Cafe 30 A

Atlanta, Georgia

2,730 square feet square feet

In re-designing the on-site dining amenity for Southern Company, a leader in clean energy, the firm adopted a groundbreaking approach, deviating from traditional corporate branding and the standard on-site dining amenity. This project embraced a human-centered design philosophy, aiming to create a welcoming space accommodating a variety of occupants and activities. The concept pivoted from focusing on client branding to celebrating Georgia's local agriculture, bringing a fresh and vibrant atmosphere into Downtown Atlanta. This design choice not only highlights the area's natural greenery but also anchors the café in its local context.

The café's aesthetic, inspired by clean, bright environments, is a nod to the local surroundings, creating a distinct sense of place within the urban landscape. To realize this vision, the firm carefully selected finishes and upholstery, enhancing the space's appeal. Additionally, the collaboration with a talented art consultant introduced impactful wall art, further enriching the café's ambiance and strengthening the overall design concept. This innovative approach results in a unique, inviting social space that resonates with the client's ethos while offering a refreshing departure from conventional corporate café designs.

The renovation successfully transformed the existing underutilized cafe into a multifunctional space for dining, meetings, and social collaboration. By expanding the dining area, the firm enabled a variety of seating arrangements, accommodating different postures and group sizes. Beyond serving as a cafeteria with an improved and diverse menu, the cafe now also functions as a social hub and collaborative space during mornings and early afternoons, ideal for employee breakouts and informal meetings.

Since its reopening, the cafe has garnered positive feedback for its thoughtful, welcoming design and its role in revitalizing the broader client amenity spaces. This project's ripple effect also led to the relocation and renovation of of additional on-site amenities, which has been similarly well-received by end-users and the client and helped to drive retention and recruitment. The cafe's redesign not only enhanced its functionality but also contributed significantly to the overall workplace environment, making it a vibrant and inviting hub for various activities.