Sunny South African Inspired Cafe
Role: Designer
Year: 2022-23
The previous iteration of this cafe in Myrtle Beach, SC was laid out in a way that created a circulation pinch near the entrance, so addressing that was the first design challenge. We solved for that by creating a curved bar that receded away from the entry thus eliminating any congestion. The design not only needed to reinforce the brand’s identity but also be able to stand alone as the anchor focal point for the cafe. After a few revisions we decided on a graceful curve clad in hexgonal yellow tile, which checked all of the boxes. The second design brief was to maximize seating but in an aesthetic way, by adding variety. The solution came about by designing an L shaped banquette that featured a shelf for indoor plants, another integral part of the brands’ identity. The cafe has gone on to win multiple culinary awards and continues to provide the local community with fresh, vegetarian forward cuisine inspired by the owner’s time in culinary school there.