Space Theory

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Atelier Gulla takes us on a journey through Javier’s Pasadena

In a private dining room, full- height bottle displays finished in dark wood and bronze detailing extend onto the arched ceilings, with curved white plaster. Photos by Art Gray.

“We met about 20 years ago when I was designing their very first location in Newport Beach and now have collaborated on several locations, so we have established a shared language and trust,” says iconic architect and designer Gulla Jonsdottir of Atelier Gulla, on her prosperous partnership with Javier Sosa and his family. Now with eight locations—including the new Pasadena restaurant—she has been instrumental not only in shaping the design but also evolving the brand into the destination for Mexican fine dining.

Nestled in the heart of Old Pasadena, the expansive space features multiple dining areas, a private tequila tasting and dining room and a curvaceous bar. When plotting the design direction, the clients requested that the overall experience felt immersive and transportive, moving beyond a restaurant into a destination. “They wanted a space that felt rooted in craft and heritage, yet contemporary in expression—where the atmosphere could hold both intimacy and vibrancy,” Jonsdottir recalls. “Rather than replicating a formula, we treated this location as a deeper excavation of the brand’s essence. Pasadena invited a softer, more layered interpretation—less about contrast and more about continuity.”

The tunnel features a Pebble Oasis natural stone floor and raked white plaster walls. Photos by Art Gray.

Jonsdottir designed the project with her team that was led by Srecko Andrijanic. They leaned into ritual, procession and material richness that takes each guest on a spatial journey while making the sweeping space feel more intimate. “Pasadena carries a certain quiet elegance, an architectural and cultural refinement that differs from other parts of Los Angeles,” she notes. “This project responds to that context with a more grounded and timeless expression, embracing natural light, garden integration and a sense of calm sophistication that resonates with the neighborhood.”

Like the complex cuisine, the interiors layer material with light and form. Carved wine niches at the entry and a cave-like bar envelops diners at the beginning of the restaurant, while a seamless transition to the outdoor terrace, which is centered around a monumental palm, introduces a lush energy. “It is not a single element, but the choreography of architecture, light and material that defines the experience,” says Jondottir. Surprising fine materials like leather-covered tabletops enhance the elevated feel while supporting the celebration of craftsmanship. “The leather was less about persuasion and more about storytelling,” she proclaims. “We presented it as an extension of the tactile narrative—something that would patina over time, carrying the memory of use.”

: The dining patio, which features cozy banquettes with leather-clad tables, is wrapped around an impressive palm tree.
Photos by Art Gray.

Given their long-standing relationship, it’s clear that Sosa holds Jonsdottir’s work in high regard—but we had to ask what he thought about Javier’s Pasadena. “They were moved by the emotional quality of the design and the sense of discovery as one moves through the space,” she remarks. “They resonated with how the project elevated the brand without losing its soul. It felt familiar, yet more refined; an evolution rather than a departure.”