BRICKS & BIRCH
The Brief
Brick & Birch was expanding into a second location—something faster, more accessible, and built for growth. They asked me to design and build the entire space. Not just plan it. Not just spec it. Actually build it. From the layout and finishes to the furniture, lighting, and fixtures—everything guests would see or touch was made by hand, by me.
Made by Hand
Every cabinet was cut, joined, and finished on site. The seating was sculptural and specific—one of the chair backs in the dining area reached over sixteen feet tall. There was a hydroponic wall installed to grow greens for the kitchen. I laid and grouted all the tile. I sourced and installed the lighting. The ADA signage was custom-designed and 3D printed with integrated braille because nothing pre-made was up to standard. (also if you'd like to start an ADA compliant design forward company...I'm in.)
The only elements I didn’t personally install were the walk-in fridge and the wiring for the imported pizza oven. Everything else—from initial planning through final execution—was handled directly.
In the End
This wasn’t a design advisory role. It was full spatial authorship, down to the last screw. The end result was both functional and visually distinct. The space worked in real time, but also carried a clear, personal perspective. For me, it was a design exercise in accountability—learning what every decision really means when you’re the one cutting the materials, lifting the weight, and living with the outcome.
