Suzanne Humphries Evans understands that an unforgettable dining experience goes beyond food and service — ambiance is essential. That’s why she so carefully designed Birmingham’s popular restaurants, Automatic Seafood and Oysters and Current Charcoal Grill, which she owns with her husband, Chef Adam Evans.
Before entering Birmingham’s restaurant scene, the Alabama native worked in residential and commercial design across Washington, D.C., Copenhagen, India, New York, and Atlanta, and even served on Ralph Lauren’s in-house design team. We’re excited to introduce our newest FACE of Birmingham, Suzanne Humphries Evans, the celebrated designer and co-owner of these beloved dining spots.
How did you get into design?
It’s something I’ve always been interested in. I grew up in a family that considered design important. My parents would go antique shopping on the weekends, and they have built and created an amazing home. The environment in which we live was always something I was very aware of. Midway through undergrad — I was headed to pre-med — I decided I really just love creating spaces and settings where memories can happen. So, I pivoted, finished undergrad, and then got my master’s in interior design.
How do you feel your professional experiences have helped you with restaurant design?
I started more in residential, then worked with Ralph Lauren in New York. At the end of the day, the different venues and types of design have the same goal of creating an environment that enhances the form, function, experience, and beauty of what one does there — whether it’s sleeping in a bedroom, eating in a restaurant, or shopping in a store.
Learning how to reach that goal and attack that design problem in different ways has been really helpful. I’ve been able to bring those different approaches no matter what the project is.
How did you develop the design concepts Automatic and Current?
My husband, Adam, and I have been working together as a team since the inception of these projects. One thing I learned working for Mr. Lauren in New York was that the environment should communicate the total brand. So, we wanted to create a menu that reflected Adam, where we are, and the freshest and best of what can be gotten. I wanted to create a space that brought it to life.
The intention is that every piece speaks to the concept and authenticity of the food and drink. There’s meaning in every design choice, fabric, and finish. In Automatic, it’s retro. With Charcoal, it’s more modern.
What elements of the restaurants’ designs do you hope will stand out to people?
I almost hope it disappears — their experience is the most important thing. I hope they feel comfortable, at home, and happy. I want them to feel transported and excited.
Why do you feel the design of a restaurant is so important?
I think it sets the tone for the experience at hand. For some people, dining out can be a lot of money and planning, and it means finding a babysitter. I think the design should validate all efforts it takes to go out. Maybe it’s meant to be a romantic night out. You play a supporting role in whatever the goal of the experience is.
Do you have any favorite dishes on the menus at Automatic and Current?
The menus change so often, but at Automatic, there will always be a simple fish that is special because it highlights the quality of the seafood that we’re getting. And at Current, anything on the raw fish section of the menu is exciting because it’s not easily prepared at home. It’s special and unique to getting out.
What’s the best advice you have to offer?
Enjoy the process. Don’t get so caught up in resolving or finishing whatever task or project you’re doing. Enjoy the process of the process. That can apply to both interior design and life in general. I’m not sure yet how to apply it to potty training, but I know there’s something to enjoy in this process, too. We have a 3-year-old — I think he’s almost on the other side of potty training. And we have an 11-month-old.
Other than family and friends, name three things you can’t live without.
June Coffee, Jeni’s Ice Cream, and anything from Verde Lusso.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
What books are on your bedside table? The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, 5 More Sleeps ‘Til Halloween by Jimmy Fallon, Don’t Tickle the Monkey by Sam Taplin and Ana Martín Larrañaga, and Art This Way by Jason Fulford and Tamara Shopsin.
Favorite place to vacation? We love Santa Rosa. And I love traveling back to New York City.
What are some of your favorite places in Birmingham? We really enjoy and appreciate Continental Bakery. It’s a great place to take the children on a Saturday. We go to the Botanical Gardens often. And Shoppe and GENERAL are always on our list.
What do you like to do when you’re not working? I like to spend time with Adam and my children. We love being at the beach, near the ocean — anywhere on the Gulf.
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Meet more interesting and inspiring Southern women over at our FACES archives!
