The goal was to create an inviting space that merges a contemporary, minimal interior with the warmth and charm of a Greek family dinner.

To capture Alia’s essence, we explored Greek cultural themes—the warmth of taverna dining, the ritualistic symbolism, and the emotional pull of tradition. The idea of 'Curated Escapism' became our guiding concept. In collaboration with acclaimed Canberra architect Nik Bulum, the vision evolved into a temple-like retreat, where stone, marble, and unexpected textures create a sense of quiet grandeur—while the food remains comfortingly familiar, just like at Yaya’s house.

Despite the elevated interior, the menu price point was designed to be accessible, challenging the typical expectations of such a sophisticated setting. Our strategy was to convey that, despite the retreat-like elegance of the interior, the food and service would evoke the familiarity and comfort of a family gathering.

The visual language started with a logo inspired by the evil eye, a symbol of protection. The soft edges and approachable style created a welcoming vibe, breaking from traditional formal dining logos to signal a more relaxed atmosphere. An adaptive element of the logo became whimsical characters inspired by ancient Greek pottery, adding playfulness and energy to reinforce Alia’s vibrant personality.

The tagline was created: "A Culinary Odyssey with Greek share plates and holy elixirs”, a concept evokes a sense of ancient rituals, combining the feeling of enjoying a drink fit for a high priestess with the comfort of dining at a grandmother’s table.

Our research highlighted Canberra’s unique, supportive community, where local small businesses thrive on collaboration and word-of-mouth. To leverage this, we designed a community launch plan. By inviting local entrepreneurs—hair salons, fashion boutiques, florists, skin clinics, gyms, and other small businesses—we tapped into Canberra’s tight-knit network, encouraging organic social media growth. This grassroots strategy was essential in positioning Alia as a new favourite in Canberra’s dining scene.

Alia’s inviting design, playful brand elements, and community-focused launch strategy propelled it to become one of Canberra’s fastest-growing restaurants, earning a loyal following and recognition in Qantas Travel Insider as one of the Best Restaurants in Canberra. These elements were crucial in establishing Alia as an authentic, upscale, yet approachable.