Blue Tandoor Restaurant by Jackson Chia - Design Gallery Sdn Bhd is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award in Interior Space and Exhibition Design Competition Category.
IronInterior· 2025
Blue Tandoor Restaurant
by Jackson Chia - Design Gallery Sdn Bhd
Client: Design Gallery Sdn Bhd
A' Design Award Winner in Interior Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #163322The Design
About Blue Tandoor Restaurant
Blue Tandoor is a restaurant interior located in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, covering about 3,500 square feet. Curved ceiling waves recall the dome of the Taj Mahal and give the space a formal character. Geometric arches, lattice work and textured walls refer to South Asian and Middle Eastern styles. Woven wicker lamps, hardwood surfaces and brass accents add warmth. Deep blue tones recall the calm of moonlight. Computer-aided design was used to plan the arch patterns and the spatial layout. The interior blends traditional references with modern dining comfort.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award
Blue Tandoor Restaurant is an Iron A' Design Award winner, a prestigious recognition granted to good designs that meet the professional and industrial requirements expected from well-designed creations. Iron winners demonstrate great skill, high specialization, expert understanding, and creative capacity of their creators. Blue Tandoor Restaurant is expected to be a highly regarded, admired, and cherished creation that is practical and innovative. This Iron A' Design Award-winning design integrates industry best practices and has competent technical characteristics linked with know-how and talent. Blue Tandoor Restaurant is respected for its thoroughness and is designed to provide quality of life improvements that help make the world a better place.
Where to Get It
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We transform hospitality and commercial spaces into immersive environments that exceed expectations. With expertise in luxury resorts, hotels, and restaurants, our designs blend cultural heritage with contemporary innovation. From concept to completion, we bring your vision to life with meticulous attention to detail.
Discuss Your ProjectInterviews
Design Interview
What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
To celebrate the richness of Indian cuisine through a modern lens — blending deep, vibrant hues like royal blue and brass with soft curves and natural textures. Our principle was to create a space that feels both bold and welcoming, where tradition meets contemporary elegance.
What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
Our main focus was to craft a dining experience that immerses guests in the soul of Indian hospitality — warm, expressive, and memorable. We wanted to achieve a balance between cultural storytelling and a refined modern ambiance that enhances both comfort and curiosity.
What are your future plans for this award winning design?
We hope to build on this award-winning design by expanding its concept into future outlets or franchise opportunities, while continuing to refine and adapt the aesthetic to different locations. The goal is to establish Blue Tandoor as a design-forward dining brand that’s instantly recognizable yet locally relevant
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- This design combines modern architecture with traditional inspiration. The curved ceiling waves, influenced by the Taj Mahal's dome, add a regal feel to the space. Woven lamps and natural wood elements create warmth and a welcoming ambiance. Geometric arches and textured walls offer cultural sophistication. The seamless fusion of heritage and contemporary elements, along with unique lighting and structural elegance, sets this design apart, creating an elevated and memorable dining experience.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Estimated at 3,500 square feet
- Tags
- interiordesign, dining, indian, dome
- Production Technology
- This design was created using CAD software to carefully plan and refine intricate arch patterns and structural elements. Materials like premium hardwood, woven wicker, and brass accents were selected for both durability and aesthetic appeal. Traditional lighting techniques were employed to enhance natural light and create a warm, inviting ambiance. CAD modeling ensured precision in material use and spatial arrangement, optimizing functionality and harmony in the overall design.
- Design Challenge
- The hardest challenge in this design was balancing traditional aesthetics with modern functionality. Maintaining cultural authenticity while meeting contemporary standards of comfort and style was key. Internally, we respected historical and social perspectives, while externally, material availability and local production posed challenges. Overcoming these involved sourcing sustainable materials and using CAD technology to ensure precision and efficiency in the design process.
- Research
- This research explored integrating cultural elements with modern design for a unique dining experience, aiming to balance tradition and modernity. Methods included brainstorming, CAD modeling, and iterative reviews with the client. Data came from design iterations and client feedback. Results showed alignment with the client's vision, creating a culturally immersive yet modern space. The research promotes innovation within cultural boundaries, enhancing design and business appeal.
- Inspiration
- This design is inspired by the serene beauty of the Taj Mahal and the tranquil hues of moonlight blue. It blends traditional and contemporary elements, creating an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere. Rich blue tones, intricate arches, and ornate lattice work reflect Middle Eastern and South Asian aesthetics, evoking traditional tandoor houses. The design combines handcrafted details, natural materials, and cultural heritage, offering a timeless yet modern space for a global clientele.
- Project Duration
- The project started in April 2023 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia and finished at end of 2023.
- Operation Flow
- This design immerses guests in a blend of cultural heritage and modern comfort. Key elements like intricate arches, bold blue tones, and natural wicker lighting create an inviting atmosphere. The space is both visually stunning and comfortable, offering a unique ambiance that fosters warmth and connection. By enhancing the overall dining experience, it elevates customer satisfaction through its thoughtful and harmonious design.
- Team Members
- Mr. Jackson Y.K. Chia
- Image Credits
- Photographer Vincent Lai Yung Hung
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