architectural commentary – pencil + ink creative

inspiration found | s&w cafeteria asheville

location: asheville, nc // the s&w cafeteria building

its always a special time when a building gets a second life. the s&w cafeteria building in downtown asheville is one we had the pleasure of visiting in the summer of 2024. a delightfully playful art deco building originally erected as a popular cafeteria chain located throughout the southeast is now home to the deliciously quirky, flour + many other exciting food options for this busy mountain district.

originally meant to make large scale dining a much more elegant affair, the space incorporated a large open area with a wrap around mezzanine. the space is full of nooks + areas that allow for an individual diner, family, or a small group to find a cozy spot each with its own unique vantage point while taking advantage of a reasonably priced meal away from home.

the re-imagination to a new s&w food market seamlessly molded the original intent of the space while upgrading the exprience for a new generation. gone are the cafeteria style food lines now replaced with food stalls to provide new, exciting + even, rotating food choices.

what remains are the uniquely artistic ceiling elements, floor color variations, patterned tiled details throughout + gentle curves of the stairs. all of the art deco components are highlighted to provide a kind of crafted nook with perfect peeks into the main dining area. the variations of textures, subtle colors common to the period + varied seating types allows for the perfect combination of private dining space within a crowded room that will never go out of style.

that’s all for now, but will share more soon on the gorgeously revived flatiron hotel around the corner next week! be sure to take a look at more images from our trip to asheville here for more design inspiration.

inspiration found

inspiration found | charleston, sc

location: charleston, sc // andrew pinckney inn

this cozy inn is situated where the ansonbourgh neighborhood melts into the market + french quarter areas of the downtown charleston peninsula in an area where commerce industry employees + owners once called home in close proximity to where they worked on the docks or in the business district.

here, shades of early architecture designed in response to the hot + humid conditions well before a time of air conditioning + can be seen in the large windows, carefully laid out alleyways + paths to allow for the breeze to sweep by, thru + around the residences. little courtyards fill the spaces to allow shade to be grown.

the building that houses the inn has an unmistakable charm of a number of buildings melded together over centuries to create its current form. from the street you feel as if you are standing in what was once a courtyard of a single family residence. blended throughout the inn are former courtyards that still echo their original forms + functions while bringing a new use to life.

all of the different components are little gems telegraphing past uses. windows follow thru from the exterior of the building to the current + former interior courtyards. those areas still provide a break for natural light even if with modern air conditioning their secondary use for air flow is no longer used. throughout the meandering stairs + corridors every open area that is stumbled upon reveals a former courtyard that was intended to provide a respite from the heat via air flow + dappled natural light. while not the current use, the ability for it to be re-opened + re-imagined still fits within its soul ready to provide respite from the sweltering lowcoutnry heat, even if only visually…for now.

looking for more images from our trip to charleston? visit the porch!

charleston