ABOUT SILHOUETTE

For 20 years Silhouette Design Architecture has created immersive concepts and brands that reflect a sense of place, are achievable, operationally efficient, scalable, and visually striking. Emerging as an industry leader in non-traditional dining and hospitality design, Silhouette is proud to collaborate with forward-thinking clients to create memorable concessions experiences.

Founded in Chicago in 2005 by partners Scott Costello and Tara Carmichael, Silhouette was conceived as an integrated architectural and design firm, leveraging technology and a streamlined approach to deliver seamless project execution.

  • Architects licensed in 35 states, and Washington, DC, (self-certified in the City of Chicago), Silhouette has completed projects in most major airports across the country, and many around the world.

    • Tenant build-outs

    • Ground-up construction

    • Architect of record

    • Base building and tenant setup

  • Creating memorable interior spaces, whether they be for residential, commercial, hospitality, dining, or retail use is an integral part of Silhouette's DNA.

    • Residential and commercial spaces

    • Space renovation and remodeling

    • Space test fit & finish selections

    • Furniture system layouts

    • Lighting design

    • NCIDQ Registered professionals

    • Interior standards

  • Silhouette’s approach to brand development and concepts is built on close client collaboration and a deep understanding of how marry a brand story with an immersive space. Silhouette approaches brand development and concepts iteratively, to refine concepts to their most effective distillation.

    • Mood board and color schemes

    • Market audit and brand positioning

    • Proprietary concept development

    • Materials sampling and selection

    • Rebranding

    • Future-proof concepts

  • Silhouette has built a reputation for extremely successful RFP design and submittals in domestic and international airports. Working with airport tenant design criteria and brand standards, Silhouette is able to smoothly navigate even the most stringent RFP criteria. Working within the client’s proposal template, or developing stunning proprietary brand-focused RFP template, Silhouette has collaborated with clients to create winning responses in most major US airports.

    • RFP response design and development

    • Proprietary brand design

    • Rendering presentations

    • Design narrative

  • At Silhouette Design Architecture, we craft creative, distinctive, and memorable brand experiences, seamlessly working within established brand guidelines while introducing fresh, innovative concepts. By blending cutting-edge technology—like AI-driven Photoshop tools—with a creative process honed over three decades, we deliver visually striking and impactful designs. Silhouette transforms established brands into immersive experiences that resonate across all platforms.

    • Integrated branding across virtual and real world presences

    • Brand guidelines

    • In-store collateral packages

    • Location signage

    • Wayfinding strategy and design

    • Menu board design

    • Chef story and photography

    • Mural design

    • Interactive and social media graphics

  • Silhouette is on the leading edge of photo-realistic, immersive rendering generation for all projects.

    • Photo-Realistic Renderings

    • Conceptual Renderings

    • Renderings for commercial, retail, residential, QSR, full-service restaurant spaces in traditional and non-traditional venues

    • Cutting-edge 3D animations and motion renderings

    • Develop master plans to help achieve operational economy of scale.

    • Assemble implementation team, including specialty consultants.

    • Streamline points of contact for Client, based on design team hierarchy.

    • Coordinate with authorities having jurisdiction to reduce review and approval friction.

    • Create supportive marketing materials that define and articulate guest experience.

    • Develop timelines to help Client manage stakeholder expectations.

    • Coordinate vendors, brands, and specialty trades and detailing.

    • Manage General Contractor bid process, including analyzing bids and providing a General Contractor bid analysis for the CLIENTS use in final selection.

    • Shop drawing review, respond to request for information, and site visits.

    • Record documents, including AIA Form G704 Certificate of Substantial Completion.

RECOGNITION

Native by Nyesha LAX
2024 AXN Award - Best Local Inspired Restaurant – Large Airports

The Kansas City BBQ Experience KCI
2024 AXN Award - Best Local Inspired Restaurant – Medium/Small Airports

Brown & Loe KCI
2024 AXN Award - Best Casual Dining Concept – Medium/Small Airports

Wolfgang Puck's Kitchen + Bar VIE
2023 FAB Hospitality Award - Airport Restaurant of the Year (Finalist)

Gameway DFW
2020 AXN Award - Best Amenity

La Carnita Taqueria BWI
2018 Excellence in Construction General Contractors Award – Interior Fitout Associated Builders & Contractors Baltimore: A.R. Murani

The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck SIN
2017 Skytrax Award- Ranked Top 3 Best Airport Dining Experience

PRESS