Pause Studio – Manhattan Beach

For the Manhattan Beach location, we were asked to create an experiential customer journey to slow down mind and body. We all know how it feels to be depleted from the never-ending style of more, racing to keep up with the 24/7 culture of connectivity, and the pace of modern life. But there is a pause.

The arrival experience is immediately quieting, with a nod to the sculptural work of Richard Serra, satin-finished curvilinear wood walls naturally invite visitors in. Ambient lighting and the radiant soft glow of roman clay plaster transport us. As we move into the space the guest is greeted by an artful water feature. An invitation to turn inward inspired Shinto hand washing ( Chozu ) a Japanese ritual of purification before making entering a temple or shrine.

Bold, prominent architectural arches and rounded corners create the satisfying repetition found in nature. With zellige tile, limestone, and marble finishes, the effect is restorative and renewing. Enveloped by a scale of design larger than themselves, our guest is gently brought back to their center.