Little Orchids

SAGE collaborated with the Nirojanapa family to transform an existing kickboxing studio into Little Orchids, the family’s third restaurant concept and a new Asian‑fusion destination in Richland Township. This project demonstrates the strength of SAGE’s Design‑Build approach, blending creative design, accurate budgeting, vendor coordination, and construction management to convert a challenging existing space into a fully realized dining environment.

The former fitness center underwent a complete renovation. The design introduced a fully new commercial kitchen equipped to support a bold Thai‑inspired menu. A custom bar was created to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements, offering a focal point within the dining area. Throughout the design process, SAGE updated renderings to reflect pricing rounds and design refinements, ensuring that the final built space aligned closely with the visual concepts approved during planning. This consistency between the design renderings and the finished environment became an important demonstration of the reliability and accountability of the Design‑Build model.

The project moved forward through close coordination between the owners, their preferred vendors, the property landlord, and the SAGE team. The landlord was responsible for replacing rooftop HVAC units, and SAGE managed the scheduling and integration of that work to prevent delays. Inside the restaurant, the existing HVAC system remained, but efficiency and ambiance were improved through the installation of LED lighting and decorative fixtures selected to support both sustainability and atmosphere.

Vendor coordination played a meaningful role in shaping the final interior. SAGE worked with the furniture vendor to confirm dimensions, layouts, and finish selections for the banquette seating and additional custom pieces. The same level of involvement applied to the bar design, where SAGE supported the vendor by validating sizing and recommending finishes. Additional design contributions included decorative lighting selections, the introduction of a custom wall mural, and the design of recessed niches sized specifically to house 3D artwork. While the project did not include exterior construction, SAGE coordinated with the sign vendor to ensure branding was properly integrated at the building’s façade.

Budget and schedule management were central throughout the project. Multiple rounds of pricing were completed to bring the design into alignment with the established budget, and adjustments were made without compromising the overall vision. Despite the iterative pricing process and the coordination required across multiple vendors and landlord responsibilities, the renovation was delivered on time and within budget.

The completed Little Orchids restaurant now features a modern commercial kitchen, a custom‑built bar, inviting booth seating, decorative lighting, artistic focal points, and a cohesive interior that reflects the design intent established early in the project. The finished environment transforms the former kickboxing studio into a warm, memorable dining destination that supports the Nirojanapa family’s continued growth in the region.