Bitty & Beau’s

Brewing opportunities one cup at a time.

This coffee shop employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities serves as a community anchor and gives patrons and staff alike the opportunity to see the world through a different lens. The joyful, economical design maximizes the nonprofit’s budget with high-impact and creative materials such as repurposed wood, custom millwork, and chalkboard-style wall installations. Inventive use of materials such as live-edged wood offer a subtle but important metaphor: though we sometimes overlook materials which are “imperfect” at first glance, their individuality is what gives them character, beauty, and strength.

The dark neutral background emphasizes the colorful merchandising tables, merchandise, and menu board, along with the vibrant and playful wall graphics underscoring the Bitty & Beau’s mantra that “It’s More Than a Cup of Coffee.” Created by LS3P’s Branded Environments team, the chalkboard-style wall graphics create a light-hearted, playful, and friendly atmosphere, paying homage to the warm personalities of the employees. Overhead string lighting with Edison bulbs creates a festive atmosphere. The stained concrete floor complements the coffee shop’s “industrial chic” aesthetic.

A tropical twist to Charleston’s Historic District.

This new French Caribbean-inspired restaurant creates a unique offering in the Charleston hospitality market with a tropical vibe. Located in the French Quarter Inn, this coastal watering hole offers cocktails and lighter fare for passers-by on the bustling Market Street. The previous tenant was a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse with dark wood interiors; when the space became available, the hotel owners decided to lighten up the venue and create a restaurant of their own.

The new design features a covered outdoor patio with ceiling fans to complement the Caribbean menu. The renovation maintained the entry, bar, and seating areas, and took cues from existing historic building and site elements. The team added two large glazed openings to match existing windows, remove brick infill, bring in natural light, and provide a visual connection between the patio and interior. The new footprint also reclaimed excess interior dining space as a banquet facility, and meeting spaces became a fitness center and office space for the hotel. A relocated entry ramp incorporates historic wrought iron details, and the landscape was scaled back to increase visibility for retail storefronts and provide additional seating.

LS3P worked with Jenny Keenan Design and DesignWorks to transform the space for legacy client Palmetto Commercial Properties. LS3P and Jenny Keenan Design also collaborated on the design of the Ruth’s Chris in 2014 which formerly occupied the space; LS3P designed the French Quarter Inn in 2000.