Space Planning in Commercial Design: Maximizing Functionality, Flow, and Brand Impact

More Than Just Looks: Why Smart Space Planning Sets Your Business Apart Behind every beautifully designed commercial space is a strategy that started with flow, function, and brand impact—not just finishes. Discover how thoughtful space planning can boost efficiency, enhance customer experience, and bring your business’s story to life from the ground up.

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Designing with Intention: An Interview with JDG Interior Designer Elysha Lepper

Interior designer Elysha Lepper shares her journey from intern to full-time designer at JDG, revealing how thoughtful collaboration and intentional design shape every space she works on.

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Behind the Scenes: The Creative Process of Multifaceted Interior Design

Discover how JDG transforms concepts into functional, brand-driven spaces—through strategy, collaboration, and hands-on execution that brings every detail to life.

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The Psychology of Design: How Colours Impact Mood and Productivity

Colour isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a powerful tool that shapes emotions, influences decisions, and enhances productivity. Explore the science behind colour psychology and how strategic design choices can create spaces that inspire, energize, and support well-being.

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Unexpected Materials: Exploring Unconventional Choices in Interior Design

Discover how unexpected materials—like mycelium, recycled textiles, and Venetian plaster—are redefining commercial interiors in 2025, blending sustainability with stunning design for restaurants and retail spaces.

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The Impact of Lighting in Commercial Interior Design: Setting the Stage for Success

Lighting does more than just brighten a space—it shapes mood, influences customer behavior, and impacts your bottom line. Discover how color temperatures, fixture types, and smart systems can take your business to the next level, and explore emerging trends set to transform commercial interiors in 2025. Dive in for practical tips and design inspiration that will illuminate your space—and your brand.

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Nurturing Talent and Building Success: An Interview with JDG’s Talented Intern, Mia Givon

At JDG, we’re thrilled to highlight the incredible creativity and passion that emerging talent brings to the world of interior design. Providing opportunities for interns to grow and explore ensures the next generation of designers is equipped to shape the future of the industry.

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Checking In on Hospitality Design: Trends and Innovations

Discover the evolving landscape of hospitality design, where technology enhances guest experiences, wellness-focused spaces promote well-being, and flexible environments adapt to diverse needs. Explore how these innovations create memorable experiences in venues like restaurants, hotels, and resorts.

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Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design: Creating a Greener Workspace

Explore how JDG integrates sustainability and wellness in commercial design, focusing on eco-friendly solutions like energy efficiency, natural materials, and flexible spaces. Learn how creating greener work environments can boost productivity while reducing environmental impact.

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Inside the Creative Mind: An Interview with JDG’s Lead Designer, Liz Garcia

Explore Liz Garcia's inspiring journey in interior design, where her creativity and passion bring spaces to life. Discover her innovative solutions and the challenges she overcomes to create stunning, functional environments.

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The Playful Power of Colour in Design: Bold and Vibrant Commercial Interiors

Discover the transformative power of colour in commercial interior design with JDG. Explore how bold and vibrant colours can enhance brand identity, create memorable experiences, and influence customer behavior. From understanding colour psychology to using colour as a branding tool, this post delves into practical tips for incorporating bold hues into your designs.

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Exploring the Top 5 Art Deco Elements in Commercial Design: Featuring the Award-Winning LUXE Artisan Chocolates

Discover the top Art Deco elements in commercial design with the award-winning LUXE Artisan Chocolates in Regina, SK, Canada. Explore how geometric patterns, luxurious materials, bold color palettes, and ornate details create sophisticated and captivating spaces. Uncover the allure of Art Deco and learn how to elevate your design projects with these timeless elements.

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Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality in Commercial Interiors

In the world of commercial interior design, finding the perfect balance between beauty and practicality is key. At JDG, we understand this delicate delicate concept and excel at creating spaces that not only look stunning, but also function seamlessly. Let us help you bring your vision to life with our expertise and passion for design.

