Water + Leaves

WRD Architects collaborated with a visionary owner to design a contemporary space for the first specialty tea and coffee shop on Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf.

The client’s passion for tea guided the design process. Four high-performance digital tea steepers maintain optimal temperature, pressure, and timing for each tea variety. Behind the counter, six oversized dispensers showcase a range of raw, local honey.

The café’s commitment to sustainable, organic practices is reflected in its design. The exposed ceiling features natural wood, while a new balcony addition, with glass doors leading to it, offers a clear, unobstructed view of Monterey Bay. A mural near the balcony connects the Bay’s fishing heritage to the owner’s extended family roots.