Challenge
Scout’s location sits at the crossroads of rural outdoor activities and nearby urban life, drawing a mix of locals and visitors who play as hard as they work. Despite the town’s strong connection to fresh, seasonal produce, there was a noticeable lack of dining options that reflected these values. The challenge was to design a space that could:

1. Welcome guests who were often tired and looking for comfort after long days outdoors.

2. Provide a setting that echoed the town's value for simplicity and reliability, without feeling overly designed or flashy.

3. Ensure that the design was practical and durable, embracing wear and tear instead of hiding from it.

Approach

As always, we started by researching the place and its people, with the belief that understanding a community’s needs is the first step toward designing for them. Our research revealed three key insights:

• Comfort is king: The restaurant needed to provide a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests could relax after outdoor adventures, whether hiking, skiing, or exploring nearby conservatories.

• Healthy, seasonal meals were a gap in the market: Although the community worked hard to produce fresh, local ingredients, finding a restaurant that served such meals in a simple, consistent manner was rare.

• Reliability mattered more than "wow" factor: The people valued consistency, comfort, and reliability over high-design flashiness. Scout had to be a space where people felt at home.

Expression

Using these insights, we shaped Scout’s visual identity with empathy and practicality. Our goal was to create a subtle, supportive backdrop that allowed people to connect with each other rather than be distracted by the design. This translated into:

• Simplicity over extravagance: Scout’s design is intentionally understated. The materials and finishes were chosen for their timeless, functional appeal, allowing the restaurant to feel welcoming without being overwhelming.

• Durable, local materials: We knew Scout would be a heavily used space, so we opted for materials that not only looked better with wear but were also sourced locally to reinforce the farm-to-table ethos.

• Natural, warm lighting: The lighting was designed to enhance the feeling of comfort and relaxation, supporting long, meaningful conversations rather than rushing the experience.

Every design decision was made to ensure the space would age gracefully, embracing a well-worn, lived-in feel that only adds to its charm over time.

Results

Scout successfully became a cherished part of its community. Its understated design allowed the restaurant to blend seamlessly into the town’s rhythm while also providing a fresh, seasonal dining option that was previously missing.

• Increased local engagement: Scout has become a regular spot for locals, who appreciate its consistency, welcoming atmosphere, and connection to the area’s values.

• Durability in action: The space has gracefully embraced wear and tear, proving that the design can withstand the demands of active, outdoor-loving guests while maintaining its charm.

• A model for future scalability: Scout’s design philosophy has set a precedent for future expansions, offering a template for creating spaces that prioritize authenticity, comfort, and local connection.

What We Did

Spatial Audit

Landscape & Positioning

Visioning & Master Planning

Spatial Experience Design

OSE Guidelines

Team

INT.D