the basics
Born in 2025, we're not your average design firm - we tackle commercial spaces that require hospitality thinking, with equal parts creativity and curiosity.
Our crew? A bunch of curated creatives whose varied backgrounds create the perfect storm of ideas. We don't just design spaces; we transform them with purposeful decisions that make your competitors nervously sweat.
Here's how we roll: We start by diving headfirst into YOUR vision of the concept (yes, we actually listen). Then we craft a narrative|ethos that drives everything else - because random pretty things thrown together is what amateurs do.
We obsess over every touchpoint in the guest experience, creating custom fixtures and moments that scream "you won't find this anywhere else." No cookie-cutter solutions here…your space deserves its own personality - not some copy-paste design (no offense pinterest).
Every detail we choose serves one purpose: creating an experience that feels so authentically ‘INSERT YOUR BRAND’ that guests will forget other places exist.
WHAT WE DO
At our core, we specialize in all things custom that affect the built environment:
INTERIORS
Conceptual, Design, Documentation, and Execution Management of Private Spaces:
Restaurants, Bars, Lougnes, Clubs, and Hotels or any cross-pollination
EXTERIORS
Conceptual, Design, Documentation, and Execution Management of Public Spaces
Patios, Cafes, Rooftops, Public Parks or any cross-pollination
CUSTOM GOODS
Conceptual, Design, Documentation, and Execution Management of anything custom
Furniture, Lighting, and Art Work or any cross-pollination
WHAT WE advise
We also can’t help but care about all of the touch points that affect an environment. Below are all the areas where we have vetted relashionships with experts. I guess you could say we are Match Makers too!
BRANDING
AUDIO / VIDEO
WEBSITES
CONTRACTORS
VENDORS
ARTISANS
MEET THE O.G.
WARREN WEIXLER
ARCHITECT | DESIGNER | MAKER
I hold many titles – architect, designer, maker, to name a few – and I’ve earned them! I’ve spent the last 20 years plus leading and building teams that are perpetually curious and excited to exchange ideas, collaborate and create, and engage in compelling conversations.
PAST
I started my career in a design/build office after earning a 5-year Professional Degree (BARCH) + an Industrial Design Minor from Virginia Tech. I then launched two successful design-build firms: dbd Studio (2008-2011) and design operative (2011-2013), both creative architectural offices specializing in restaurant and retail space design, with a digital fabrication focus.
In 2012, DC artist Maggie O’Neill and I merged our respective companies and founded SWATCHROOM, an artist-driven creative studio with a mission to enhance spaces and experiences through art and design. The following decade plus produced unique, stunning spaces and experiences internationally, where I honed my creative problem solving skills while focusing on the sweet spot between art + design and fabrication + environment.
PRESENT
Next Chapter = WarrenDoes. I am interested in focused, thoughtful, meaty, and creative projects that require exploration and creative problem solving. I also look to build/support the communities and connections that keep the creative economy going round, most recently teaching an Exhibition Design Studio course at GW University’s Corcoran School of Art.
creative approach
Our values are defined by how we interact with humans, clients, and the world.
EVERYONE GETS A SEAT
Everyone gets a seat at the design table.
From the owner to the head chef, from the GM to the bar manager, and from the server to the cleaning team…all points of view are welcomed and valued to help craft the final experience.
OBSESS FROM BIG PICTURE TO TINY DETAILS
Our concepts aren't just pretty mood boards — they're strategic plans.
We sweat everything from the overall operational layout down to that perfect paper towel holder (yes, we actually care about things like this)…because when your competition may be cutting corners, we're perfecting them for your brand.
WE THROW THE BOX AWAY
Normal is boring, and the competition is already doing it!
We embrace our and your quirks and oddities because that's where the magic happens. While others are playing it safe, we're hunting for the unconventional choices that make people stop and take note.
SPACES SHOULDN’T SUCK TO BE IN
Radical concept: people should actually enjoy the spaces they occupy.
We believe that people are products of their environment…litteraly. Our designs condiser everything. When all these elements collide, our process creates experiences that people won't shut up about…and isn't that exactly what you want?
