Award-winning design for the work I did on Whole Foods Market West Seattle. This project was given 2 Awards from the Retail Design Institute Global in 2019; Best of Class 2019 and Innovation for Localization.
I was responsible for the overall design aesthetic for the store in West Seattle, including architectural design, interior floorplans, lighting design, interior design, graphic design, custom fixture and millwork design, FF&E, material specifications, furniture selection, budgeting, and project management from start to finish. I led a team of several architects, interior designers, graphic designers, millworkers, and the general contractor in accomplishing the design intent for the entire project.
I started with creating a Visual Guide to help guide the overall design direction for the project. I wanted to showcase the fun of West Seattle and it’s iconic Alki Beach. A “cheerful seaside” with colors taken from summer sunsets and subtle nautical touches such as beadboard and driftwood style materials.
Next was paying homage to the shipyard where so much industry happens in the port. I decided to use materials that mimic shipping containers and industrial boats with ribbed metals and acrylics along with wired glass and railings.
Another key design element was the idea of “fun in the rain” playing with the fact that we live in a city known for its rain but wanted to have a positive spin around it. I used iridescent finishes on lights, elevators, and acrylics, along with light fixtures and rain chains that were meant to evoke water drops. The graphic design throughout the store included fun phrases such as “Seattle makes it rain” and “Real Food Rain or Shine.”
It was important to me to hire a local artist for the project as Seattle has a wonderful art community. Sarah Robbins, who has done amazing work throughout the PNW did an amazing mural. We showed her the architectural and graphic design package and asked for her own spin on a fun mural for a large concrete wall. We left the concrete in its natural state and she created a beautiful design that really fits the “cheerful seaside” theme.
I had the honor of leading the overall design aesthetic for the new PNW Regional Office for Whole Foods Market in Seattle. This included space planning, architectural design, office and ancillary furniture specification, FF&E, material specifications, custom millwork design, graphic design, lighting design, interior design, budgeting, scheduling and project management from start to finish. I led a team of amazing architects, interior designers, graphic designers, millworkers, and general contractors from start to finish.
In the new offices of the Pacific Northwest Region, I wanted it to be a reflection of what is so amazing about this area. The emerald green forests, warm wood tones, the outdoors, the hip but casual culture, the mountains and many different bodies of water, even the high desert areas of Washington and Oregon. You might even catch a glimpse of Sasquatch who’s been known to hide in different areas around the office!
For the workspaces, I wanted Team Members to have many different options. There are desks as well as call rooms, private “hubs” for working or collaborating, open lounge seating areas, break out spaces for relaxing and various dining options for meals and snacks.
I purchased local pieces from artists and photographers all over the PNW, including Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, and Alberta. They include photos, drawings, paintings and even carvings from First Nation artists.
When the sun comes out, there are two decks that can be accessed with views of Lake Union. We added teak decking with lounge seating, dining sets and even some swing chairs for a playful way to enjoy the outdoors.
I had the pleasure of furnishing and branding a vacation rental home in the Puget Sound area inspired by the captivating beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Every detail has been carefully thought out to create a truly unforgettable experience, evoking the essence of this breathtaking region.
My design concept draws upon the natural wonders and vibrant culture of the Pacific Northwest. From the moment you step inside, you will be enveloped in a serene ambiance. The colors used throughout the rental are carefully chosen to reflect the region's scenic landscapes. The earthy tones evoke memories of moss-covered forests, the tranquil blues bring to mind cascading waterfalls, and the rustic browns reminiscent of towering mountains.
Embracing the artistic talents of the local community, I selected a collection of artwork created by skilled artists from the Pacific Northwest. These pieces not only elevate the aesthetic appeal but also provide an authentic connection to the rich artistic heritage of the region. Guests can even purchase copies of the local artwork and have it shipped to their home, extending their stay long after they’ve left.
To further enhance the unique character of this vacation rental, I blended antiques with contemporary furnishings. These tastefully curated pieces create an atmosphere of timeless elegance, adding a subtle touch of history and charm to the guest’s stay. The antiques serve as a reminder of the area's heritage, honoring the traditions and stories that shape the Pacific Northwest.
