City & State

April 2015
2,500 SF

Challenge: allow an artisan-centric retail store and coffee shop to peacefully coexist in two adjacent spaces.

City and State is a coffee shop serving third wave, single origin coffee and an artisan boutique dedicated to handmade goods. It is housed in an early 20th century building in the emerging Broad Avenue Arts District.

This was client’s first endeavor and the space was not set up with the infrastructure for food and beverage (F&B). With extensive experience in F&B operation and design, we provided a floor plan with an adequate service area, great visibility, circulation and connection to the customers. We also assisted with equipment plan.

The client’s experience in digital marketing and graphic design provided strong branding and identity. The building’s shell was interesting with concrete floors, exposed brick walls and a black painted wood joist ceiling. White oak rift-cut millwork pieces were designed for the cash wrap and the coffee counter. The pastry case and beverage cooler are built into the millwork to create a clean, contemporary look. The client designed stencils for the back wall at the coffee counter and in the restrooms adding fun, graphic pattern to the space. New lighting such as festoon lights, wall sconces and modern pendants added warmth to the minimal furniture. We created flexible retail display, for the ever-changing handmade goods, with unique, found pieces and wire shelving systems for the walls with light wood shelves. The space is always adapting but consistently relaxed and warm.