Bringing Street Art Indoors for an Edgy Restaurant Design

Real estate executive Billy Woodward is the vice president of Transwestern’s Denver office. There, he manages lease transactions, conducts negotiations, trains associates, and oversees tenant activities for the commercial real estate firm’s office in Denver. A street artist, Billy Woodward also collects works in the genre and maintains an interest in interior design.

Interior designers tasked with creating impressive environments for the latest restaurants work to accurately reflect the establishment’s menu and cuisine while also developing a buzz-worthy space in which people enjoy spending time. Some of today’s edgier eateries feature modern fare and street food inspired dishes. In an effort to reflect creative menu items and the personalities of the culinary artists who create them, designers have chosen to bring street art inside.

Notable street artists such as Banksy, Invader, Hush, and Jeff Koons have all been tasked with bringing their edgy murals inside restaurants across the world. Designers might incorporate large, spray painted murals, propaganda style posters, and neon installations in their designs. The electric vibe these works of art create generate expectations for bold, creative flavors on the menu.

Street art installations brought inside might reflect the edgy tone of a cultural, theater, or fashion district. Or, they might overcome less than ideal exterior surroundings with adventurous color and artistry.

Denver’s Eye Catching Street Art

Billy Woodward serves as vice president of agency leasing for Transwestern, an international commercial real estate investment firm. A graduate of the Metropolitan State University of Denver, Billy Woodward provides his clients with customized advisory services regarding their real estate investments. Aside from his professional responsibilities, Mr. Woodward is a street artist. In recent years, Denver has emerged as a premier destination to view and experience street art.

Denver, one of the fastest growing cities in America, is quickly gaining a reputation as an up-and-coming art destination. This designation is in large part due to the impressive street art installations that grace the city’s streets, warehouse walls, and bridges. The installations are diverse in appearance; some are whimsical, some are political, some are geometric, while others reflect the artists’ love of their home. No matter the theme, the wave of street art in Denver has beautified and personalized the city.

Street art installations are found in multiple locations in Denver and in surrounding areas. However, some of the most impressive artwork is in the River North Arts District (RiNo). Located just north of downtown Denver, revitalization of the RiNo District began about 15 years ago. Today, it is a center for artists, creative businesses, and innovation. CRUSH, an annual celebration of street art takes place each year in the RiNo District, drawing renowned artists from all over the world.

Street art in Denver is ever-changing with new installations popping up all the time. Residents and visitors take curated tours that explore the most interesting pieces, allowing participants time to investigate and photograph multiple examples of the genre.

Emerging Trends in Restaurant Design

As a vice president-agency leasing for Transwestern in Denver, Colorado, Billy Woodward works with landlords to provide customized advisory services for their real estate investments. Billy Woodward graduated from the Metropolitan State University of Denver and maintains an interest in emerging trends in real estate, regional development, and hospitality design. 

Attention to interior details and trends when embarking on a new restaurant venture can positively impact its ultimate success. The design and appearance of a new restaurant make a powerful impact on a customer’s impression of their overall dining experience. Designers and owners work together to balance trends while maintaining the establishment’s specific character. Emerging restaurant design trends include:

Communal dining: Young professionals place a high value on community. Areas with open, shared spaces encourage this mindset by creating spaces that promote mingling.

Open kitchen: More than ever, customers want to know where their food comes from. Open kitchens allow them to see foods being prepared, incorporating them into the overall dining experience.

Instagram-worthy décor and lighting: Customers want to photograph themselves in interesting places. A restaurant’s décor should capitalize on that trend by creating well-lit, photogenic spaces with interesting backgrounds.

Green spaces: Everything is going green these days, including restaurant décor. Plants create a visual connection to the freshness of a restaurant’s ingredients.

Local art: Incorporating local art and handmade pieces into a restaurant’s overall design further connects customers to the community.

An Overview of NAIOP's Certificate Offerings

As vice president at Transwestern's Denver office, Billy Woodward oversees a team serving institutional and local owners of commercial real estate. Alongside his day-to-day pursuits in Denver, Billy Woodward stays current on the latest industry trends through his affiliation with NAIOP. 

Dedicated to supporting North America's commercial real estate industry, NAIOP oversees a variety of educational, research, and advocacy programs and activities. In addition to one-time and annual educational events, the organization offers two certificate programs for developers, investors, brokers, and other professionals looking to enhance their understanding of industry best practices. 

Offered through The Center for Education at NAIOP, the group's two Certificate of Advanced Study programs are open to both NAIOP member and nonmember applicants. Those interested in earning a NAIOP certification have the option of pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Study in Commercial Real Estate Development or a Certificate of Advanced Study in Real Estate Finance. 

Both programs require candidates to complete four courses each comprising 16 hours of online and on-site instruction. In addition to completing specific required courses, candidates can choose from a number of elective courses to meet the program requirements. All of the courses are followed by comprehensive exams, which candidates must pass with a minimum score of 80 percent. 

The total cost to complete either certification program is $3,180 for NAIOP members and $3,980 for nonmembers. More information is available at www.naiop.org/learn/certificate-programs.