of the materials—just shy of $1.4M—were sustainably sourced, with 9.2% of those derived from within 100 miles. Additionally, 100% of the store’s wood is FSC certified, with 10% of the elements reclaimed or reused.

“There is a misconception that we need to pursue green building certification to push for sustainable materials, or that we must only use sustainabile materials to make a difference in the world. Neither of these are true.”

Candon Michelle Murphy, Materials Specialist

With MG2’s data-driven materials system comes a deep reservoir of knowledge and insight, but continuous education to overcome misconceptions and help our clients and partners understand the financial and environmental investment is still critical.

“The largest challenge around the selection of sustainable materials is the misunderstanding of what costs are associated with it.” mentions Candon Michelle Murphy, MG2’s Materials Librarian, “It is true that there are specific material categories on the market that represent a high cost add if the sustainable selection is desired, but there are quite a few categories where there is no or nominal fee add to make a far more environmentally-sound final installation.

“There is also a misconception that we need to pursue a green building certification to push for sustainable and healthy materials, or that we must only put in sustainable materials to make a difference in the world. Neither of these is true, however: any selection that supplies a reduction of embodied carbon, lesser the amount of VOCs put into interior spaces, and provides for reclamation of materials or diversion from landfills still makes a difference.”

Fundamental impact through water reduction.

Water is one of the earth’s most precious resources. While many of us take fresh, clean water for granted in our day-to-day lives, architects who create built environments in areas where this resource is not so abundant continually have its preservation, reduction, and recyclability top-of-mind.

MG2’s water conservation goal—our fourth and possibly most ambitious sustainability initiative—is to reduce indoor water use in appliances such as toilets and faucets by 30% to 45% and to reduce potable outdoor water consumption in landscaping and irrigation by 50% in every single one of our projects by the end of 2030.

“Among dozens of reasons, a reduction of water in our projects is important because it can lower water withdrawals from local water sources,” states Maribel Barba, designer and co-lead of MG2’s water conservation goals, “allowing us to better harmonize with the local environment, increase water availability for all, and improve community relations.”

Costco Santa Fe – Mexico

While our water conservation goals may be new to many of MG2’s clients, some have been pioneering innovative technologies and water reduction tactics in their build environments for years. For example, longtime partner Costco has been working with MG2 on implementing water solutions programming into its warehouses throughout Mexico and the Southwest US for years, an initiative that awards them a 20% annual water savings.

The wholesaler giant recently took an even more significant leap into the future of water conservation with its Costco Santa Fe store. Complete with a one-of-a-kind green roof that acts as a natural extension of Parque La Mexicana, the Santa Fe location was designed with numerous water-saving technologies,  including toilets and landscape irrigation that utilize recycled water and a stormwater collection system in the Parque lake. Restroom fixtures were also installed with 50% less water demand, according to baseline.

“Even when water conservation processes have been implemented for several years, I think it is still being a challenge for firms to sell this idea to some partners.” says Christian Razo, designer and co-lead of MG2’s water conservation goals, “Many do not realize how much water you can save, or even the consequences of not saving water. We do our best to educate every one of our clients on the rewards of implementing these processes, including the satisfaction of knowing that what you’re doing is helping future generations.”

Costco Santa Fe – Mexico

We’ve come a long way in our sustainable design practices and are immensely proud of the benchmarks many of our projects and partnerships have achieved. But the reality is, MG2 is just getting started. 

“When we set out to create MG2’s formal framework for sustainability, we knew it needed to resonate with all staff and be embedded in the culture of the firm.” says Mark Taylor, MG2’s Sustainability Lead, “Our data-driven approach speaks directly to the results-oriented nature of the firm and will be the backbone of our success as we continue on our journey.”

MG2’s Sustainability Action Plan

Learn more about our above-and-beyond commitment to the future of our planet in our AIA 2030 Commitment Sustainability Action Plan, or by reaching out to our sustainability team.

Brilliant Earth

jewelry-show-room-brilliant-earth-mg2-design

Approachable luxury

Since 2005, Brilliant Earth has offered the world ethically sourced, award-winning fine jewelry through its elevated web-based platform and personalized appointment-only showrooms. When the digitally-native company sought to expand its brick-and-mortar portfolio with open retail spaces, they partnered with MG2 to seamlessly translate the spirit of their digital brand and unique offerings into a real-world experience.

Like its jewelry, the retail design and rollout program for Brilliant Earth’s new showrooms was curated with thoughtful craftsmanship in every production phase. Previously, all the brand’s in-person experiences were appointment-only, with most of their spaces hidden away from window-shopping consumers on the upper floors of retail centers.

