The Akira in Makati’s new Alphaland Makati Place mall is the first restaurant designed by popular furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue.
Cobonpue was approached by SumoSam group co-founder Marvin Agustin, a friend and long-time design client, and Akira Alphaland business partner (and Cobonpue's fellow Cebuano) Gilbert Go.
Cobonpue said in a statement:
"They were willing to try new things and were open to many ideas not associated with the usual decor found in Japanese restaurants -- so I took up the challenge,"
World renowned industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue gained recognition here and abroad by using local and natural materials (like rattan) to create modern furniture pieces.
See below Akira's interior photos (Source: ABS-CBN News):
