"..you are a very avant-garde designer - beautiful."

Parker's Alley Place, Stockton, California

My current restaurant client and I did a preliminary walk-through of his almost completed space. He said with a big smile, "you are a very avant-garde designer - beautiful," I have heard the term before, but had to look it up. “Avant-garde (French pronunciation: [avɑ̃ɡaʁd]); from French, "advance guard" or "vanguard"[1]) is a French term used in English as a noun or adjective to refer to people or works that are experimental or innovative, particularly with respect to art, culture, and politics. Avant-garde represents a pushing of the boundaries of what is accepted as the norm or the status quo.”  [Wikipedia]

I will take that compliment any day of the week. I ALWAYS design every space with a little bit of fun and excitement. I want you to walk in and smile. Look forward to albums and videos of the work in progress and the finished coffee house.

Morada Brewpub Thesis Project

projectDESCRIPTION
 Adaptively reuse the old Morada Market to create and differentiate an inviting urban-contemporary microbrewery that departs from the dark, smoky, male-dominated stereotypical local tavern.

designDIRECTIVE

The restaurateur wants a design that revolves around a theme, but takes a subtle approach which gives diners a feel for what they are about to get, but leaves a little bit to the imagination — a trendy fine dining establishment with a relaxed casual chic vibe that may or may not be a brewpub. It feels sophisticated and futuristic, but homey and reminiscent of old world charm. The central design elements are organic, but geometric, pulling in the background of the building — a corner market — to evoke an authentic sense of place. The patrons should feel happy, relaxed and at ease, but excited as the fun environment draws them in.




Communal Dining Table



Loggia Dining





 designSOLUTION

The design pulls inspiration from the very definition of morada — habitat and mulberry-colored; and the abundance of heritage oak trees in the area. Juxtaposing industrial elements with warm woods, geometric forms and shapes, and a color palette of graphite, violet, and fuchsia creates a textural enriching space. Steel elements are used abundantly in the brew house tanks, bar counter, casework and upward arching sculptures evoking a sense of excitement. Large sculptures with a narrow stem base fluting out into a conical umbrella made of rebar mimic the shape of an oak tree. Wood floors flank the lounge and dining areas providing a warm balance against the metal elements. Bright and patterned textiles cover the booths and benches, while oxblood faux leather on the barstools reminds that this is also a tavern. Large cylindrical glass pendants drip from the ceiling like pilsner glasses waiting to be filled by the craft beer brewed onsite.

Booth Dining