DESIGN AWARENESS : 2003 Awards : Theresa Bradley Professional Award : Deb Larson

2003 AWARDS : Theresa Bradley Professional Award : Deb Larson

Name: Deb Larson ASID, ISP
Firm: Interior Environments, Inc.; Bozeman, MT
Client: Rocky Mountain Roasting Co.; Bozeman, MT

Design Criteria. The design criteria for this 2,792 sq. ft. coffee shop was centered around the branding of the Rocky Mountain Roasting Company, not only for their coffee shop, but their own established, marketed brand of roasted coffee as well. There are several local existing stores, but this new store was the first one professionally designed. With a budget of $35 per square foot, the design of the store was to emphasis the uniqueness of their Rocky Mountain location, as well as their products. The store is intended to be a prototype for the eventual franchising of the chain.

Design Elements and their Significance. As a visual "trademark", emphasis was placed on the "rocks" in the Rocky Mountains. The "rock" path on the floor emphasizes the design theme, while at the same time meets the ADA and health codes, and is easy to maintain. In an effort to emphasis the Rocky Mountain Roasters brand coffee, custom designed fixtures were created to reinforce the brand. The labels designed for the coffee packaging were works of art in their own right, and were reproduced on "canvas" (like coffee bags), and displayed on the wall as further brand identification.

Some of the seating that emphasized their theme includes furniture that is identical to that used in the Old Faithful Lodge in Yellowstone, just 90 miles away. It's rustic appearance but commercial durability met the identified design criteria. The fabric for the chair and booth backs are made of recycled plastic products. The accent light pendant fixtures above the counter and booths were created with the Rocky Mountain Roasters logo by a local metalsmith. The front of the counter is a brushed metal stained to a warm color that complements the cooler colors, and at the same time is extremely durable and easy to clean. Corian was used on the countertop for its durability and appearance.

The architecture of the building made this a long, high, narrow space, so soffits were designed with a curved profile to break up and define areas in the "box". Rather than "fight" the ceiling height it became its own special design feature. The Rocky Mountain Roaster stores are located near tourist destinations, and tourists frequently come in for directions to various attractions. In response to this observation, a custom ceiling was designed with a map of the region. This adds a fun and unique feature to their shop which will remain in the customer's memory. This prototype store has helped a small local entrepreneur chain establish its identity through the interior design, and contributing to its success - another store has already been built, with a different local "map" on the ceiling!