INTERIOR DESIGN
RIENNE
A flagship zero-proof retail concept defined by sculptural materiality and curated warmth (AKA Nolo).
Rienne is South Florida’s first luxury zero proof bottle shop, envisioned as an elevated retail environment centered on wellness, ritual, and sensory engagement. The boutique blends sculptural shelving, warm natural materiality, and refined lighting to shape a serene yet expressive customer journey. The design takes cues from spa culture and contemporary hospitality, creating a space that feels intentional, curated, and immersive.
As Senior Interior Designer, I developed the full concept, spatial layout, millwork direction, and material palette while guiding experiential programming that included the tasting bar, sensory counter, product wall, refrigeration display, and flexible event areas. I collaborated closely with ownership and the general contractor throughout detailing, pricing, and pre construction.
Project Team: Bishop Design
Client: Karen & Mark Ornstein
Location: Coral Gables, FL
Year: 2025
Sector: Retail
Size: Approx. 1,200SF
Cost: $3 million
Type: Interior Fit Out
My Role: Senior Interior Designer — Concept Development, Spatial Planning, Materiality & Millwork Direction, VE Lead, Client + GC Coordination
Status: Bidding Phase
DESIGN NARRATIVE
The design for Rienne merges quiet sophistication with a warm, hospitality-driven sensibility—an intentional departure from the sterile atmosphere traditionally associated with retail. The space is envisioned as a modern apothecary meets boutique lounge, where sculptural forms, layered textures, and warm light create an elevated yet inviting environment.
Natural woods, ribbed detailing, tonal plaster, and soft curves define the material language. Sculptural millwork and curated display niches guide the guest experience, promoting discovery and emphasizing quality, craft, and intimacy.
Early concept studies emphasized warmth, sculptural forms, and boutique hospitality cues.
CONCEPT & DESIGN IDENTITY
Visual DNA drawing from sculptural minimalism, tonal woods, and a hospitality-inspired retail approach.
MATERIAL PALLET
Refined material palette balancing luxury retail cues with clean, modern detailing.
KEY CONTRIBUTIONS
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Led the complete interior design direction, concept refinement, and spatial planning for the flagship retail storefront
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Developed the material palette, millwork language, and lighting tone for a warm, hospitality-driven retail identity
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Designed all custom millwork including entry feature, bar/tasting counter, product shelving, and sculptural display niches
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Produced the full schematic + design development package with elevations, details, and early visualization
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Led value engineering discussions with client + contractor and prepared all VE alternates, markups, and material substitutions
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Reorganized circulation and guest flow to support tasting, browsing, and social interaction within a tight footprint
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Coordinated with architect, lighting consultants, retail operations, and contractor during pricing rounds
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Delivered a cohesive brand-integrated interior identity from concept through DD
PROJECT CHALLENGES
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A brand-new retailer with no established interior identity
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Gutted tenant space with no existing character to leverage
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Strict Coral Gables budget limitations requiring multiple pricing rounds
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Desire for high-impact materials within a modest footprint
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Evolving merchandise strategy requiring flexible millwork
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GC pricing inconsistencies leading to detailed VE markups
SPATIAL STRATEGY
Early spatial planning options exploring circulation, fixture placement, and overall retail flow.
LUXURY ZERO-PROOF RETAIL BOTTLE STORE
TASTING BAR 3D STUDY
A 3D sketch of the tasting bar to illustrate the ADA counter addition to the Client.
CONCEPT DESIGN PRESENTATION
Full concept presentation outlining the initial aesthetic direction, spatial strategy, material palette, and retail experience for Rienne’s flagship store.
VALUE ENGINEERING OVERVIEW
To safeguard the original design intent, I led a thorough VE process including alternates, spreadsheets, and detailed elevations.
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Key cost-saving strategies included:
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Switching natural stone to high-end quartz alternatives
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Converting ribbed millwork to routed MDF
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Simplifying the bar base joinery while maintaining form
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Adjusting specialty plaster areas to textured paint systems
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Reducing complex lighting fixtures while maintaining warmth
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Streamlining BOH planning to reduce MEP scope
DESIGN REVIEW
Client review package summarizing design refinements, spatial adjustments, material updates, and feedback integration following the initial concept presentation.
DRAWINGS
Annotated plans and elevations defining spatial layout, custom millwork, display strategies, and circulation for the retail environment.
RENDERINGS
Conceptual renderings illustrating the final spatial configuration, lighting intent, and material application for the store’s interior.