Utilizing a light, luminous, bright, and warm palette that reflected its online presence, MG2 designers brought an approachable luxury to Brilliant Earth’s new showroom experience. This new iteration of the store—the first of its kind for Brilliant Earth—brings an inviting, interactive, and educational retail experience into the brand’s program, diversifying its real estate potential with more premium, ground-level spaces, increasing awareness and engagement.

Brilliant Earth_Brooklyn

From planning to fixture design, the team boldly broke many industry barriers often seen in jewelry, such as the traditional horseshoe-shaped counters that often act as barriers.

Instead, in a direct reflection of the brand’s unique educational approach to the diamond shopping experience, MG2 designed a fixture package program that flexes and scales with each new space; a customizable kit-of-parts that can fit any format.

An entry kiosk once used to check customers in for their appointments evolved into a multi-functional digital tool. Now used to assist shoppers in industry and diamond education, the sizing of rings, and the check-out process, it’s a feature that further underlines the seamless integration of Brilliant Earth’s digital and physical offerings.

Caseline throughout the store is designed like furniture; display cases float lightly in the space, while round consultation tables equalize the service experience. This highly customized design and rollout program was achieved without raising the cost of construction for Brilliant Earth.

Brilliant Earth_Brooklyn

The Brooklyn location of Brilliant Earth represents a step forward for the brand while still adhering to the same kit of parts utilized in their other showrooms. Its unique building in Williamsburg features a vaulted ceiling and exposed brick, giving the space a larger and more roomy feel. This has granted merchandising room to grow, expanding the brand’s retail offering with six cases, an additional appointment station, and a more retail-focused reception area. With an emphasis on showcasing its fine jewelry products, this evolution in Brilliant Earth’s showroom design successfully balances its minimalist roots with an elevated, flexible retail agenda.

Similarly distinctive in its design hurdles and opportunities, Brilliant Earth’s King of Prussia showroom location—situated within a mall with limited egress and no natural light—presented unique challenges for the team to overcome. To bring the space to life, designers reprioritized the showroom’s configuration, eliminating the need for glazing, and added greater visual impact by utilizing large format graphics, wall casework, and incorporating merchandising above the cases. The warm and inviting retail story is solidified through the incorporation of recessed lighting, plush sofa seating, and education-centric pedestals at the front of the space.

The showroom’s private appointment stations were strategically relocated to the back of the space, providing guests with greater privacy while maximizing the overall flexibility of the design. By utilizing the same kit of parts as its other showrooms while adding new elements that reflect the brand, designers ensured that Brilliant Earth’s iconic bright and light personality prevailed within the confines of the darkened shopping center.

With each showroom brought to life across the country, this global leader in ethically sourced fine jewelry continues to seamlessly preserve its online identity while defining new retail experiences for its consumers, each with its own unique flair.


Vans Downtown LA

A heritage to call home

After 54 years of calling Southern California home, classic skateboard and surf icon Vans embarked on a journey to create their first community-driven retail and event space in Downtown Los Angeles. A longtime partner in Irvine, CA, and now primary firm in North America, MG2 worked closely with the Vans team on designing their newest and largest flagship, creating an elevated hybrid experience environment that goes above and beyond, signifying a new era for the brand.

Occupying three floors of the historic Singer Building, House of Vans needed to be meticulously designed with optimized vertical navigation and overlapping pathways to ensure a seamless customer experience. Also essential was the implementation of unique, above-and-beyond elements, such as a kitchen and mobile bar, that would require navigating the complexities of local permits and compliances to include in their hybrid retail space.

With the programming rotating daily between concerts, workshops, exhibitions, and more, the space required the ability to evolve for every function.

“Our Downtown LA store opening signifies a new Vans chapter as we continue our mission and commitment to being community and experience focused.”

Carly Gomez, VP of Marketing Americas, Vans

After working together for years, MG2 acted as the primary architecture partner for House of Vans DTLA: their largest and most ambitious flagship to date at 11,500 sq/ft. This intimate knowledge of and partnership with their brand allowed for seamless transparency, trust, and collaboration throughout the duration of the project.

The team acted as a sounding board, facilitator, and champion for structure functionality, materials, costs, and branding efforts throughout the space’s design. With the advantage of being local to the area, MG2 was deeply familiar with and able to traverse the intricacies of city permit and compliance logistics.

Holding true to their dedication to sustainability, and in direct reflection of Vans’ brand values, we utilized as many raw materials, elements of the original historic building, and sustainable energy fixtures throughout the space as possible.

Adorned in plywood, concrete, chain link, local art, and Van’s signature black and white checkerboard, the new environment holistically reflects their SoCal heritage and attitude, while allowing them space to broaden their demographic beyond skating and surfing and appeal to the next generation of consumers.

Over the course of the project, the team observed first-hand the excitement and enthusiasm from local government and consumers alike for Vans to revitalize this previously abandoned space and help reinfuse art, music, and culture back into the historic neighborhood.

