Programming & Scope

The existing exterior will be minimal in design with a glass and natural wood façade, which filters light through the windows. There will be two entrances, one on the south side and another on the east. Both sets of entry doors incorporate a pair of oversized traditional wood doors with antiqued bronze hardware. The shop interior has a full service tea bar and cash wrap for ordering tea and purchasing retail items. There will also be a separate bar area for tea tastings and educating customers on the different teas and how to properly brew them. There will be space for retail displays, seating areas for those who order their tea to stay, and a space for a small library of books for people to learn more about tea and tea culture. The front cash wrap/service bar and the tasting bar will be equipped with refrigerators, water supply, and sinks. In addition to the public use areas, the staff requires a storage area to store retail back-stock and bulk teas. The back room storage area will also incorporate a clean-up station for cleaning dishes and a mop sink.

The feeling in the space is relaxing, calm, and inviting. The fixtures will be simple in design with natural wood finishes, used in combination with glass, metal and earthtone hues. The straight lines of the fixtures will be contrasted with organic materials and a handful of traditional Asian fixtures. There will be task lighting for the tea bar and the cash wrap, along with accent lighting for the displays and seating areas. The ambient light will be warm and compliment the fixtures and products, creating a cohesive aesthetic.