Rise Coffee: Elevating Everyday Coffee Through Simplicity and Design
Founded in 2020 by Kasidis Laoboonmee, Rise Coffee was born from a mission to make specialty coffee more approachable—crafted around the belief that great coffee should fit seamlessly into daily life. With its flagship store launched in 2021 in Bangkok’s Ploenchit area, the brand took a bold step forward: creating not just a café, but a space that blends function, design clarity, and transparency between baristas and beans.
Designed by Space+craft, with the roasting lab by Chanakarn Assavasirisilp, this 150 sq.m. venue is a striking example of how clean design can carry a strong brand message. In this Q&A, the Space+craft team walks us through the ideas, materials, and layout behind one of Bangkok’s most intentional coffee spaces.
What was the design brief for Rise Coffee’s first flagship store?
Kasidis had a clear vision: to make specialty coffee feel everyday and effortless, while keeping the experience high-quality and dynamic. The brand’s motto, “#RISEwithTHEPEOPLE”, was central to our design direction. He didn’t want the space to feel exclusive—he wanted it to feel open, efficient, and honest. That meant using simple, cost-effective materials, and focusing on functionality without losing visual appeal.
How did you approach the layout and function of the space?
The project was split into two zones: the coffee bar and the roasting lab. Because of Rise’s grab-and-go concept, we focused most of the area on the coffee bar itself, which sits prominently in the center. Seating is placed around it, keeping flow efficient for quick service but still offering spots to linger.
The roasting lab sits beside the café, divided by clear tempered glass. This creates a strong visual connection between the bar and the back-of-house processes. Customers can sip coffee while watching beans being roasted—it’s an engaging and educational setup that adds depth to the café experience.
What materials were used, and how do they reflect the brand’s values?
We leaned into the idea of approachability and simplicity. The main coffee counter was built entirely from angled metal bars, a very low-cost material, but one that allowed us to create a distinct pattern and texture. This not only kept the budget under control but also gave the counter a unique, crafted identity.
The rest of the interior is mostly white matte plywood, paired with bright red accents—a subtle but confident nod to the Rise Coffee brand colors. By keeping the space minimal, these small design gestures stand out even more.
How does lighting play a role in the overall experience?
We exposed the ceiling and used C-line structural framing to create a simple grid overhead. By selectively replacing certain lines with 4000K LED strips, we created a soft, glowing light source that pairs with focused spotlights.
The result is a café that glows at night, especially in contrast to its more neutral daytime surroundings. It subtly draws people in and gives the space a kind of after-hours glow that’s highly visible in the city context.
How does the coffee counter function as both centerpiece and workspace?
The counter was designed as a one-stop workstation: espresso bar, slow bar, POS, bakery display, and washing area are all unified into a single piece. This not only streamlined the workflow but allowed the design to feel cohesive. It’s the functional and visual heart of the space, minimal yet full of personality thanks to the metal bar detailing.
We didn’t want anything to feel ornamental. Everything on the counter serves a purpose—but the way it’s designed adds rhythm and identity to the space.
What kind of experience does Rise Coffee aim to offer its visitors?
Rise Coffee isn’t just about great beans—it’s about everyday moments done well. Whether someone is rushing to work or taking a slow afternoon break, the space is meant to support both. The transparent lab, the bright and clean layout, and the unfussy materials all contribute to that mission.
We think this store reflects the brand’s values perfectly: grounded, thoughtful, and community-centered. It’s a space that says quality doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be part of your daily routine.
Project Credits:
- Project: Rise Coffee
- Client: Rise Coffee
- Interior Architect: Space+craft, Bangkok, Thailand
- Roasting Lab Designer: Chanakarn Assavasirisilp
- Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Project Area: 150 SQ.M.
- Project Year: 2021
- Photography: Thanapol Jongsiripipat
- Contact: [email protected]
