Firm: Merge Architects 
Role: Project Manager
Location: Somerville, Massachussets USA

Yak and Yeti reinterprets the Himalayan landscape through a contemporary architectural lens, translating cultural identity into a refined and economical design solution.

The project involved a full-gut renovation of a former Chinese takeout, including a new commercial kitchen, two ADA-compliant restrooms, a primary dining area, and major structural upgrades.

The dining space is organized into two rooms. The main dining room accommodates flexible seating arrangements, including a long, buffet-style configuration. A bar at the far end supports drink preparation and service operations, while maintaining clear visual control of the space. An installation inspired by the inverted topography of Mount Everest unfolds along the left wall and extends into a canopy above the bar. Constructed of woven cotton straps, this wallscape conceals building systems and creates a layered play of light and shadow through silver-dipped bulbs embedded within the surface.

The smaller dining room offers a more intimate atmosphere, defined by its compact, quadrangular proportions. A curtain allows the space to be closed for private events. A large Mount Everest image above the banquette seating wraps three sides of the room, enveloping guests in the scale and presence of the mountains.