Meet the Designer: Amanda from Common Standard
Amanda, founder of Common Standard.
Here at Opulist, good design and peak vibes are at the core of everything we do. It’s what fuels us, inspires us, and drives us to seek out all the incredible human-made beauty this world has to offer so we can bring it your way.
While some may say good design is subjective, there are at least a few factors we think most people can agree on: unique and original features, clean and cohesive design elements, a calming and inspiring vibe, good lighting, the aesthetic matching what you’re there to experience (i.e. an inspiring and beautiful work environment, a lively and sultry bar for a date night, an elegant and elevated restaurant for an indulgent dinner).
So when we come across these features in the wild, we want to highlight them - believing beauty adds something to all of our lives. And while most of you here likely already appreciate this beauty whenever you’re in it, we’re here to peel the curtain back and share even more from the minds of the people this beauty originates from. So welcome to our ‘Meet the Designer’ series where we get to bring you a behind the scenes look at where the creators and designers of our beloved Opulist picks get their ideas and inspiration, and share their stories on how they got to where they are.
Enjoy diving deeper with us as we sit down to interview Amanda, founder of Southern California design firm Common Standard, in her Opulist-featured creation Coffee Dose Cafe.
Meet Amanda - Founder of Common Standard
Photos: Opulist
[Interview + conversation has been paraphrased for clarity]
Opulist: When did your company Common Standard come into existence?
Amanda: I started Common Standard 6 years ago, after being in the commercial design industry for years prior to that. Some of the past design firms I used to be a part of included working for Kelly Wearstler, Getty’s doing hospitality design, Better Shelter where I helped be a part of creating Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach, CA, and several others as well.
Photos: Coffee Dose Cafe’s Flagship Store in Costa Mesa, CA, via Common Standard
Coffee Dose Cafe
Opulist: You are the designer of one of our very coffee shops featured on Opulist: Coffee Dose Cafe in Costa Mesa, CA. Tell us how this project came about for you?
Amanda: Jeni [Castro], the owner and founder of Coffee Dose, saw the work I did for Outpost Kitchen and reached out to bring me on board to design their new flagship location in Costa Mesa. Jeni is a dream partner to work with because she trusts my creative vision and lets me run with all my big ideas. I also helped with the Dose in the Box and Microdose locations as well.
Opulist: What are your favorite design features of this location?
Amanda: I love the custom light fixtures we created for the space - including the pink plexi chandeliers lining the middle of the cafe. The pink terrazzo counter tops were hand mixed and poured using a custom Coffee Dose color we created. I love the sparkly diner chairs posted up at the bar, and the pill-shaped banquettes lining the wall. One of my favorite features is the full-scale green checkered tile we used. Jeni trusted my vision to use it not only for flooring but to continue it up the walls as well to give an extra punch to the space.
Design Process
Opulist: What’s your driving force behind how you choose to design your spaces?
Amanda: One of my main goals when designing a space is to create an immersive design experience for everyone who comes into contact with the location. I love for there to be well-designed elements in everything from the branding, to the staff, to the accessories, to the food that’s served - every little detail should create a sense of inspiration and joy. This is something that Coffee Dose executes beautifully on.
At the end of the day I want to create happy spaces. I want people to consciously and subconsciously think, “I feel so happy in here.”
Other Projects
Outpost Kitchen in Costa Mesa, CA, Photos: Common Standard
Opulist: What are some of the other projects you’ve done locally?
Amanda: I designed Outpost Kitchen in Costa Mesa, all of the Jan’s Health Bar locations, the recently opened Tiny Tooth [the most darling pediatric dentist office], Haute Cafe & Market, and The Marina Del Rey Hotel in the retail space. Pre-Common Standard I was also part of creating the Lido Marina Village shopping center.
Jan’s Health Bar at Bella Terra in Huntington Beach, CA and The Del Rey Room at The Marina Del Rey Hotel, Photos: Common Standard
Coming Soon
Opulist: What are some current projects in the works you’re excited about?
Amanda: We’re currently working on our 7th Jan’s Health Bar location, coming soon to Long Beach, the Tea House in Newport Beach, and I’m also about to begin re-designing the building along Mariners Mile in Newport Beach [on PCH] housing Kenneth Brown Salons, Starbucks, and several other retail spaces.
Outpost Kitchen, Photo: Common Standard | Coffee Dose Cafe, Photo: Opulist
Inspiration
Opulist: How do you gain inspiration, both personally and professionally?
Amanda: Visiting new places that are beautiful and unique is definitely one way I get inspiration. Taking in all the details of a space, appreciating design in all its different forms.
I also am endlessly inspired by the group of female friends I have surrounding me in life. Women who are artists, entrepreneurs, jewelry makers, designers, vintage clothing shop owners, and creators. Being surrounded by this kind of creative energy inspires and excites me endlessly.
Photo: Opulist
Thank you for sitting down with us, Amanda. And for being someone who adds your beautiful and creative ideas and work to the world for us to enjoy.
Follow Amanda out in the world over on her Instagram, and see more of her amazing work on her website.
Coffee Dose Cafe featured here is an Opulist pick and can also be found when searching for the city of Costa Mesa. Use the search page to find other unique gems and beautiful places to discover. Enjoy and happy #opulistgem scouting.
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