West Workshop Architects

09/02/2026

Reimagining an under-utilized warehouse as a hub for community and opportunity.

In collaboration with our client, Storefront For Community Design, and F.I.R.S.T., our design proposal transforms a Richmond, VA warehouse — adjacent to Virginia Union University — into a coffee shop, donut shop, yogurt stand, and hair salon, all under one roof. These are amenities the neighborhood doesn't currently have, and the businesses would employ and train at-risk youth.

Beyond food and retail, the space is designed to be flexible: mobile stages built from elevated SIPS panels, custom moveable booths in tube steel and plywood, and wall features in plywood, metal, and polycarbonate come together to support small business incubation and community events.

08/28/2026

From a former corner bar joint to a refined coffee-and-cocktail lounge.

For 9 Bar in Clayton, NC, we designed a new space that called for a full renovation, reworking the layout and introducing custom millwork shelving with brass and mirror accents. After dark, the room shifts into something else entirely — deep navy tones, warm brass, and soft pools of light turning a small footprint into an intimate hideaway. Limited seating keeps it close-knit, the kind of place where regulars know the bartender by name.

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08/25/2026

Reimagining a space for teens to actually want to be in.

For The Resiliency Collaborative in downtown Raleigh, we designed a magenta sliding divider, custom maple tables on wheels, dry-erase walls for collaboration, and a whimsical cluster of tube sculptures dancing through the two-story space.

Set to be finished in time for the new school year.

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Fabricator: Retro Repurpose

08/20/2026

The Blue Ridge Cabin provides the perfect weekend escape for those looking for a retreat from the city to experience nature with the modern comforts of home. This compact 750-square-foot cabin’s efficient design utilizes every inch of available space with a full kitchen large enough to host, a dining room that seats six, a full bathroom, and ample gathering space indoors and outdoor, including a built-in hot tub. The second level features a private bedroom and a loft that overlooks the living area below, the perfect space for kids to play or to use as a cozy reading nook.

Don't hesitate to reach out if you're interested in building your own modern retreat. We work across the U.S.!

Location: Ashe County, NC
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08/18/2026

Happy to announce that our Mudhouse project is now open in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. 😊

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07/23/2026

Lutra Cafe & Bakery is open in Durham’s American To***co Campus — and we couldn’t be more proud of this one. 🥐

This project was a lot of fun to design, and that energy was intentional. From the bold tile mix of teal, coral, and grey to the custom teal bakery display case, every decision was made to create an experience as vibrant as Chef Chris McLaurin’s baked goods and personality.

The layout guides you through the space — past the huge folding glass doors, to the merch shelving, to the bakery display, and finally to the ambrosia maple coffee bar counter, the heart of the whole experience. We designed several custom features including the shelving system above the coffee bar and a custom bent-tube LED fixture that casts a warm glow across the bar.

Our favorite detail? The salvaged kitchen window — a nod to French bakery tradition, original to the American To***co Campus building.

Architecture & Interior Design: West Workshop - Architecture & Interiors
General Contractor: Gateway Building Company
Engineer: Stratus Team LLC
Millwork: Elijah Leed Studio and James Boyer
Photos: Stacey Sprenz

📍 Durham, NC

***coCampus

04/27/2026

We’re thrilled to share some renderings for — a project that has pushed our team in all the right ways.

Tucked inside a historic brick building at American To***co Campus in downtown Durham, the space came with real constraints: lower ceiling heights than we typically work with, and a serious ductwork puzzle to solve. Rather than hide the challenges, we leaned into them — letting exposed infrastructure become part of the character while grounding the design in a warm palette of coral, teal, glass and natural wood.

Every design detail was considered — from the custom-fabricated merch shelving and bespoke bakery display case to the warm maple countertops that tie it all together. These unique pieces give Lutra a personality that’s entirely its own.

Construction is well underway and set to wrap up in June, right on time for a summer 2026 opening. We are so grateful to have been intrusted by Chef Chris McLaurin ot help realize his vision!

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Equipment : united_restaurant_equipment

01/05/2026

Here's a nice write up about Mudhouse Coffee Roasters that is about to wrap up constructioin in Alexandria, VA.

No opening date yet, but take a look at the renovation of the interior of this new coffee shop set to open on King Street in Old Town Alexandria.