The Terrace

The installation team followed a carefully coordinated process to bring Tirso Lighting’s design vision to life. Beginning with precise field measurements due to the narrow layout and misaligned walls, installers worked closely with designer Tirso Pelaez to ensure seamless integration of custom-built elements. This included the secure mounting of custom-fabricated backlit wall panels, the suspension of a curved linear light fixture, and the installation of mirrored ceiling panels.

The interior design process for The Terrace began with a clear objective: to transform an outdated, narrow bar in Harlem into a sophisticated speakeasy-style venue that blends modern luxury with vintage charm. Interior designer Tirso Pelaez of Tirso Lighting was brought onto the project after construction had already begun, requiring him to adapt quickly and creatively around existing elements like newly installed floor tiles. The irregular layout and misaligned walls presented spatial challenges, prompting a detailed site evaluation to optimize flow, seating, and functionality. Instead of treating these constraints as setbacks, Tirso approached them as opportunities to introduce bold and distinctive design elements. A unique concept was introduced—a hidden bar accessed through a tailor shop façade, complete with a sewing machine and minimalistic artwork—setting the tone for an immersive guest experience. Custom furniture, including banquette seating and mini stools, was designed in collaboration with a local fabricator to suit the narrow space while ensuring comfort and exclusivity. High-end materials such as beveled mirror tiles, black marble countertops, and smoked vintage mirrors were carefully selected to reflect light and enhance the moody, luxurious ambiance. The ceiling was finished in a black reflective surface to give the illusion of greater height. Lighting became a core design feature, with a custom backlit steel wall panel showcasing a halftone mountain landscape and casting a warm 2000K glow throughout the room. Above the bar, a curved linear light fixture offered sculptural presence and ambient illumination. Every element of the design was meticulously coordinated to maintain the integrity of Tirso Pelaez’s vision. By collaborating with local laborors, millworkers, and electricians, and weaving together space planning, storytelling, and cutting-edge lighting design, The Terrace became more than just a bar—it became a fully immersive experience. This project stands as a testament to Tirso Pelaez’s ability to elevate compact spaces into bold, refined, and unforgettable destinations.

The Terrace project presented a series of technical and logistical challenges that required adaptability and precision from the Tirso Lighting team. Upon joining the project mid-construction, interior designer Tirso Pelaez was tasked with working around completed elements, such as newly installed flooring and fixed utility placements. These constraints limited flexibility and demanded close coordination between design, fabrication, and installation teams. One of the biggest challenges was the irregular geometry of the space. The narrow footprint, sloped surfaces, and misaligned walls made standard layouts difficult to execute. To address this, the team turned to their go-to Leica 3D LiDAR scanner to gather highly accurate as-is conditions. This scanning process allowed them to generate precise 3D models and develop fully custom design and fabrication solutions that accounted for every spatial inconsistency. Material logistics also presented obstacles. Many of the project’s key features—such as custom-fabricated steel panels and the sculptural curved lighting fixture—required long lead times and exact dimensions. Careful coordination with fabricators and trades ensured that these components were built to spec and installed seamlessly.

Another significant constraint was the low ceiling height, which threatened to make the space feel enclosed. Tirso Lighting addressed this by incorporating a black reflective ceiling to create a sense of vertical openness and depth.

In the face of these challenges, Tirso Lighting delivered a space that feels fully intentional and immersive—transforming architectural limitations into defining design elements through the strategic use of technology, collaboration, and design ingenuity.

The Terrace deserves a MONDO-DR Award because it captures the essence of what this recognition stands for: bold creativity, technical excellence, and meaningful transformation. This project doesn’t rely on spectacle or scale—it demonstrates how design can elevate even the most overlooked spaces with precision, restraint, and originality.

What sets this project apart is its ability to feel entirely intentional in a space that offered very little flexibility. Every design move was deliberate, every detail executed with care. The result is a venue that feels immersive and transportive, yet grounded in its context.

Rather than chasing trends, the design team focused on timeless elements—craftsmanship, materiality, and atmosphere. The lighting isn’t just functional; it tells a story. The spatial layout isn’t just efficient; it invites curiosity and intimacy. The overall experience lingers with guests long after they’ve left.

In an industry often driven by excess, The Terrace is a reminder that elegance can come from constraint, and that innovation often begins with a challenge. It’s a celebration of how far Tirso Lighting has come—and a glimpse of what’s possible when experience, creativity, and purpose align.