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Collaborating with Design Professionals: From Concept to Completion

Welcome to a transformative journey of collaboration with design professionals, where the fusion of creativity and purpose transforms ordinary spaces into captivating experiences. This blog post navigates you through the intricacies of working with interior design professionals, from the initial spark of inspiration to the meticulous execution. Discover how our process-driven approach, honed by extensive experience, can demystify the creative process and empower you with insights applicable to both residential and commercial endeavors. Join us on this immersive journey and let's make your space a true reflection of your story.

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Top 5 Interior Design Trends Predicted to Reshape Interior Spaces in 2024

In the dynamic world of interior design, trends mirror societal shifts and individual preferences. As spaces evolve, so do our tastes and values, promising a blend of timeless classics and fresh inspirations in 2024. These trends will transform spaces into innovative havens that embrace our ever-evolving world.

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Crafting Brand Identity: The Role of Interior Design

Welcome to the world where business identity converges with the art of interior design. Here we will explore the pivotal role interior design plays in shaping a brand’s narrative, and how your specific branding can elevate your interior.

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The Importance Of Acoustic Solutions In Commercial Spaces

There are many important elements to consider when it comes to commercial interior design. Have you ever been filled with anticipation as you venture out to experience a new restaurant in your area? You walk in and are dazzled by the design elements and look forward to an excellent meal with great company, only to be overcome by the level of noise in the space. It’s hard to have a conversation with the person across the table from you when it feels like you must yell to be heard.What’s interesting is that the opposite is also true, especially in a restaurant setting. Too much ambient noise isn’t conducive to intimate conversation, but neither is too little. People don’t want to raise their voice throughout their meal, and they don’t want to feel they have to whisper either. Acoustics are an important element to consider in commercial interior design.

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Enhance Your Lattes With Our 5 Ideas For Cafe Interior Design

Welcome to the captivating world of café interior design, where aesthetics and ambiance play a vital role in crafting unforgettable experiences for coffee enthusiasts. In today’s fast-paced world, cafés have evolved into more than just places to grab a quick cup of joe; they’ve become hubs for social gatherings, moments of relaxation, and a sanctuary for creativity.

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Powerful West Coast Interior Design Elements And How To Implement Them

West Coast interior design is emerging as a powerful and inspiring style. With its emphasis on natural elements, coastal aesthetics, and a minimalist approach, West Coast design brings a sense of tranquility and connection with nature into your home or business. By incorporating these design elements, homeowners and business owners alike can transform any space into a serene sanctuary that reflects the unique beauty of the West Coast.

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The Interior Design Evolution of Fast Casual Restaurants

The fast-casual restaurant industry has emerged as a popular and thriving segment in the food service market.Combining the convenience of fast food with the quality and ambiance of casual dining, fast casual restaurants have become go-to destinations for individuals seeking a quick yet enjoyable meal.Unlike traditional fast food chains, these establishments often offer healthier menu options, made-to-order meals, and an elevated dining experience. With their rising popularity, fast casual restaurants have recognized the importance of creating a unique and inviting atmosphere that sets them apart from their competitors.

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The Top 5 Interior Design Trends in 2023 Are Here to Stay

As we progress into 2023, we can expect to see a continuation of some existing trends while also witnessing the emergence of new ones. From sustainable and eco-friendly design choices to the integration of technology into our homes, the top interior design trends for 2023 promise to be both exciting and practical.

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Multi-Family Projects Interior Design Guide: Amenity Spaces

In this article, we examine the value of amenity spaces in multi-family complexes and practical design strategies for them. In multi-family housing structures, amenity spaces are the common areas that are utilized by all occupants. They are crucial in improving residents’ quality of life overall, encouraging social contact, and creating a feeling of community. A well-planned amenity area can improve a building’s reputation, enhance property values, and draw in and keep tenants.

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Our Top 4 Wall Treatments for 2023

The top 4 wall treatments for 2023 will be covered in this blog post along with advice on how to use them in your own home or commercial space.

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How Traditional Design Is Making a Comeback – In a Modern Way

It’s no secret that the world is gravitating toward sustainability. When it comes to interior design, the same holds true. More and more people are consciously seeking ways to reduce waste while still creating spaces that hold true to their personalities and style. This has led to a comeback of classic design trends, but with a modern twist. Let’s look at some of the top design elements making a comeback in residential interior design.

