DESIGNWORKS 2023

321 Coffee

Raleigh, NC

Little Diversified Architectural Consulting

321 Coffee’s new storefront location at Bloc[83] in downtown Raleigh, supports their mission to create opportunity and employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

More than a coffee shop, 321 Coffee is on a mission to create opportunity and employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our team designed the interiors for 321 Coffee’s new storefront location at Bloc[83] in downtown Raleigh. This is the first brick-and-mortar location, a monumental step for the company that thrives on community engagement and encourages other companies to adopt a similar philosophy of inclusion.

With the recent expansion, 321 Coffee has been able to create 20 more jobs providing a quality of life that their 60+ employees are very proud of. These new brick-and-mortar locations provide a normalized space to enjoy a cup of coffee, improve the perception of the intellectually and developmentally disabled community, and demonstrate the value of an inclusive business model.

The design is people-focused, supporting customer/employee interaction. The focal point is a large open counter where baristas deliver drinks and host dance parties. This was a key design element that fosters conversations and offers employees direct engagement with the community.

Our design concept focused on creating a larger back-of-house area for ease of movement for several employees working together in a small space. We also designed a large counter to foster more guest interaction. Branded graphics displayed upon entry share the menu and mission statement, and the register is strategically placed front and center for a clear connection to any guests entering the building. A light and simple material palette provides a neutral background for the bright and colorful, people-inspired 321 Coffee branding throughout the space.

With the recent expansion, 321 Coffee has been able to create 20 more jobs providing a quality of life that their 60+ employees are very proud of. These new brick-and-mortar locations provide a normalized space to enjoy a cup of coffee, improve the perception of the intellectually and developmentally disabled community, and demonstrate the value of an inclusive business model.

Starting out on folding tables, 321 has made leaps forward this year. They’ve built a strong community and following along the way. Patrons and supporters waited in the rain for over 3 hours on opening day to support and witness this vision coming to life. Businesses are ordering 321 Coffee products to serve in their offices. Recognizing the importance of its mission, partnerships have formed throughout the region with developers, designers, and suppliers to help this organization grow and expand. The exciting growth and community impact have been recognized nationwide with highlights on All Access Live, CBS 17, ABC 11 WRAL, Triangle Business Journal, and the TODAY Show!

“When you do something that’s good for the community, people are willing to help, to be a part of it, and to offer what they can, and I think that’s really unique.” Lindsay Wrege, 321 Coffee CEO