Nishikian is Japanese restaurant located in the suburb of Forest Hill, Melbourne. The client brief was to design a contemporary eatery that uses elements of Japanese design, without being too traditional. Forest Hill attracts a wide demographic and generally has a casual atmosphere with nearby pubs and takeaway stores. The restaurant therefore, had to emulate this casual experience. Prior to Nishikian, there was a shortage of cultural eateries in the suburb. This became an opportunity in the brief to encourage cultural dining in a casual ambiance.