hospitality + retail

hospitality + retail stores are in the (all kinds of) people business.

Trust us, when a person who uses a wheelchair arrives at a popular nightspot to find only bar-height tables, they don’t feel welcome. The same is true at retail stores when the checkout counter is so high, not everyone can reach the credit card machine to pay for those $200 yoga pants.

At Studio Pacifica, our team’s comprehensive understanding of the needs of people with different abilities allows us to think beyond the code minimums in ways that creatively balance guest needs with operational solutions.

Our consulting practice collaborates with design teams to consider such critical elements as a hotel’s arrival sequence, parking and the check-in desk. In addition to the big things, we evaluate everything from door pulls, to toilets, to bedside tables.

We also look at plans for specific dining features. Consider the design of a breakfast buffet: is the food within comfortable reach range for those with mobility issues? Does the set-up allow guests to make their selection independently? Does thoughtful accessible design free up staff time? Does the wayfinding system work for everyone?

Most importantly, can everyone order (and pickup) their own coffee?

For hospitality + retail clients, Studio Pacifica advises on best practices, code compliance, and wayfinding that meet the needs of people of all abilities and ages.