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5 Office Interior Design Trends That Will Transform Your Space

There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic created a shift in the interior design of office spaces, and although it forced many people to work from home, we have continued to see new office interior design trends emerge.

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5 Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Commercial Interior Design Firm

Finding the right commercial interior design team can feel like hiring a new employee of your own, and it is most definitely just as important. Does their design vision align with what you and your company want? Are you both on the same page? What services do they offer?

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Our Top Tips for Restaurant Design

The success of a restaurant doesn’t depend solely on food. At JDG, we can guide you through the process of designing an incredible restaurant – from initial inspiration to permitting and construction.

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The Most Creative Layout & Design Ideas for an Open Plan Office

Office interior design and layout do affect everyone in the workplace. Unfortunately, open plans have shown negative employee experiences in recent studies, especially in the realms of noise and privacy.

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The Top 5 Principles of Sustainable Interior Design

It’s no secret that people are considering energy-efficient and sustainable interior design options for a greener future. We’re noticing a sharp increase in our clients here at JDG who want to incorporate sustainable principles in their homes and workspaces.

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The Most Important Elements of Commercial Interior Design

Whatever establishment you enter, whether it be a hotel, restaurant, or office branch, your brain forms a general impression of the area by its design. It’s common for business owners to be so consumed by other business matters to barely consider these simple queries. Your commercial interior design is immensely important to your potential customers, existing customers and even your employees!

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5 Dos & Don’Ts for Bedroom Interior Design

Choosing bold and primary colours disturbs your sleep patterns. A recent blog by Casper demonstrates that some of the worst bedroom interior design colours are red, orange, dark purple, dark brown, and black. Red, for example, is a high-energy colour with an extremely powerful pigment which is said to provoke feelings of anger. Orange is said to have similar impacts, but is more related to high energy and excitement, making it difficult to relax and sleep.

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Creative Ways to Use Artificial Lighting in Your Commercial Space

Light surrounds and affects us every single day. Both natural and artificial lighting contribute to our comfort, vision and our ability to be productive. From busy retail stores to productive office spaces, setting up artificial lighting in an establishment can be a time-consuming endeavour. We’d like to arm you with some creative solutions here at JDG so you can brainstorm some innovative artificial lighting solutions for your company.

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5 Home Renovation Trends You’ll Be Seeing in 2022

Home renovation has seen a boom in the past year. There will be an approximate 10% rise in spending on home renovation projects this year alone compared to 2021. Here are five notable trends to consider and look out for this year.

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Creating a Concept for Your Target Market

Interior Design has the ability to leave a lasting impression on the individuals who use or visit a space. Throughout the interior design process, having a strong design concept helps to define the design direction and bind all project elements together. When developing a design concept, it is important to execute thorough research on the target market of the business who’s space you are designing. This is crucial to ensure that the finished interior design makes a memorable impact on its users.

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Restaurant Design: Form vs Function

A memorable restaurant experience consists of many elements, most importantly the menu and service. But what about the design and ambience? How does such an experiential add-on impact the guest’s perception of your restaurant?

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How to Create a Retail Interior Design That Sells

How many times have you entered a store and sensed that something didn’t feel right? Perhaps, the place was crowded or just not captivating enough to make you want to stay. Complicating things further, online shopping has emerged as a convenient alternative that has slowly become part and parcel of daily life. How, then, do you get customers to step into your store? Sales and marketing tactics?

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A Guide to Designing a Dental Office

Not everyone loves to go to the dentist. For some, it’s a very anxiety-ridden experience and can even prevent them from taking proper care of their dental health. Empty, cold, and bright white dental office designs can further people’s distaste for medical environments and make them reluctant to see a dentist.

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Take Your Commercial Space to the Next Level With These Lighting Design Trends

Lighting is one of the best, and easiest ways to improve a commercial environment. The challenge is that lighting design must be cohesive and effectively illuminate different types of spaces that coexist under one roof. You also need to think about energy costs and lighting efficiency, as well as the need to incorporate flexibility for easy adjustments and potential growth in the space.

