Architect Boonserm Premthada Creates Restaurant Celebrating Thai Women's Heritage

Thai architect Boonserm Premthada has designed The Artisans Ayutthaya, a riverside restaurant in the Ban Run neighborhood of Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok. The establishment was created to support local economic development and specifically honors the area's female population. A collective of women from the historic district co-founded the venue and developed its menu, preserving generations of culinary traditions. Premthada describes these women as 'breathing scriptures,' noting that nearly 70% of the subdistrict's residents are female, many single or widowed. Previously, they prepared food in large clay pots for monastic alms at a nearby temple; now they cook for both local and international guests within an architectural space that elevates vernacular materials. The structure features five triangular glass-clad blocks, with an outdoor corridor leading to a patio overlooking the Chao Phraya River. The glass blocks, repurposed from overstock of a prior project, were acquired at a reduced cost and used to sculptural effect, contrasting with their typical utilitarian applications in Southeast Asia. The design incorporates wooden frames and large operable windows to engage with the climate and natural surroundings. Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam before Bangkok, faced economic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic when the restaurant opened. Today, the Ban Run community is experiencing revitalization through this female-led initiative and Premthada's respectful architectural approach. The restaurant has received a 4.9-star rating on Google Maps from over a thousand reviewers. Premthada's design philosophy is informed by his training in carpentry with his father and his longstanding appreciation for traditional materials.