Wine Experience - Interiors
The Wine Experience (Interiors)
With a 1,500-square-foot tenant space near the Monterey Plaza Hotel, WRD Architects was able to create a vibrant and inviting space highlighting an innovative wine concept bar. The space is split into two distinct areas; an industrial workspace for blending different varietals of wine and a lounge and bar area for parties and casual conversation.
The back wall of the bar is made of reclaimed wood staves from used wine barrels and original barrel heads were customized with a wine-tap system for patrons. The bar is curved stainless steel evoking the feel of chardonnay fermentation tanks. The incorporation of LED lighting controls and digital control solutions support the dynamic environment’s needs.
Awards
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Media
International seed company launches Salinas expansion
The Californian
Enza Zaden doubles facility size in Salinas
Onion Business
Breadsong
Breadsong
When he couldn’t choose between opening a bakery or a steakhouse, Breadsong owner Hans Hess decided to open both. WRD Architects helped bring this dual-concept restaurant to life at the Carmel Crossroads. With only 2,100 square feet to work with, we created a charming space that functions as a casual bakery in the morning and transforms into a formal steakhouse in the evening.
The project involved a complete interior and exterior remodel. The outdated siding was replaced with straight-grain, clear pine, giving the building a natural and understated façade. Eccentric window casings were swapped for thin wooden trim, making the windows appear larger and allowing more light into the space.
Entering through the front, guests are greeted by display cases filled with bread and pastries, along with a sandwich counter and espresso station. Farther inside, a striking full-service bar connects the bakery to the indoor dining area. The dining space features cool marble tables and elevated leather booths, all crowned by a warped, mirrored ceiling that completes the experience.
Media
Hybrid Café and Steakhouse Opening in Carmel Crossroads
Edible Monterey Bay
Morsels 05.12.22
Monterey County Weekly
EMC Planning Group
EMC Planning Group
Location
Monterey, CA
Project Type
Commercial
This former bank headquarters was originally built in the 1970’s and was inhabited by a travel agency until very recently. EMC Planning Group moved in after construction was completed in Spring of 2022.
A classic example of adaptive reuse, several original elements of the building have been preserved or repurposed. The main office space was modified to include private offices on either side, allowing the open floor plan in the center to remain. In addition, the kitchen was expanded to include space for more cabinets, a fridge, and a small seating area, and the old bank vault was transformed into a copy and filing room. The original wood vaulted ceiling and exposed beam work was left unchanged.
The use of multiple colors and textures create dimension throughout the whole space. Both floors feature gradient carpeting to add visual interest and make the interior feel larger. Each office includes an individually colored accent wall with matching, understated cushioned seats. The entryway boasts multicolored, abstract tile and a curved front desk with natural wood paneling and a contrasting privacy screen.
Media
EMC Planning Group to Move Offices
Wald, Ruhnke & Dost Architects
Dust Bowl Brewing Co. - Monterey
Dust Bowl Brewing Co. - Monterey
In search of a second location, Dust Bowl founder Brett Honore came across Monterey’s historic Railroad Station, located between Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the commercial fishing pier. He contacted WRD Architects to assist with the remodel of the station, which had most recently been used as a local marketplace.
Already familiar with the station, WRD Architects reimagined the space to accommodate a long bar with 24 beers on tap at its center. At either end of the rectangular building are a comfortable seating area adorned with live greenery and a beer fridge stocked with canned and bottled beverages. The walls feature beautifully painted wainscoting that complements the preserved original lattice windows. In addition, modern frames showcasing historic photos of the train station are displayed throughout the interior.
Outside, an extensive seating area stretches the entire length of the building, filled with fire pits, Adirondack chairs, and picnic tables. Decomposed granite covers the leveled patio, making the space easily accessible to all—including dogs. Transparent wind barriers help shield patrons from the chill of the sea breeze. Wedo’s Taco Truck is also permanently stationed on-site, offering food to complement the taproom experience.
Media
Deets on the New Dust Bowl Brewing Satellite Taproom in Monterey, California
Craft Brewing Business
Pizza My Heart
Pizza My Heart
In 1993, the Bay Area’s pizza pride and joy, Pizza My Heart, opened its second location in the city of Santa Cruz. The original space was 2,524 square feet and seated only 28 people, resulting in a line out the door every day. Twenty years later, owner Chuck Hammers enlisted WRD to help expand the beloved pizza joint into the recently vacated 3,840-square-foot space next door.
