11/21/2020
Chef fills his U. City home with eclectic art, cozy spaces
Although Bernie Lee has no formal education in design, his intuitive understanding of space and proportion, of repetition, rhythm, pattern, color and texture shines in his designs for the interiors of his restaurants, the now-shuttered Hiroâs Asian Kitchen downtown, and at his latest establishment, Akar, in Clayton.
This talented chef also delights patronsâ palates, but his interiors, lush yet nuanced, and his affable hospitality keep guests coming back for more than just food from Bernie Lee.
Design, creativity and art have been touchstones for the Malaysian-born Lee his entire life. âWhen I was a kid I loved design, but I grew up in a very traditional family. My dad said, âYou canât make a living at design.â In traditional families, all the big jobs â doctor, lawyer, accountant â thatâs your choices.
âWhen I moved to America for my education, I started buying interior design magazines. I adore and admire othersâ work, so the magazines were a start. Now Iâm lucky enough to know quite a few interior designers. When I hang out with them, I pick up things and learn from them,â he says.