L’Ami Pierre
New York, NY

L’Ami Pierre is a casual French café from restaurateur Pierre-Antoine Raberin and longtime friend, culinary advisor, and partner chef Eric Ripert of Le Bernardin fame. Spacesmith provided services as Architect of Record on the design of the new café which offers a collection of pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads to eat in or take out. The goal was to transform a former coffee shop into an inviting destination to get “French Food Fast.” Design architect Rockwell Group provided Spacesmith with concept renderings which our team analyzed and translated into construction documentation.

The café is divided into two clear zones: a retail and seating area. The sales counter was refinished with tambour wood panels and three-dimensional ceramic tile in saffron, a signature color accenting the overall design. The adjacent seating area retained the existing hard wood floor, as well as the large family-style table at the center. The main architectural intervention was opening views to the kitchen for customers to catch a glimpse of the fresh baguettes being prepared.

Our team replaced the kitchen wall with three arches: one a window peeking into the baking area, one backed with antiqued glass for product display, and one that frames the entrance to the kitchen. The gentle curve of the arch is repeated in two new alcoves carved out to hold banquette seating. Small tables and chairs provide additional seating options.

The preliminary material palette from the design architect included finishes from high end European manufacturers. To avoid long lead times, Spacesmith specified local alternatives to stay on schedule while achieving the same warm and lush atmosphere. The saffron accents throughout the space echo the client’s signage and branding, and the luscious red velvet of the banquettes adds a pop of color. Rattan back panels and cove lighting within the banquette arches create a cozy atmosphere. A feature wall of tambour panels in a warm walnut finish adds texture and movement to the space.