Retail | Peninsula Optical
The challenge here was to convert a 1920s historic structure into a sophisticated and modern retail space. Our work began by reimagining the experience of buying a pair of eyeglasses as bartending service, where customers sit around a long counter.
The original space’s main characteristic was its extremely high ceiling. To give it a more intimate atmosphere we created a lowered and inexpensive grid of lights. To deal with the acoustics, carpet was put on the walls and felt-like tiles on the floors in a nod to 1970s style.
Inspired by his timeless aesthetics, Dieter Rams’ Vitsœ adjustable shelving systems were used for product display and storage.
To create a clean look and feel, we worked with a limited palette of materials and tones such as oak floor, white countertops and felt.
Details
Location: Palo Alto, California
​
Completion: 2017
​
Photography: Drew Kelly
​
Architecture & Interiors: Framestudio
Chad DeWitt : Project Designer
Alice Hwang: Project Architect
​
Builder: Ruzicka Construction
​
Media
Retail Design Blog, USA Peninsula Optical