Housed within a compact 10' x 27' footprint, every inch of this new downtown coffee shop is considered — balancing storage, workspace, and the flow of customers from entry to point of sale. The design shies away from the industrial aesthetic common in many urban coffee shops, instead embracing rich wood tones and crisp tilework to create a welcoming, clean atmosphere. An existing irregular wall near the front window suggests the form of a fireplace, concealed beneath layers of drywall. Rather than ignore the strange geometry, the design expands upon it, drawing inspiration from Magritte’s painting La durée poignardée (Time Transfixed). The fireplace morphs into a faux skylight above, an unexpected gesture that reflects the transcendent desire to drink coffee. The layout follows a galley-style plan, with a high-efficiency workflow built around the espresso machine, grinder, and dish station. A single wall of seating accommodates five guests. The result is an intimate yet efficient space, carefully detailed to heighten the experience of coffee.