Art by Three: Best Commercial Design GOLD, F&B – Tim Hortons

From high-end office spaces to luxury retail compositions, these award-winning works set new benchmarks in Malaysia’s unique design scene and its rising global influence

The winning projects at this year’s Designer of the Year Awards, commonly recognised as DOTY, are among Malaysia’s finest designs. In honouring and celebrating the works of leading visionaries, the platform has become the benchmark of excellence in the Malaysian and international design scene. With exceptional talent, these design studios are able to change the worlds that surround them into innovative spaces of being, living and breathing. Presenting — the recipients of the 15th installation of the DOTY Awards.

Gold Winner of DOTY 2025 Best Commercial Design — F&B

TIM HORTONS by Art by Three

Located in Oasis Sunway Pyramid, the newly designed Tim Hortons café exudes an irresistible warmth, capturing the charm of Canadian landscapes within its 1,560-square-foot space. Designed by Wong Jie Yeng of Art By Three, this restaurant transforms the concept of a café into a sensory experience, balancing elegance with an inviting atmosphere.

Guided by the warm welcome concept, this design is a homage to the natural beauty of Canada. Every detail has been meticulously designed to echo the rugged landscapes, iconic maple leaves, and the organic age rings of maple wood. The result is a harmonious interplay of natural textures and a welcoming colour palette that cocoons patrons in comfort from the moment they step in.

In fact, the restaurant’s aesthetic is rooted in the Canadian outdoors, harmonizing the rawness of the outdoors with sleek modernist design. Grand, sweeping curves weave throughout the space, reminiscent of rolling Canadian topography. These curves are thoughtfully highlighted with soft, ambient lighting, creating an almost ethereal glow.

A striking example of this is the under-lighting integrated into the café’s counters and surfaces. This subtle yet impactful feature not only emphasizes the clean lines of the design but also enhances the material textures with a soft, inviting radiance. The gentle glow creates a contemporary warmth, echoing sunlight filtering through a forest canopy, and further elevates the visual and sensory experience for guests.

A standout feature of the space is the mural wall, complemented by acoustic panels. These panels enhance the visual appeal of the dining area, while the mural itself, textured with layers of warm tones, acts as a focal point, drawing the eye and telling the story of Canada’s natural beauty. The lighting, strategically placed along edges and curves, subtly guides the gaze, adding depth and elegance to every corner of the space.

Overall, the palette is dominated by warm woods and earthy materials, while subtle metal accents lend a modern touch, balancing tradition and innovation. This thoughtful combination of materials results in a design that feels both grounded and elevated.

This restaurant exemplifies the designer’s ethos of fulfilling client needs while maintaining a harmonious design outlook. Every element—from the choice of materials to the play of light and form—has been crafted to offer patrons not just a meal, but a warm embrace. It’s more than a restaurant; it’s a retreat where design meets soul, inviting visitors to linger, connect, and savour the essence of Canada in every detail.