Napa Design Partners provided full architectural and interior design services for the expansion of Naysayer Coffee Roasters, supporting the opening of their second brick-and-mortar café in north Napa, California.

Building on the success of their original location, the owners envisioned a new space that would extend Naysayer’s strong sense of community while supporting continued growth of their wholesale and retail coffee business. The goal was to create a welcoming, functional environment that reflects the brand’s identity, supports daily operations, and fits comfortably within a carefully managed project budget.

Design Approach & Client Collaboration

Napa Design Partners worked closely with the owners from initial concept through construction drawings, providing both architectural and interior design services. Our interior designer collaborated directly with the couple to translate their vision into a warm, approachable café environment while maintaining cost control and constructability throughout the design process.

The resulting space balances efficiency and character—supporting espresso service, customer seating, retail display, and back-of-house functions—while reinforcing Naysayer’s role as a neighborhood gathering place.

Architectural Design & Permitting

As with many food and beverage tenant improvements in Napa, the plan check and permitting process introduced unexpected requirements, including a City-mandated custom trash enclosure tied to the services offered at the café. Napa Design Partners leveraged prior experience with similar municipal requirements to proactively coordinate with the City’s waste department and permitting staff.

Our team took a hands-on role in resolving code compliance and operational concerns, guiding the project through revisions and approvals while keeping the client focused on the end goal: opening a successful second location without unnecessary delays.

Problem-Solving Through Experience

Permitting challenges are a common part of commercial projects, particularly in jurisdictions with evolving standards. Napa Design Partners’ familiarity with local building codes, planning requirements, and interdepartmental coordination allowed us to navigate the process efficiently and keep the project moving forward.

This experience-driven approach helped minimize disruption, maintain budget awareness, and ensure the project met regulatory requirements prior to construction.

Project Scope Highlights

   ∙  Architectural design from concept through construction documents

   ∙  Interior design and finish coordination

   ∙  Tenant improvement planning for food & beverage use

   ∙  Budget-conscious design development

   ∙  Building code and zoning compliance

   ∙  City plan check and permitting coordination

   ∙  Custom trash enclosure design per City requirements

   ∙  Collaboration with local agencies and reviewers

Supporting Local Businesses Through Thoughtful Design

This project reflects Napa Design Partners’ commitment to supporting locally owned businesses through clear communication, collaborative design, and experienced navigation of the permitting process. Whether expanding an existing brand or launching a new space, our team helps clients move from vision to reality—while staying compliant, on budget, and focused on long-term success.