In addition to the stunning design elements, branding efforts have ensured that every element of the vacation rental experience aligns with the Pacific Northwest theme. From locally sourced amenities to carefully curated guidebooks featuring hidden gems and local attractions, I strive to provide an authentic and immersive experience. My goal is for guests to feel an instant connection to the region, its history, and its people, even if they are visiting for the first time.
I was responsible for the overall design aesthetic for the Whole Foods Market store in North Vancouver, BC. This included architectural design, space planning, interior design, lighting design, custom fixture and millwork design, graphic design, FF&E, material specification, furniture design and layouts, budgeting, and project management from start to project completion. I led a team of several architects, interior designers, graphic designers, millworkers, and the general contractor in accomplishing the design intent for the entire project.
For the North Vancouver store, I took my design inspiration from the local neighborhood, which sits near beautiful emerald mountains with snowy peaks. This became a running theme throughout.
I added warmth through locally sourced Red Alder wood and copper metal accents. The area has a shipping yard so I added in industrial nautical details, especially seen in the register lights and hot-rolled steel beams.
Lastly, Vancouver is known for the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which was the inspiration for the “suspension bridge” elements over the coffee bar and customer service as well as the slatted wood detail throughout the store.
I volunteered to redesign the community space and office space for a woman's day shelter in Everett, WA. Esther's Place focuses on providing meals and resources to women and children who are homeless or experiencing challenges including domestic abuse and drug addiction.
I met with the board of directors and based on the needs of the women they help, we came up with a space that is both welcoming and flexible.
For the community room, it needed to be flexible. During the day it would provide meals and a place to relax and charge phones or get resources on finding employment and living arrangements. In the evenings, the space needed to be able to easily convert to a classroom or concert space.
In the offices, the board members needed a workspace for daily tasks, hold meetings and a comfortable area when discussing grants and donations.
I had the wonderful opportunity to oversee the design collaboration with Next Level Burger on their first location in Washington state! They moved into the cafe space of the Whole Foods Market Roosevelt Square store in Seattle, which required careful planning, brand cohesion between both Next Level Burger and Whole Foods, architectural design and review, space planning, and custom furniture and millwork design.
Table & Tavern was a new steak house restaurant concept, located inside the lower floor within the new Whole Foods Market in Wynnewood Pennsylvania. The concept was a hybrid of a chic steak house with a counter service restaurant.
I was responsible for the overall design of the restaurant, including space planning, architectural design, interior design, finishes, graphic design, furniture and lighting design throughout the space. This included leading a team of architects, interior designers, graphic designers, millworkers and furniture designers.
I took inspiration from high-end steak houses while keeping in mind that it was still a counter service restaurant and clientele would likely feel more comfortable in a casual setting.
For the Whole Foods Pentagon City store, located in Arlington VA, my inspiration was the activity and lifestyle around the Potomac River. When the weather is nice, everyone is outside. Colors that evoke the various seasons, finishes that play on the natural surroundings and graphics that are clean and modern.
The graphic design direction was inspired by the Pentagon, which is so close to the store and its namesake. Geometric patterns can be seen throughout the store and even in the lighting and furniture. With the font package, I took cues from military fonts as well.
I also had the opportunity to custom design furniture in this store, including the barstools at their taproom which were my favorite pieces.
OVERALL DESIGN APPROACH
All of my designs start with function. A great looking piece doesn’t work if it can’t serve its main purpose. I ask the questions, ‘what does it need to do’, ‘what environment does it need to function in’, ‘how will the design and material selections stand up to wear/tear’, ‘can it easily be fixed or parts replaced.’ From there I start working on the design and aesthetics.
Once I have a base sketch, I have a meeting with the fabricator on what are the best ways to manufacture the piece for ease, speed and cost savings. I ask them questions like ‘can the design be simplified,’ ‘are there ways of keeping the overall design aesthetic but make it more cost-effective,’ ‘how quickly can we get the materials needed,’ etc.