While WRD was hard at work designing and managing the renovation of the adjoining space, Pizza My Heart remained fully operational in its original location. Upon completion, the restaurant seamlessly moved operations into the new space while the original area underwent its own remodel. Since both spaces were finished and combined in 2013, the expanded restaurant has been able to accommodate 145 seats and has upgraded from one to four pizza ovens. And yet, the line is still out the door most days…
Inspired by the local surf scene and using Pizza My Heart’s signature red, WRD created a stylish, fun-loving atmosphere perfect for any family meal. Notable design details include a custom wood counter—matched to portions of the dining area flooring—and a beer tap set within a tiled alcove beneath a retro sign.
Media
Pizza My Heart, Restaurant Review: Give Piece a Chance
Santa Cruz Sentinel
Bay Area’s ‘Pizza My Heart’ Wins Best in World
NBC Bay Area
Completed at the Crossroads
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Wald, Ruhnke & Dost Architects has just finished remodeling a long vacant space at the Crossroads, Carmel. The once vacant and outdated space has been completely transformed from the inside out to make way for a new bakery/steakhouse, singularly owned by Hans Hess, but separately named BreadSong and SteakCraft. WR&D arose to the challenge of designing a versatile space, suitable for both a casual breakfast and a wagyu steak dinner.
When Mr. Hess, a born and raised Carmelite, first came across the space, he knew that changes needed to be made, and he chose to work with fellow locals: Wald, Ruhnke & Dost Architects. The exterior of the building was previously made up of weathered siding coated in lemon-yellow paint that was peeling and cracking due to water damage. Along with this, the window and door casings were outdated and overdone, which may have deterred previous tenants. The complete façade of the building was scrapped and replaced with clear grained, unknotted pine siding, and remains unpainted for a clean and natural finish. Each window casing was simplified and the doors were replaced to enhance the understated elegance of the overall aesthetic. The “before” photo below reveals this dramatic transformation.
Along with the exterior, the interior of the space has been completely remodeled to accommodate a full bakery, butcher counter, and bar as well as a seating area that would be praised by the most critical brunch afficionado or hifalutin foodie. The front of the store boasts display cases of freshly baked bread and delectable deli meats along with a barista counter, so customers can have their early morning fix while grabbing breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up following lunch. Venture to the back to find a sophisticated yet comfortable dining room with modern embellishments, including elevated booths and a mirrored ceiling. If you prefer privacy, the space also boasts a separate, more intimate dining space that features a vaulted barrel ceiling.
WR&D Project Manager, Ken Turgen was imperative to the design and completion of this project. He worked in tandem with Mr. Hess to bring the vision of BreadSong/SteakCraft to life.
BreadSong is now open for lunch starting at 11:00am and will soon be open for breakfast as well. Come on down to the Carmel Crossroads to try out your new favorite lunch place.
This successful project has certainly been an exercise in versatility. Stay tuned for the next WR&D project to be completed.
Media Inquiries: Sarah Cuban, WRD Marketing and Public Relations Director; sarachc@wrdarch.com; (831) 649-4642
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EMC Planning Group to Move Offices
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Our local environmental land use experts from EMC Planning Group are moving out of their location on Lighthouse Ave. into a newly renovated building, designed by Wald, Ruhnke & Dost Architects, just blocks from downtown Old Monterey. The exterior paint job and new signage are only the beginning of the changes made to this former bank headquarters.
Upon entry, this open concept oasis reveals a spacious main room with private offices on either side. Original pine ceilings and exposed beam work elevate the space and compliment the updated interiors perfectly. There are several design subtleties that make the room appear even more expansive such as the gradient shaded carpet and the carefully chosen accent walls. Each office is furnished with chairs cushioned to match the relative accent color along with the latest electronic standing desk. The conference room features a sleek grey table with matching, stylish seats, comfortable enough for even the most drawn-out presentation.
Stairs situated on either end of the main level lead up to the second-floor loft, which boasts more private offices and all the same amenities as the first floor. This level overlooks the entry hall and the lower offices.
