Designer: de la Cruz Interior Design (DLC-ID)
Project: Merchant Roots, San Francisco
Tucked away in San Francisco’s SoMa district, Merchant Roots is more than a restaurant—it’s a stage for storytelling, where each meal is a multi-sensory journey. Led by Chef Ryan Shelton, this boutique fine-dining destination reinvents itself every three months, transforming its menus, plateware, and ambiance to match immersive themes like edible flowers or a whimsical Mad Tea Party.
The restaurant's latest home at 1148 Mission Street was envisioned by designer Jon de la Cruz of DLD-ID as a flexible, ever-evolving canvas. The space features a massive open kitchen, and a gated courtyard, allowing diners to move through different settings throughout their meal.
Metro Lighting was thrilled to bring to life DLC-ID's conceptual light fixtures which were built upon elements of early machines: levers, pulleys and screws, wheels and axles, inclines and wedges. Designing and engineering these was challenging in the best way, and the results are frankly fantastic! Each space features different types of fixtures, all bringing a whimsical glow.
Together, Ryan and DLC-ID crafted an environment where culinary artistry and design converge, offering guests an unforgettable, immersive dining experience. Hats off to the team!
Process
