Ladurée,
Short Hills, NJ

Continuing our longstanding partnership with Ladurée, Spacesmith led the technical realization of a new café in Short Hills Mall, serving as executive architect. The design, developed by Paris-based Studio Ravn, introduces a new shop-in-shop model for malls and transit hubs, offering guests the opportunity to sit and enjoy their experience on-site.

The first critical step for our team was identifying the spatial and infrastructure constraints that would shape the course of the project. One of the most significant challenges was accommodating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems within a compact footprint. The back-of-house area required careful planning, as all MEP lines ran above ground. To address this, Spacesmith raised the back-of-house floor by two feet, allowing MEP systems to run beneath it. This elevation introduced its own spatial constraints, especially when factoring in the need to install a water heater. The initial specification called for a larger unit, but through careful coordination, a smaller water heater was selected—one that proved sufficient and fit within the limited space without compromising performance.

MEP routing also influenced the layout of the café. These adjustments were made in concert with Studio Ravn to maintain the overall design integrity while meeting technical requirements.

All finishes were preselected by Studio Ravn in alignment with Ladurée’s brand standards. Spacesmith ensured that each material was sourced within the US to mitigate long lead times.

The design features rich millwork throughout, including fluted panels on the front counters and back walls, signature wallpapers used across Ladurée cafés, and custom hues of smoke green and the brand’s iconic dark green. Solid surfaces were used for countertops, balancing aesthetic appeal with durability.

Throughout, branding played a key role. The café reflects Ladurée’s global identity while adapting to the spatial and operational realities of a high-traffic retail environment. The result is a compact, elegant kiosk that honors Ladurée’s signature Parisian style, with subtle innovations tailored to a unique location.