“RedBeard; Where Café Culture Meets Creative Architecture.”

This mixed-use project was envisioned for the owner of Red Beard Café, who sought to expand the site with office space above the restaurant and a residential building behind it to generate additional income. The schematic design process began with conceptual elevation studies, where each iteration explored symmetry, massing, and materiality to inform the project's spatial relationships. A precedent study early in the design phase introduced a vibrant neon sign as a central reference point—the phrase it carried evolved from a playful slogan into a guiding design mantra: keep it bold, keep it weird, “keep it Loopy”. Drawing from the vibrant energy of retro Las Vegas, the building embraces whimsical details and sculptural moments that give it a distinct identity. Oversized dice on the roof and a cheeky “Welcome to Pair-a-Dice” sign add humor and flair, while desert-inspired landscaping—complete with palm trees and cacti—bring the look together with a playful, thematic touch. The result is a space that feels imaginative yet intentional, reflecting both the client’s vision and the unique character of Kamloops’ North Shore.