After I have a good first pass, I then have meetings with the various stakeholders that would be impacted by the design. For retail fixtures, this is typically operations. From there I show them the thought process so far, what’s been addressed and ask if there is anything I missed. We begin the dialogue and make any necessary adjustments. I go back and share the changes made with the engineers, then get buy-in from stakeholders for final passes before going into fabrication.
After each piece is made and has been implemented, I check in with all stakeholders on how it’s working and what can be improved for next time. Once we’ve determined the fixture is a success, it is then used as the “standard” and implemented wherever needed, including new stores, remodels, etc.
While I’m always looking to push the envelope in design to catch the consumer’s eye, enhance the product itself and it’s perceived value to increase sales, ultimately it must function first and foremost.
WHITE BARSTOOL, BASIN PUB - PENTAGON CITY, VA
For the barstool pictured I wanted it to be reminiscent of the pentagon shape, as this was for the pub at the Pentagon City store. A talented furniture designer, Marco Bogazzi, and I collaborated together on a design with a solid wood seat carved on the edges to look like a cut gem, with metal legs and foot glides for concrete floors that would hold up to years of heavy wear and tear.
BULK COFFEE FIXTURE, WFM - NORTH VANCOUVER, BC
The coffee fixture that customers use to purchase bulk coffee beans in a grocery store is typically uninspired. I wanted to showcase the beans as they have a special story. The Allegro brand motto is “Coffee with Character” and I wanted a fixture to highlight this statement.
I started with the function of the fixture first. I found a canister that was not only beautiful, but the lids come off easily and the canisters themselves sit on a bracket that a Team Member can easily slide them off and onto a cart with the same bracket to load the heavy bag of bulk beans.
Once the system was figured out, operations wanted adjustable shelves for displaying bagged coffee and accessories, and cabinets to hold extra supplies. Finally, an area to keep bags and pens neat and tidy for customers labeling their purchase was integrated.
The end result was a fixture that increased bulk coffee sales, was pleasing to the eye, and functioned at an operations level that could be maintained as easily as the other systems typically found in stores keeping labor costs down.
BENCH SEATING & TABLES, IRON KEEL - NORTH VANCOUVER, BC
A struggle for furniture in cafes, restaurants, and stores with high traffic is offering a comfortable place to sit that is also easy for the operations team to maintain. When you have upholstery, it can easily be stained, scratched, torn and gouged. For the Iron Keel, I didn’t want to lose the comfort factor but wanted to have soft seating. I decided to design a bench that was fabricated in parts that could easily be removed should one area get torn or stained. Replacing one section that can be taken to a shop for repair or replacement without having to cut or tear out the whole fixture and close down the entire seating area is a huge cost saving over time.
First, the legs are metal to hold up to wear and tear. I specified a copper powder coat finish, with an additional clear coat sprayed on top. This would help with chipping and peeling over time keeping it looking new for years to come. I also decided to have the legs be an open design so that it was easier for operations to clean underneath the seats, saving cost on labor.
The fabric I specified for the seats was a hospital grade vegan leather with a high rub count that only needed a simple cleaning solution but could handle something stronger in case of a biohazard accident.
On the tables, I wanted the look of a marble top as it’s timeless, however real marble stains and chips easily, which is not practical in the long run. Instead, I specified that the tops be made out of quartz that looks like natural marble. Quartz is a better material for any kind of exposure to food, acids, and overall use.
I was responsible for the overall design of the new Whole Foods Market satellite regional offices in Burnaby BC, just outside of Vancouver. This included space planning, architectural design, FF&E, furniture specifications, custom millwork design, graphic design, interior design, lighting design, budgeting, and project management. I led a team of several architects, interior designers, graphic designers, millworkers, and general contractors to maintain my original design intent.
For the satellite offices in Vancouver British Columbia, I wanted it to feel like a fresh take on the branding of Whole Foods. To achieve this look, I used light colors, natural materials and bright pops of different shades of green with touches of bohemian flair in fabrics and decor.
