Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld has been chosen to design the interior for New York's The Four Seasons restaurant when it relocates from its iconic Seagram Building home.
Weinfeld won a private competition to work on the new space at 280 Park Avenue, a few blocks south from the Mies van der Rohe-designed skyscraper where the establishment has been located since 1959.
The Four Seasons is set to reopen at its new venue next summer after closing last weekend, following a decision made by the building's owner Aby Rosen not to renew the lease.
The choice has proven controversial with critics concerned about the fate of the original interior. Designed by American architect Philip Johnson, it is one of the last complete Modernist spaces left in Manhattan.
Furniture and tableware from the space, including bespoke pieces designed by Johnson, will be sold at auction later this month.
Weinfeld – one of Brazil's leading contemporary architects – is best known for his pared-back Modernist approach to projects, which have ranged from private residences and golf clubhouses to shops and apartment blocks during his 43-year career.
For The Four Seasons he will design the 20,000-square-foot (1,860-square-metre) space, along with furniture and tableware – similar to Johnson's original commission.
"It's an honour to design a space like that," the architect told The Telegraph.
"I don't know if it's possible to be at the same level as van der Rohe and Johnson, and also the expectations in a city like New York of such an iconic place are very strong, but I've had my practice for 43 years now and I feel secure that it's come at the right moment in my professional life."
The architect is currently working on a high-end residential building in the city, and is also overseeing the conversion of The Shore Club hotel in Miami Beach into a luxury complex.