The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry works closely with clients to create extraordinary spaces. We offer complete design service consultation, including conceptual development, architecture, interior design, lighting design, and furniture purchasing. We also engage many talented artists specializing in various metals, glass and woodwork to ensure the uniqueness of our spaces. Based in Atlanta, we orchestrate projects nationally and beyond. We are a hands-on studio that brings ideas and dreams to life.
Accolades:
“Our designers immerse themselves in every project because they know that our design will have a big impact on the dining experience. Guests come to the restaurant to be tantalized not only by the food but the atmosphere as well. It’s the composition, structure and property, which together stimulate the diners. After all, that’s why they go out to eat.”
BILL JOHNSON
As a sole practitioner in 1987, Bill Johnson never dreamed that restaurants and restaurant design would grow in popularity they way they did over the next decades. As the popularity of chef-driven cuisine and going out to eat expanded, the projects poured in. One person became a studio that has continued to grow and develop to this day. At first, the projects were only local, but Atlanta was growing rapidly, so there was plenty to do.
Soon though, as national players came to Atlanta, they discovered The Johnson Studio and before long we were working coast to coast and beyond. We have now designed more than 600 restaurants and been fortunate enough to work with such industry luminaries as Dean Fearing, Eric Ripert, Richard Blais, John Folse, Kevin Rathbun, Pano Karatassos and Traci Des Jardins.
After 30 years building our reputation as an award-winning restaurant design firm, The Johnson Studio joined global design firm Cooper Carry in 2016. Now The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry, led by Principal Anita Summers, we add our deep expertise in restaurants to Cooper Carry’s 60 years of architectural experience in Hospitality, Mixed-Use, Office Workplace and numerous other studios.
“[The Johnson Studio] team can take a few key words and go to work … Anybody can have an idea and throw something together, but people don’t realize it’s not that easy. There’s a reason they’re the architects. Food and service may be the first focus, but the design is what makes people come back.” — Chef Kevin Rathbun
