Variant Collaborative’s Post

Working cafe by day ➡️ lively destination for drinks, dates, and more by night This Chicago cafe and bar aims to provide an exciting location for the hybrid Chicago employee to work and play. With the primary focus of the cafe being a multi-functional location where people can work, a group of friends can meet for drinks, and casual dates can take place, Variant Collaborative had to tactfully consider how to fit these spatial needs into a tight floor plan. Here’s how they did it: ➡️ ARCHITECTURE: the designers allowed the architectural elements of the building to inform design decisions and help stretch the limited project budget ➡️ INSPIRING ELEMENTS: the existing ornamental soffit inspired the location and shape of the bar, while the original black-and-white checkered floor tile provided a flair reminiscent of traditional American diners ➡️ SEATING: they strategically balanced loose seating with dining tables, bar seating, and a central banquette with integrated power ➡️ PLATFORM SPACE: the existing platform was refinished and became the primary location for the large sofas and lounge chairs, with the change in height that the platform provides naturally delineating the more casual section from the work occurring at the banquette Congratulations to our 2023 Design Excellence Award Winner for Restaurant Design, Variant Collaborative 🎉 🏆 Variant Collaborative 👏 Danielle Vevea 👏 Ashley Raynor, IIDA 👏 Lauren Young 📸 Wade Hall #asidillinois #designimpactslives #hospitalitydesign #restaurantdesign #restaurantinteriors