Some architects prefer to work in an office. Some architects prefer to work in a coffee shop. So, what if you could have the best of both, and your architecture office was an actual coffee shop? At first glance, the storefront at the Shop is home to the 5:2:8 Creative Coffee Collective. Once inside, the café walls are adorned with architectural projects and models, creating something truly unique. In addition to serving coffee, the Shop is also the office for 25:8 Architecture + Urban Design. The space is an active design studio that attracts digital nomads who enjoy both excellent coffee and a creative environment. The ‘Shop’ is so duly named because it is both a venue to shop for coffee and a workshop where the team at 25:8 experiments with design ideas. The interior space, front yard, and rear courtyard are constantly being altered to test design concepts, including kinetic architecture, ephemeral design, and universal accessibility.

The Shop has a third exceptional function. While traditional offices close for the evening, the Shop stays open all through the night. In the evening hours, the Shop’s galley comes alive with a ghost kitchen. Gourmet burgers are prepared for takeout, home delivery, or for 25:8 team members who choose to work into the evening. The kitchen operates throughout the night until the bakers arrive in the early morning hours. At 5:28 am, the space is transformed back into a coffee shop in time for the morning work rush. This unique space ensures the team can operate on their schedule at any time, 25 hours, 8 days a week.