Frank and Alice are long-term associates, having employed my skills as a barista trainer since 2010. So, when they asked me in 2015 to design their first new coffee shop that would be housed in their Edgcumbes roastery, I was delighted to be considered for this project.

To begin, I conducted several site visits to gain a comprehensive understanding of the space. Alice had clear ideas regarding her vision for the cafe. It would have a viewing window, allowing customers to observe the roastery in action. Great emphasis would be placed on the location and equipment regarding the coffee & tea stations. Armed with this brief, detailed sectional & plan drawings were produced, for their team of builders to follow.

These drawings highlighted several crucial elements:

• Storage Solutions: The design incorporated ample cupboard space to efficiently store essential freshly roasted coffee, loose leaf tea and equipment, ensuring a clutter-free workspace.
• Durable Construction: The counter frame was meticulously designed using a combination of scaffold poles,  solid wooden worktops, and other high-quality materials to withstand the rigours of daily operation.
• Functional Voids: Strategic voids were incorporated into the design to accommodate electrical services and plumbing fixtures, optimizing the counter’s efficiency.
• Ergonomic Design: A reduced counter height and was carefully calculated to provide a comfortable and ergonomic workspace for baristas, enhancing productivity and reducing strain.
• Dedicated Coffee Station: A designated coffee station was included in the layout, complete with ample workspace for coffee grinders, an Uber font, and filter brewing station.
• Essential Filtration: The importance of water quality was emphasized, and the placement of water filters was carefully considered to ensure optimal coffee quality.
• Detailed Services Layout: Plan drawings included locations and dimensions of essential services, such as power, lighting, communications, security and plumbing.

The finished cafe was imaginative but also highly functional, contributing to the overall success of their business.