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How Interior Design Affects Our Mental Health

When people think about interior design, they often picture the front cover of a magazine, featuring a lightly-coloured couch in a high ceiling room with lots of tastefully placed accent décor. While that may be true, there is a much deeper side to interior design that has a close relationship with mental health.

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How Instagram Has Changed the Way We Design Vancouver Restaurants

With the rise of social media, in particular, the photo-sharing app Instagram, interior design has never been more important for the restaurant industry in Vancouver. Roughly 1 billion people actively use Instagram and it has become an incredible marketing tool for many businesses, including interior designers.

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7 Interior Design Trends We Can’t Wait to See in 2022

We are so excited to see more earthy tones, softer shapes, and the concept of minimalism be expressed in interior design concepts next year. You can stay up to date with design trends throughout the year by keeping up with our blog posts.

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Post COVID: The Food & Beverage Industry

On March 18th, the Government of BC announced their intent to provide vaccines to every resident of BC by the end of this year.

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The Relationship Between Interior Design and Branding

When it comes to creating, developing, or changing the brand of your business, there are many factors to consider – including how the brand will reflect in the interior design of your business environment. A brand does not end with a logo, it carries through into the customer experience; therefore, it is important to remember that interior design is essentially an extension of a business’s customer service and brand identity.

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How Will COVID-19 Affect the Methodology of Interior Design Moving Forward?

It is without question that our world has experienced drastic changes over the past year. Humanity has been required to adapt and cope in various ways, and everyone’s lives have been affected in different ways. There is no doubt that many of the adjustments and changes that we have made, will carry on for the foreseeable future.

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The Perception of a Space

Interior spaces come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are tall and narrow, some have low ceilings with lengthy walls. In addition, many spaces lack natural light, making them feel smaller than they actually are. Depending on the project, a commercial design client may desire their space to be perceived differently. This is an instance where materials and finishes become a designer’s greatest tool. Using design elements and principles such as contrast, space, hierarchy, and depth, an interior designer has the ability to completely manipulate the spatial perception of a space.

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Patios

Since the effects of COVID-19 first struck Vancouver businesses, Janks Design Group has reached out to our existing food and beverage clients to offer our assistance as they navigate the new restrictions and guidelines.

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INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS 2020

Over the past few months, JDG has been researching the predicted interior design trends of 2020. In 2019, we saw many trends flourish such as colour blocking, monochromatic schemes, and lots of “Instagramable” spaces. What design trends will 2020 bring for interior designers? Let’s take a look…

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Reflecting Back on 2019 – Interior Design

Ah…. 2019! What a wonderful year for Janks Design Group and our incredible clients. We began innovative interior design projects, worked on the development of current projects, and celebrated as our completed projects came to life! We had the honour of providing design services for Hospitality, Restaurant, Retail, Medical, and Corporate projects. As we dive into 2020, we reflect on some of our commercial design highlights.

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Biophilic Design

Biophilic design is an innovative extension of biophilia that interior designers use to create healthier (both mentally and physically) built environment for the end users. By incorporating natural materials, vegetation, and natural light into both commercial and residential environments, designers have the ability to drastically improve the overall experience of an interior space. In fact, biophilic design has the ability to reduce stress, improve our cognitive function, and even expedite healing (2). We spend 90% of our time indoors (3), so the opportunity to improve the well-being of users through biophilic design is a no-brainer for both commercial design and residential design.

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2019 Design Trends

New year, new design trends. In 2019 we’ll see old styles return with a fresh twist of vibrant colours and more pattern in both commercial and residential interiors. The grey and white colour palettes of last year will be warmed, more expressive and show individuality.

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Colour Trends 2019

Many colour trends from 2018 have crossed over into 2019 but with a little more refinement…

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Retail Shopping in BC – Online or in Store?

Online shopping has been dominating the retail world for the past 5 years leaving many stores and franchises to unfortunately crash and burn. Lately though many brick and mortar stores have been popping up and making a come back.

