Why I Love My Architect

A NOTE FROM THE FUTURE: Definitely check out the link way at the bottom. The new owners of the shop gave it a major update – including taking over the space next door, which was always a dream of mine that I could just never make happen. It looks beautiful – and I’m more than a little envious of the proper sink that they have in the proper bathroom. But for a little peek at the original layout, the cork wall, and the plywood boxes I talk about below, then click away.

Originally published on November 1, 2009.

Before I tell you why I love my architect, let me tell you about Halloween in Tribeca. It’s possibly one of the coolest places in NYC for kids to go trick or treating. All the shops and restaurants put out quite a spread for the little ones, who go store to store picking up their goodies. Fancy decorations, fully costumed staff, very tasty, gourmet treats, music and dancing. All that – and the sidewalks are wide enough to accommodate the strollers.

As a wine store, there’s only so much I can do to entertain the kiddos without feeling irresponsible. But I can provide treats for the parents. So it’s a piece of candy or two for the kids and several sips of this and that for the grown-ups.

Now at any given time during the big Halloween rush hours, we can wind up with five or six kids picking out candy. And their five or six adults sipping on liquid treats. And then a regular customer or two picking out wine for the night or a case for the week. Throw in three Frankly Wines employees – and that’s a lot of bodies in 320 square feet of space.

Which is why I love my architect. Because my store can actually accommodate all this without giving the impression of a telephone booth stuffing contest. How is this possible?

The store is built like a ship. Paper goods in the big shelving units above our heads. A very long counter with wine coolers underneath it, hiding in plain site. Sneaky storage built behind the counter, into the 3×3 foot square bathroom, and under the window display units.

And most genius? These white plywood display units that can be pushed around the store to create additional shelving, display units, or table tops for tastings. Thanks to these, I can completely change the store’s functionality (nasty word, but it works) in just a few minutes. So we go from a display featuring box wines and sparkling cider to – presto change-o – a pleasant tasting area where customers can gather around a big ice bucket filled with treats. And then by 8pm, we’re back in display mode.

It’s magic! Or maybe it’s just very good design.

My architect (who has no idea I’m posting this):

Carlos Rodriguez
rodriguez studio
139 Fulton Street PH-3
New York, New York
http://www.rodriguezstudio.net/