Design doesn’t start with colors, furniture, or materials.

It starts with clarity.

Before a single line is drawn, we spend time defining what this space actually needs to be — how it should work, how it should feel, and how people should move through it.

Design is not decoration.
Design is structure.

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We start with the concept, not visuals

The very first step is text.

We write a detailed written list describing what we want to see in the space:

  • how the kitchen should function
  • how the bakery should work
  • what zones the space should have
  • how guests move through the café
  • where people sit, wait, work, or slow down
  • how staff interacts with the space
  • what needs to be visible and what shouldn’t

This is not about aesthetics yet.
This is about function, flow, and intent.

Aligning with designers early

Once this concept is written, we review it together with the designers.

We talk through every part of it.
We explain why things matter.
We answer questions.
We challenge assumptions.

At this stage, alignment is more important than speed.

If the concept is unclear, everything that follows will be compromised.

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Concept exploration and iteration

Designers then prepare several initial concepts.

This is where the real brainstorming begins.

Usually:

  • 4 to 5 iterations
  • over 2 to 3 weeks
  • with constant feedback
  • and a lot of discussion

We don’t rush this phase.

It’s much cheaper to change ideas now than to change walls later.

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Moodboard as an anchor

At the same time, we work on a moodboard.

In our case, the moodboard doesn’t change much between locations.

We don’t copy designs, and every space is unique.
But we preserve a consistent feeling.

That includes:

  • light wood, often oak
  • concrete
  • microcement wall finishes
  • warm, minimal textures
  • restrained color palettes

And a few elements that become part of the identity.

For example:

  • a clock showing 3:16
  • something that naturally becomes a photo background

Not because it’s trendy, but because it feels right.

Operational spaces come next

Once the general concept is clear, we shift focus to working areas.

This is where additional specialists join the process.

We start selecting:

  • equipment
  • machinery
  • furniture dimensions
  • technical solutions

At the same time, we work through processes:

  • how food moves
  • how drinks are prepared
  • how staff moves during rushes
  • how guests queue and pick up orders
  • how different scenarios play out

We visualize everything.

This stage is critical.

If something doesn’t work here, we fix it now — even if that means moving walls that haven’t been built yet.

Moving lines on a plan is the cheapest change you’ll ever make.

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Visualizations and refinement

Only after function is solved do we move into detailed visualizations.

At this point:

  • several visual concepts are created
  • we select one direction
  • and begin refining it deeply

This phase often includes many iterations.

We adjust:

  • proportions
  • materials
  • lighting
  • textures
  • transitions between zones

Nothing is final until everything feels cohesive.

Selecting furniture and accessories

Every piece of furniture and every accessory is selected intentionally.

We make sure:

  • everything fits the concept
  • everything is available
  • everything fits the budget
  • nothing relies on unrealistic timelines

Design only works if it can actually be built.

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Tracking lead times and logistics

Once selections are finalized, we create a detailed list of everything that needs to be ordered.

For each item, we track:

  • supplier
  • lead time
  • delivery timing

This allows us to plan construction properly and avoid delays caused by missing elements.

Good design is not just visual.
It’s logistical.

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Why this approach matters

This process takes time.

It requires patience.
It requires iteration.
It requires saying “not yet” many times.

But it saves:

  • money
  • stress
  • compromises
  • rework

And most importantly, it results in spaces that feel intentional, not accidental.

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The bigger picture

Every three:sixteen space starts the same way — with questions, not answers.

What should this place be?
How should it serve people?
How should it feel five years from now?

Design is how those answers become physical.

And this is how we approach it from scratch — every single time.

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