Wildweed
Restaurant
CASE STUDY
Creating Intimacy Through Light: Wildweed
When Team B Architecture & Design set out to bring Wildweed—a Cincinnati-based restaurant—to life, they envisioned a space that felt both open and inviting while still creating moments of warmth and intimacy. The challenge was finding the right balance: allowing energy to flow freely while ensuring each guest felt a sense of connection. Lighting played a key role in making that vision a reality.
Rather than relying on broad, overhead lighting, the team used illumination as an architectural element—one that subtly guides guests through the space while reinforcing comfort. More than just a functional necessity, lighting became part of Wildweed’s identity, enhancing its organic, nature-inspired aesthetic. That’s where Ruth table lamp from our Most Modest brand, came in, blending seamlessly with the millwork and helping shape the restaurant’s distinct atmosphere.
Project Details:
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Square Footage: 2,068 sq. ft.
- Architect: Team B Architecture & Design
- Awards: AIA, IIDA Cincinnati Design Award, Esquire’s The Best New Restaurants in America, 2024
- Photography: Ryan Back
Thoughtful Integration for a Seamless Experience
Ruth was placed with intention throughout Wildweed, enhancing both ambiance and function. At the host stand, it acts as both a welcoming beacon and a practical task light, setting the tone the moment guests arrive. Within the dining area, Ruth is integrated into custom banquettes and booths, making the lighting feel like a natural part of the architecture rather than an added fixture.
In other areas, Ruth serves as a sculptural accent, highlighting artwork and adding layers of warmth. Elsewhere, its slender form rises through custom shelving, a nod to the thoughtful, layered approach to design that defines Wildweed. The surface-mount design was key—embedding lighting into the space rather than applying it to the surface, reinforcing the balance between openness and intimacy.
"Ruth’s warm, adjustable light fosters connection while its organic silhouette quietly echoes the restaurant’s mushroom-inspired identity—a testament to our belief that even utilitarian elements should contribute to a space’s story."
A Subtle, Yet Powerful Impact
Since its installation, Ruth has helped shape Wildweed’s inviting ambiance. Its soft, diffused glow encourages conversation and connection, complementing the restaurant’s natural materials and warm color palette. The fixture’s simple, refined form supports the overall design language without overpowering it.
Beyond aesthetics, Ruth’s seamless integration has proven practical, providing reliable illumination for both staff and guests. “Ruth’s warm, adjustable light fosters connection while its organic silhouette quietly echoes the restaurant’s mushroom-inspired identity—a testament to our belief that even utilitarian elements should contribute to a space’s story,” said David Corns, co-founder of Team B Architecture & Design.
This philosophy is reflected in every detail of Wildweed, where lighting is not just an afterthought but a key ingredient in crafting an environment that feels both intentional and effortless. /