Currently the largest Vans space in the world—and second largest experimental retail space in the neighborhood—House of Vans DTLA opened to the public in spring of 2020 and features fresh work from local artists, a dedicated community experience studio, and of course, a wide range of exclusive Vans footwear, apparel, and accessories.


Translating an iconic brand across borders

The Vans brand celebrates individuality and the culture of outdoor sports like skating, surfing, snowboarding, and BMX biking. In expanding in Mexico and other markets, VF Corporation needed to translate the Vans store concept into new store designs that reinforce the iconic brand with cultural sensitivity.

MG2 has collaborated with Vans to implement consistent architectural design and planning programs for more than 30 stores across North America.

In each location, the design concept is effectively tailored and efficiently implemented through MG2’s knowledge of cultural trends and the nuances of local developmental processes.


Transcending high standards for a luxury icon

Moncler sets the standard for luxury outdoor sportswear with a clientele that expects nothing but the best. With store locations around the world, Moncler was looking for a partner to bring the French-Italian lifestyle brand to life in new boutiques at The Shops at the Bravern in Bellevue, WA and the Forum Shops at Caesars in Las Vegas.

MG2’s expertise in specialty and luxury retail as well as retail center design created an effective bridge between Moncler and the retail center developers to achieve the objectives of everyone involved.

That process involved working on-site with Moncler’s installation teams to ensure unique materials, such as stonework from Italy and chêne fumé French wood paneling, were incorporated effectively. As a result of MG2’s work, the Las Vegas and Bellevue boutiques successfully uphold Moncler’s brand standards and the high expectations of the Moncler customer.


A tailored approach to expressing a unique brand

UNIQLO is the fourth-largest apparel retailer in the world with a growing network of more than 1,400 stores offering high-quality, casual apparel. As UNIQLO continues to expand, they work to integrate the cultural characteristics of each market into their retail stores while staying true to the brand’s core design.

When entering new markets, UNIQLO has strategically raised brand awareness by utilizing pop-up or temporary store locations. MG2 partnered with UNIQLO’s US and Japan teams on a series of such pop-ups as well as in-line mall stores and a flagship store. One particularly unique pop-up was located in Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace and will be followed by a nearby flagship store reflecting a striking blend of UNIQLO’s modern aesthetic and the heritage of the nearly 200-year-old Quincy Marketplace building.

In each store location, MG2 interpreted the key UNIQLO brand and design values to fit the distinctive features of the market. UNIQLO’s signature design elements — from a precise approach to symmetry to a focus on strong visual impact upon entry — ensure that every store stays true to the UNIQLO brand while attracting a new set of loyal customers.


  • Project Details

  • Location Multiple locations, U.S.
  • Client Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.
  • Market Sectors
  • Size 2,500 - 15,000 SF
  • Services
Perspectives

The Future of Beauty

June 2020 / By Melissa Gonzalez

Just months ago, beauty relied on high-touch sensorial environments. With a raised awareness around high-touch environments, the beauty industry must appeal to customers that responsibly tackle the “touch and feel” interaction associated with product testing. Shop! Association asked our team how stores can create inviting and authentic experiences while balancing digitization and human interaction responsibly?

Melissa Gonzalez, Min Jae Kwon, and Lauren D’Archangelis explore design solutions in which The Future of Beauty can tackle this challenge through innovative gondolas, parallel play and mood lighting, interactive and shoppable store walls, and new checkout methods. Cleanliness and hygiene will be a key priority for both brands and consumers, but the emotional experience of discovery will still shine through.

Perspectives

Rethinking the Fibers of Store Design

June 2020 / By Melissa Gonzalez

How Stores Will Be Reformatted to Flex for a More Connected Consumer

With consumers increasingly adopting technologies that enable self-guided exploration and check-out, store digitization has become more prevalent in the physical retail environment. Read about how modular design is the answer to our rapidly changing world.

Written by Melissa Gonzalez and Visuals by Mitch Pride and Alyssa Joy Taylor

Perspectives

Rethinking Play

May 2020 / By Melissa Gonzalez, Mitch Pride

How do we resurrect play in the new normal and give new life to brands focused on creating joy for kids and their families? As part of the #ExperienceGood campaign with The Vendry and global marketing firm CSM, Melissa Gonzalez and Mitch Pride provide insights on how sensory exploration can ignite a child’s creative spirit, building an emotional connection to a brand.

Tommy Bahama

Restoring the sand into the brand

Founded on the idea that life is “one long weekend,” Tommy Bahama, a lifestyle brand, is known for its relaxed, sophisticated casual wear and island-inspired victuals. To re-invigorate the retail experience, engage all the senses, and holistically reflect the brand, Tommy Bahama partnered with MG2 to develop a new design language. The ultimate intention was to cultivate a cohesive customer experience across their many stores, restaurants, and bars.

