lucky lily by nicole gomes
Lucky Lily by Nicole Gomes brings the bold, globally inspired cooking of Top Chef Canada: All-Stars champion Chef Nicole Gomes to Vancouver International Airport. Rooted in her family, heritage, and a lifelong spirit of culinary exploration, the concept offers a fresh, vibrant take on Asian brasserie dining, pairing layered Asian flavours with the warmth and familiarity of a neighborhood gathering place. Designed for travelers on the move, Lucky Lily creates a welcoming moment of comfort, connection, and a little good fortune before takeoff.
THE APPROACH
At Hale Collective, we believe great airport dining should feel like a destination, not a departure from the experience. For Lucky Lily, we set out to create a space that captures the vibrancy of Asian street culture while embracing the intimacy and sophistication of a contemporary brasserie. Rich wood tones, glowing architectural details, and layered textures establish a warm, immersive backdrop, while sculptural lighting and striking millwork bring a sense of theater to the space. A dramatic, illuminated canopy draws the eye toward the central bar, creating a natural focal point for gathering, dining, and discovery. Throughout the restaurant, we balanced bold visual moments with thoughtful functionality, ensuring the experience feels equally inviting for a leisurely meal or a quick stop before boarding. The result is a space that feels deeply personal, distinctly memorable, and unmistakably Lucky Lily.
INFO
LOCATION Vancouver International Airport
SIZE 5,813 SF
CLIENT SSP America
CATEGORY Food & Beverage
SERVICES
Interior Design
Architecture
Procurement
PAN-ASIAN COMFORT
Rooted in Nicole Gomes’ Shanghainese and Macanese heritage, Lucky Lily draws on family, cultural tradition, and a lifetime of culinary exploration. Named in honor of her daughter and grandmother, Lily, the concept translates those personal connections into a layered design experience—Asian-inspired architectural details, rich materials, and warm, inviting spaces. A celebration of heritage, connection, and the comfort of feeling at home.
ASIAN MARKET
Designed for travelers on the go, the Asian Market extends the Lucky Lily experience beyond the dining room. A dedicated grab-and-go offering brings the energy of an Asian neighborhood market into the airport, pairing convenient access with the brand’s warm material palette and bold visual identity. Thoughtful integration of digital menu displays and streamlined service creates an intuitive, inviting stop for travelers looking to take a little taste of Lucky Lily along for the journey.
