A café that intends to draw locals back time and time again, Moby is Armadale’s new “destination” that is warm, inviting and approachable, featuring a minimal contemporary edge. Drawing inspiration from the existing architecture, we created a 70s tuscan vibe using dusty ochre rendered walls and ceilings and bold colour-blocking our client’s brief was to create a new “destination” in Armadale that featured a warm, inviting and friendly interior.

The layout of the inherited three level tenancy drove the overall design with a strong focus to utilise the masses of external space. Working with builder Bear Projects and Can I Play graphic designers, we set to achieve a venue that provided an all-year-round dining experience for local patrons.

Moby’s personality takes cues from its existing late 70s shell by celebrating the curve of the iconic arch on the corner facade, which frames the tuscan pink render and colour-blocked teal within the interior. The exterior was painted in a contemporary warm grey to rebrand the existing building and create a new fresh identity.

Our client wanted to ensure the café’s food offer was being celebrated and remained at the forefront of the customer’s attention. Positioning the counter at the front of the tenancy ensured prime street presence and staff were able to connect to foot traffic and locals. It was also important for Moby chef, Stephen Svenson that there was a clear link between the café and the activity of the kitchen.

We wanted to create a contrast between the rustic tones with minimal bold joinery insertions to highlight key zones. The dark green backdrop and the ceiling beneath the stairs frames and amplifies the atmosphere and theatre of the kitchen, drawing the patron’s eye and showcasing the work of Svenson and his team.