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Dish & Duer Retail Expansion

Did you ride your bike to work today and wish your pants weren’t so hot and constricting? Gary Lennet thought the same thing so he created the ultimate brand, DUER. With multiple years of experience in the fashion industry he designed a performance pant that is geared toward active lifestyles. He first introduced his new brand through a kickstarter fund and pop up stores, shortly after opening a retail location in Gastown. Along with DUER he rebooted Dish women’s jeans, a brand that was popular several years ago.

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Local Designers and Artists We Love!

Janks Design Group works with some amazing local artists and industrial designers that help us to create our commercial designs. We are excited to share them with you and why we continually work with these skilled professionals that custom design amazing products.

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2017 Interior Design Trends

We all know that BC has been in love with grey but this year it’s moving away from the cold shades of concrete to a warmer tone. The new popular neutral is now “Greige” (yes grey and beige or some would call it taupe), especially in residential interiors. Rooms from top to bottom with wood flooring, tiles, furnishings, paint……a Greige affair!

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Vancouver 2017 Restaurant & Cafe Awards

The Golden Plates Readers’ Choice Awards is a poll the The Georgia Straight conducts every year with their readers on the best restaurants and cafes this city has to offer. Many of our friends whom we’ve had the privilege to work with on their commercial interior designs, made the cut. We are elated for them and not surprised one bit that Vancouver agrees they are the best at what they do!

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Orange Julius – Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen has been serving up frozen treats, flame-grilled hamburgers and french fries for more than 70 years. The founders developed the foundation of the franchising industry which expanded their stores exponentially. From 1947 to 1955 they grew from 100 to 2,600 with the first Canadian location opening in 1953. In the late 80’s International Dairy Queen obtained the Orange Julius company that makes delicious fruit juices and smoothies. The mix of undeniable products and smart business model was a recipe for success!

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Wholesome ice cream in Vancouver

The newest space on Quebec Street is in an old heritage building with exposed brick walls and post and beam structure. The combination of sustainable materials, custom lighting and large windows creates an inviting space that is rustic and fresh. To learn more about the conceptual design and the end result, please click on the link below to a write up on Retail Design Blog.

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Spinhouse Cycling Studio – Let’s Do This!

Indoor cycling isn’t new to the fitness world but the model has been revived and amped up in recent years. Now the spin experience is like no other and will knock you senseless. You’ll be intensely panting and sweating in a compact room with fellow spinners in a full body synchronized rhythm. Their vibe along with the instructors’ motivation will push you through the hour-long class. By the end, you’ll be amazed how hard you’ve worked and what your mind and body can accomplish.

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Healthy Fast Food Revolution – Here to Stay!

A couple of years ago a food revolution began – healthy fast-casual restaurants. This trend has proved to be strong in Vancouver with restaurants, retailers and brands. Many fast-food chains and food manufacturers have caught on and made the switch to more wholesome ingredients. Some deciding to improve the quality of their products by; reducing artificial coloring, flavorings, sweetener and preservatives, dropping controversial ingredients from foods and even removing pop from kids’ meals. Others have chosen to accommodate special-diet needs, specifically plant-based, gluten and dairy-free options.

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Parklet – Urban Design Vancouver

September 1st rolled in fast and brought with it rain, the chills and constant yawns. Coffee intake has multiplied and panic set in that summer has come to an end. However a little rain never hindered Vancouverites from enjoying the outdoors. Thanks to Viva Vancouver there are over a handful of urban spaces to stop and relax for a while.

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Field & Social – Scout Magazine

The concept sounds like a winner, sort of like a breadless Meat & Bread. To wit, instead of a limited menu of consistently executed sandwiches, Field & Social will deal in carefully considered salads. While that’s nothing new, the aesthetic element should prove alluring. Stephen agrees. “Why does salad restaurants always have to be tacky? Why can’t it have style?” To that end, they’ve hired Ruth Jankelowitz of Janks Design Group (see also Earnest Ice Cream) to execute the look with tight branding by Lucy & Guy Browning of Workhouse Collective. Come opening day in early 2016, the interior will see a white marble counter, plenty of copper sinks and pendant lights, and plenty of long communal tables. The exposed concrete pillars and floors will stay unclad. To give you an idea, take a look at the mood board…

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