Architects and Local Talent Unite to Turn a Small Space into an Artistic Celebration of Chocolate

The latest collaboration between local architects Arch & Type and artisan chocolatier, Ben Johnson, has resulted in the transformation of a 780-square-foot space into a new workshop and retail space in Buffalo, New York. This ambitious project involved a diverse team of local craftsmen, designers, student interns, the firm owner’s family, University at Buffalo colleagues, and contractors.

Photo credit: Kim Smith Photo

Photo credit: Kim Smith Photo

Inspired by an image of golden, silky, and flowing untempered chocolate, the design team digitally modeled a ceiling comprised of CNC-milled, hand-assembled, painted pieces. This voluptuous surface, visible through the front window, invites customers into the space, drawing their eyes toward the lime-washed walls and white-oak millwork. Custom-made mirrored displays present the chocolate as art in a gallery, while a frameless plaster door with a brass base blends seamlessly into the walls, focusing attention on the workshop areas where community classes and production occur.

Photo credit: Kim Smith Photo

Photo credit: Kim Smith Photo

Photo credit: Kim Smith Photo

Despite limited resources, the design elevates a generic space into a chocolate celebration through atypical expertise. The custom millwork was a collaboration between the architect's father, a skilled craftsman and chemist, and one of the firm’s designers. Student interns at the University's digital fabrication lab utilized robotic precision and handcraft to create the cascading golden ceiling. Buffalo Niagara Weldworks, masters of metal, contributed their artistry to mirrored display dishes and brass detailing, working closely with architects and contractors.

Photo credit: Kim Smith Photo

Photo credit: Kim Smith Photo

Photo credit: Kim Smith Photo

This project exemplifies the power of local collaboration and innovative design practices. The result is a space that, while distinctly Buffalo, defies the traditional architectural elements of the region. A large, dedicated team employed a blend of digital and physical methods to turn a shared vision into reality, celebrating both chocolate and architectural craft.

Arch&Type

Arch&Type creates spaces rooted in their clients' narratives by blending creative strategies with building traditions. Based in Buffalo, NY, their architectural studio is dedicated to crafting designs that promote social connection, ecological balance, and neighborhood contribution. The Studio's small, casual, yet highly committed team focuses on revitalizing urban and rural spaces for those seeking beauty and sustainability in their environments.