
role
art director, designer
project type
interior design
collaborators
project management, designer: Marcela Goris | Jake Colclough
adobe indesign, adobe photoshop, adobe illustrator, revit, enscape
materials used
our mission was to build a welcoming community of motorcycle enthusiasts and coffee lovers. the vision was to integrate a coffee shop into an existing historic gas station that currently housed a motorcycle haven. to bring this vision to life, we collaborated closely with our clients and preservation designers. together, we found creative ways to work within the client's budget, opting for repurposing certain elements. this not only kept costs in check but also added an eco-friendly touch to the design.
the end result was a space that effortlessly combines the contemporary coffee culture with the nostalgic charm of the historic gas station. it's a place that exudes a laid-back vibe, where folks can come together, enjoy a cup of joe, and have a chat. CEM is the perfect blend of old-retro charm and modern cool.
coastal empire moto is an existing motorcycle shop located in an up-and-coming neighborhood of Savannah, Georgia, known as the Starlandia district.

sunken lounge
exterior view
private lounge

concept
the concept, fueling convergence, aims to bring people together by using coffee as the fuel to connect us. the goal is to design a space where individuals who may not have had a voice before can be heard. the design is inspired by the style of motorcycles from the 60s and 70s, an era that was significant to the motorcycle industry and to the client. the timeless design reflects this peak era of motorcycles while incorporating existing materials from the building to honor its history and preserve its character.
concept proposal
project goals and proposal
1/8” scale model
the proposal for CEM harnesses the existing architectural form, placing a special emphasis on its historical features. the exterior design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, fostering a sense of community and evoking a delightful nostalgia.

exterior view
lounge view
jukebox view