elements of zaw: a suspended greenhouse
When a new Health Department rule called for a scrubbable and washable ceiling above the food preparation, our clients worried they would have to build a heavy-looking drywall dropped ceiling. We, instead, suggested a series of light acrylic panels dropped into a standard ceiling grid which met the new code and also filtered the simple fluorescent lighting above while a separate vertical panel would conceal the HVAC unit from the customers’ view.
The grid was set at 15” x 19” so that the resulting combination of acrylic and metal resembled a window pane. The series of “window panes” could open as ductwork needed to pass. The frosted white and metal windows hanging above the fresh ingredients mimic the appearance of a functioning greenhouse.
Labels: Interior Design Seattle, MUSADESIGN, zaw pizza
elements of zaw: finding the right refrigeration
The refrigerators that would hold the beer, wine, and sodas would be a crucial part of the interior scheme; we sought to design a functional and striking space uniting menu and beverage display.
Finding the right look meant working around the refrigerators, which meant endlessly researching all available commercial refrigerators to find just the right look and feel. We looked at full length refrigerators with doors, half-sized with doors, integrated walk-in refrigerator and retail side glass doors, and open-air curtain units.
Meeting with dozens of product reps, studying as much about storage capacity and energy efficiency, and discussing options and dimensions and suppliers; selecting the units that accomplished all of our demands proved quite difficult. Each change to the refrigerators resulted in changes to the way the additional dry red wine display and to the menu board design, size, and information frontages. 
The use of modular cubes at full and half heights stacked on top of each other allow the clients to change the size of the overall display depending on the varying sizes and layout of future store locations and allowed them to reconfigure the displays based on their changing advertising and sales needs.
Labels: Interior Design Seattle, MUSADESIGN, Retail Store Design, zaw pizza
zaw materials: burned wood
While the owners of 'zaw were meeting with local vineyards to find the perfect complements to their pizzas, we were looking for the right material to go with our custom tiles and complete the retail counter. Because the pizzas are served uncooked, the black and red tiles suggest the fire of the customers' burning ovens. We found a sublime companion with a wood flooring material that was burnt by hand, continuing the perception of warmth and baking, as well as the theme of the artisan's touch.DuChateau Floors is a company that plants two trees for every one it uses. All their floors have recycled wood substrates and are finished with natural oils instead of harmful chemicals. Labels: DuChateau Floors, Interior Design Seattle, zaw pizza
zaw materials: handmade tiles
Custom handmade oversized tiles were used for the retail countertop. We wanted to use this area as a canvas to show the clients’ commitment to sustainability. After sorting through the obvious options of countertops we invariably eliminated most because they were too polished, too uniform, or coming from too far away. Tile is one of the oldest building materials. It’s made from natural materials, supplied locally, and formed by hand. It’s durable and easy to clean. We were able to create a precise look and size with the help of our friend, local ceramic artist Olga, who painstakingly formed, glazed, and baked each and every tile.
Labels: MUSADESIGN, Retail Store Design, zaw pizza
zaw capitol hill: creating strong elements
At this stage we developed ways to integrate the menu, wine, dessert, and ordering counter, creating dialogue between the shopper and the worker while showcasing the action in the kitchen.
With logo and brand identity established, we could investigate the vital store functions and elements through the eye of the brand. We could begin discussing the appropriateness of materials and how they could continue the brand's story.
We created a package of relationships: employees to customers, beverages to menus, visibility to food assembly, materials to the brand's identity.
Labels: Interior Design, MUSADESIGN, Retail Store Design, zaw pizza
zaw logo design from Orange
Graphic designer Susan Lee, creative director of Orange, came up with many different logos in an effort to encapsulate the brand.
The finalized logo, a rough and raw stamp, frames the bold text. The emphasis on “the raw” is a motif that would be carried throughout the interiors and branding elements.
Labels: Orange creative, retail branding, zaw pizza
When a new Health Department rule called for a scrubbable and washable ceiling above the food preparation, our clients worried they would have to build a heavy-looking drywall dropped ceiling. We, instead, suggested a series of light acrylic panels dropped into a standard ceiling grid which met the new code and also filtered the simple fluorescent lighting above while a separate vertical panel would conceal the HVAC unit from the customers’ view.
