According to Jeff Hatch, ASID, principal of Hatch Design Group in Costa Mesa, CA, Chimayo was created in an existing restaurant space. The interior space was enlarged and enhanced by extending the storefront to the limits of the lease line. Chimayo's steel signage, which has letters silhouetted against a glowing ruby red background, calls out to mall-goers.
Guests can park out front and come directly into the restaurant without having to enter the mall.
Throughout the restaurant, warm colors of red, amber and terra cotta create an inviting atmosphere that is reminiscent of the Southwest. Extending the storefront created two patio dining areas, one on either side of the red pediment-topped front entrance. To the left of the entrance is a rounded exterior patio that offers outdoor dining in the beauty of an overhead trellis woven with flowering bougainvillea and a tree stretching through the trellis. The other patio simulates outdoor dining, but has a weatherproof roof that permits rainy day use and allows daylight to pass into the restaurant's interior. The ceiling here features lodge pole pines crossed with vigas and lattias, in authentic New Mexican style.