Popular ‘Dining + Design’ program to explore Ponce City Market

At first blush, architectural design and culinary arts seem to be two wholly unrelated professions, but look around some of Atlanta’s best restaurants, and you quickly realize the ambiance is all part of the meal.

Nine Mile Station

Now, anyone interested in the intersection of the two forms of creative expression can learn a bit about the designs of some of Atlanta’s most popular eateries thanks to the return of Dining + Design on Feb. 2.

The program, created by the Atlanta Architecture & Design Center, is headed up by John Bencich, principal of Square Feet Studios, a firm that’s designed the interiors of many of Atlanta’s most popular eateries.

In previous years, the event has taken place at locations like Westside Provisions District and along the Beltline Eastside Trail.

Next month’s affair will explore Ponce City Market, allowing participants to eat and drink their way through the historic landmark (turned mixed-use mecca) as its designers and developers share stories.

The night will start at the Mercury, where canapes and cocktails will be served with a discussion led by the designers of the space. From there, the evening will progress to Citizen Supply where founder Phil Sanders and a local maker will lead the conversation as guests enjoy local beer from TAP on Ponce and food from Chef Linton Hopkins’ Hop’s Chicken.

The high point — literally — of the evening will be at Nine Mile Station, the recently opened beer garden on the rooftop of the building. Corporate architect Mark Blair of Jamestown, the building’s developer, will share stories as the beer flows.

Who knew that design, drinking, and dining could be so intertwined?

• Dining + Design | Ponce City Market [event page]
• Architect John Bencich: Atlanta Needs a 'Balanced Approach' [Curbed]