MG2 designed three unique retail concepts, Iconic Resorts, Family Retreat, and Island Bohemia, inspired by the authentic spaces one might inhabit throughout decades of sun-soaked, salt-water getaways. Iconic Resorts renders lush greenery, and geometric screens while Family Retreat features worn-in surfaces reminiscent of a 1960s beach home. Last but not least, Island Bohemia offers rich, unconventional textures with abstract prints. All three concepts provide an exploratory customer journey filled with layers of delightful, tactile experiences.

Equally important, the comprehensive system of fixturing, materials, and merchandising elements devised by MG2 affords Tommy Bahama the benefit of scalability as it continues to deliver each concept to multiple markets varying in size and programming.


A window to the soul

Curated to accommodate styling sessions and women shopping with children.

Balancing sophistication with playfulness, MG2 partnered with Evereve to design a space for discerning women who work hard, care for their kids, and want to look fabulous.

Our designers worked closely with the styling company’s founders and visual merchandising team to create a new retail concept that elevates their brand stories. The “soul” of the store is the fitting room and lounge area where seating and tables are thoughtfully curated to accommodate styling sessions and women shopping with children.

Throughout the environment, pops of color, metallic accents, and eclectic imagery are juxtaposed against poured concrete, white brick, and industrial fixturing. The result is a space that feels energetic and visually communicates to women they don’t need to stop shopping for chic, fun outfits simply because they’ve entered motherhood.


Nordstrom Local

As part of its growth strategy to better serve customers and expand its presence into the New York market, Nordstrom sought to expand its local store experiences to offer new services such as online order pick-up, alterations and tailoring, styling, and more, catering to the unique needs of customers who live and work in target neighborhoods.

They partnered with MG2 / The Lionesque Group to bring their vision of offering boutique, local services to life in New York City’s Upper East Side. Working side-by-side with the Nordstrom team, our designers ensured furnishings, fixtures, customer flow, and build-out met the demands of the local shoppers. The resulting space features a flexible model and floor plan that is adaptable to the changing needs of customers.


Allen Edmonds

Recrafting an American original

The iconic 96-year-old upscale shoe manufacturer and retailer, Allen Edmonds, partnered with MG2 to redesign its in-store experience to align with their rebranding initiative. The new environment fuses industrial elements (a nod to the brand’s nearly century-old “made in the USA” heritage) with modern details, accenting the artisan craftsmanship of the footwear. 

Elements of Allen Edmonds’ Port Washington, WI factory – where all its shoes are produced – are stitched into the customer experience through furnishings, finishes, and visual merchandising.

The integrated approach elevates the brand using a modern design language that feels high-end and radiates authenticity.

Allen Edmonds’ products are heirloom quality pieces that should last a lifetime if cared for properly. In that way, the value of quality and enduring style for each pair of shoes becomes immeasurable. The fresh store design from MG2 communicates that brand promise, differentiating the company to a new generation in an era of fast-fashion.


  • Project Details

  • Location Multiple locations, U.S.
  • Client Caleres, Inc.
  • Market Sectors
  • Size 1,200 SF
  • Services

Burrow House

Enabling the retail evolution of a D2C brand

When Burrow—an innovative home furnishings brand part of the new direct-to-consumer retail movement—sought to follow up on the success of two pop-up shops with permanent flagship locations in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles, the design of these spaces hinged on a central question: How could these new flagships transform a successful online retailer into a lively, exciting lifestyle brand shoppers would now have the opportunity to interact with in-person?

Partnering with MG2 / The Lionesque Group, the teams collaborated on store design, site evaluation, and project management to bring to life Burrow House: immersive, multi-faceted, award-winning retail environments designed to grow with the company’s product line and tell the brand’s story in an experiential way.

Designed to showcase what life would be like with their furniture, Burrow House illustrates vignettes from the smallest city studio apartments to sweeping suburban family rooms. They flow from one space to the next, curating distinct narratives that offer fully shoppable bed and living room experiences. Each Burrow House location is unique, individually scouted, selected, and modularly curated by designers to best represent the brand to its target demographic in each given neighborhood.

Sustainably sourced materials reflect an inviting and familiar, mid-century style within a refined atmosphere using temperate woods and warm paint colors. And, like their award-winning furniture, the store design is flexible and modular, allowing for the continued evolution of their interiors to align with seasons, design trends, new collections, and blossoming partnerships with other DTC brands.

With locations in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles, and more on the way across the country, Burrow House is a memorable retail experience that emboldens one to redesign their living spaces far beyond a single purchase of a new couch. 

Since opening its doors, Burrow House has been featured in Furniture Today as well as Forbes, and recognized by Fast Company’s Innovation By Design Awards for Retail Environments.