An intimate 25-seat restaurant at Austin Proper Hotel, Kappo Kappo is rooted in the Japanese kappo tradition, where chef and guest connect over every course. The design began with research into what kappo truly means: intimacy, ritual, relationship, and every decision followed. Native cypress treated in shou sugi ban and stained a deep verdant green grounds the room while handmade tile wraps the walls, each piece slightly varied, creating a living surface. Illuminated millwork screens, an interpretation of traditional shoji, bring warmth and glow. Three commissioned illuminated quilted works by artist Minjae Kim, inspired by the kimono, add sculptural softness. Leathered stone tables, ebonized sandblasted pine chairs and vintage accents layer in history and texture. The goal: to dissolve the barrier between kitchen and guest, not just a dining experience, but full immersion in the ritual itself.