When you walk into a finished restaurant, it’s easy to see only the result. But what excites me most is everything that happens before that moment: the collaboration, the creativity, and the intention that brings an idea to life. Sparrow, the newest restaurant from Sky Restaurant Concepts, is one such story. The partnership between Ganem, ALINE Architecture, and Social Design Studio shows the power of working together with a shared vision. Hospitality is about more than logistics. It’s about people, trust, and the kind of teamwork that takes a project further.
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A Unique Perspective: Construction and Hospitality
I’ve been fortunate to work in both worlds, leading Ganem as EVP and Sky Restaurant Concepts as an owner and creative director. That dual perspective shapes how I approach every project. In construction, creative direction is about problem-solving, sequencing, and turning drawings into reality. In hospitality, creative direction is about crafting atmosphere, emotion, and connection. When the two come together, you begin to see the bigger picture. It’s not just about opening a restaurant or finishing a building; it’s about creating an experience that lasts.
Finding the Right Collaboration Partners
Strong projects start with the right people around the table. It’s not only about technical expertise, it’s about working with partners who share your values and believe in the bigger picture. The best collaborations come from those who lean into the “why” behind the work and bring complementary strengths to the process. That alignment is what allows everyone to move toward the same goal: creating spaces where people want to gather.
Thinking Beyond the Industry Box
Some of the best outcomes happen when we push past traditional boundaries. Staying in your lane might get the job done, but fresh perspectives can take a project from good to extraordinary. Bringing my experience from both construction and hospitality means constantly looking at projects through multiple lenses: what’s functional, what’s beautiful, and what creates a sense of belonging. That kind of thinking sparks ideas that wouldn’t happen in isolation. Innovation begins when you step outside your comfort zone and open the door to new ways of thinking.
Creating Culture through Tradition
Culture is what makes a project personal and lasting. At Ganem, we’ve made tradition part of our process by embedding time capsules into our projects, Sparrow included. Our project time capsules are filled with contributions from partners and team members who brought the work to life. It’s a way to honor the moment, celebrate the people behind it, and create a tangible reminder that these projects are part of something bigger. Rituals like this strengthen culture, turning the process itself into something worth remembering.
Collaboration and culture build far more than restaurants or buildings. They create identity, community, and legacy. The projects that last, the ones that matter, are those that unite vision, innovation, and tradition. That’s exactly how we created Sparrow to be, and it’s how I will always approach any hospitality project: with the intention of making an impact, an experience. Whatever experience the client wants that last impression to be.
I’ve loved the chance to marry the two worlds of construction and hospitality in the creation of Sparrow and in continuing the legacy of Squid Ink Sushi, which has been a community hub for more than 14 years. I am excited to keep creating incredible hospitality projects, whether that’s for Ganem clients or furthering the footprint of Sky Restaurant Concepts.
Author: Emily Ganem is the Co-owner and Creative Director of Sky Restaurant Concepts and the Executive Vice President of Ganem Companies. She focuses on shaping the growth, culture, and direction of both entities while championing the partnerships that bring their vision to life.
