Forage is a restaurant and retail concept informed by over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, addressing the often-overlooked well-being of staff. Long shifts, physical strain, and constant sensory demands frequently lead to burnout and high turnover, revealing a clear imbalance between guest experience and staff support. Located within Leith Library, a historic civic building in Edinburgh, the project responds to its generous volumes, robust materiality, and access to natural light. A radial design strategy organises the interior around a central point of connection, drawing daylight deep into the plan and creating visual continuity between spaces.
The design approach prioritises staff well-being through improved circulation, ergonomic interventions, and the integration of restorative areas for pause and retreat. Natural materials and acoustic treatments create a calmer sensory environment, balancing the intensity of service.
Materiality is informed by the concept of foraging, using timber, stone, and tactile finishes to create a grounded, sensory-rich atmosphere. Retail elements are integrated within the space to encourage slower engagement and moments of discovery, reinforcing the project’s ethos of reflection and connection. By rethinking traditional front and back-of-house divisions, Forage proposes a more connected, human-centred model of hospitality, where staff and guest experience are equally valued.