The EMC team will be enjoying this new space soon, as they plan to move in sometime between the end of April and the beginning of May.
This renovation is the proud work of WRD Project Manager, Shawn Capps, and resident Interior Designer, Misato Eddy. They are thrilled to be finishing this one-of-a-kind space and look forward to the next finished project.
Media Inquiries: Sarah Cuban, WRD Marketing and Public Relations Director; sarahc@wrdarch.com; (831) 649-4642
WRD News
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Race to the Finish Line at the 1st Annual Corporate Pinewood Derby!
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Last Saturday was the First Annual Corporate Pinewood Derby Challenge for the Boy Scouts of America Santa Lucia District. As a kid, you may have participated in a pinewood derby or two yourself. Imaginations are allowed to run wild within reason; The possibilities are endless with a block of pine wood and a set of wheels. All the same rules and regulations were in effect at this event, except for a small caveat – the cars were not built by the scouts, but by full-grown adults!
Local businesses participated to build, race, and sponsor the cars, including, corporate sponsors, Wald, Ruhnke & Dost Architects. Hundreds of contenders were in attendance hoping to win it all. The friendly competition set a healthy example of sportsmanship for the scouts, who also showed up to the races to cheer on the participants. No doubt, they will be preparing for their own pinewood derby soon.
WRD’s resident Eagle Scout, Ken Turgen, was at the races to show his support as the announcer of the event. As a seasoned pinewood derby racer himself, Ken (pictured below on the right) has the expertise and knowledge to report on these high-stakes races.
The event garnered support from all over the county, raising a whopping $41,000 for the Boy Scouts of America. All proceeds raised at the event go directly to the Santa Lucia District Boy and Girl Scouts.
In light of such a successful derby challenge, preparations are already in order for next year’s event. If you are interested in learning more, you can contact the SVMBC Service Center at 831-287-2022.
Media Inquiries: Sarah Cuban, WRD Marketing and Public Relations Director; sarahc@wrdarch.com; (831) 649-4642
WRD News
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Salinas Valley Residence
Salinas Valley Residence
WRD Architects’ design for this 7,500-square-foot Mediterranean-inspired residence delivers a timeless ranch home for a prominent local family and future generations. Surrounded by acres of active farmland that produces goods for global distribution, the home blends classic architecture with modern sensibilities.
The project was completed in two phases. Phase one included the main living areas and bedrooms. Large steel windows and light-toned interiors provide a contemporary counterpoint to the traditional exterior. Inside, classic design elements are reinterpreted in fresh ways—such as unadorned arches and heavy wood ceiling beams arranged in a modern grid pattern.
Phase two introduced a 2,000-square-foot addition featuring expanded bedroom wings, along with sunroom and spa areas. Tucked into a secluded portion of the home, these marble-clad rooms are surrounded by windows on all sides, bathing the interiors in natural light while maintaining a careful balance of beauty and privacy.
Awards
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Media
International seed company launches Salinas expansion
The Californian
Enza Zaden doubles facility size in Salinas
Onion Business
Pebble Beach Residence
Pebble Beach Residence
What began as a modest bathroom and closet remodel evolved into a multi-million-dollar transformation of this oceanfront residence—resulting in a full renovation, expansion, and reimagining of the entire home.
Originally Mediterranean in style, the house was re-envisioned to incorporate Moorish architectural influences, with custom detailing throughout both the interior and exterior.
A new entryway, designed by WRD Principal Henry Ruhnke, features a custom solid bronze door, hand-carved stone moldings, and columns topped with one-of-a-kind caps. Beneath the expanded decorative eaves, new patios and a cozy outdoor terrace with a fireplace were added. The home’s exterior now includes smooth plaster, cast stone detailing, and custom mahogany windows.
Inside, the house was completely rebuilt, including a new kitchen and expanded breakfast room, all-new bathrooms, an elaborate master bath, and enlarged walk-in closets. WRD also provided upgraded finishes throughout—refining the woodwork, exposed beams, crown moldings, and intricate ceiling details to match the home’s elevated character.
Awards
List goes here…
Media
International seed company launches Salinas expansion
The Californian
Enza Zaden doubles facility size in Salinas
Onion Business