MBH acted as the Architect of Record for Michael Mina’s restaurant in downtown San Francisco, located on an at-grade public plaza, under eight stories of podium building. MBH closely coordinated with the client, the kitchen design team and the MEP consultants to balance needs with the equipment that could be provided in the space. The client wanted Pabu to have a modern Izakaya feel, a traditional sushi bar with a modern twist. MBH created design solutions that respected the street space but incorporated back of house elements. Because the existing space had a small back-of-house, MBH moved the kitchen prep areas to the street windows incorporating them into the street view, offering the public a more experiential atmosphere.