Spring Forward 2021 CDG Architecture Unveils Atelier Marin: a Pandemic Success Story
CDG Architecture transformed a dusty, dilapidated clog shop into the beautiful and functional neighborhood textile hub, Atelier Marin, for owner Amanda Madlener.
Shuttering a business, putting a project on hold, cancelling a vacation or postponing a wedding; unfortunately we all have stories of things drastically shifting when the pandemic hit the US. Today, we are happy to share the story of a project during the time of Covid that ends in success!
In March 2020 Amanda Madlener was in a bit of panic when the world shut down because her business and livelihood were at risk. Amanda is the owner of Atelier Yarns and Atelier Marin, two inviting, family-owned yarn shops in the San Francisco Bay Area, celebrating 30 years of women owned small business.
When the “shelter in place” order happened Amanda and Courtenay, her architect, were in the planning stages of relocating the Atelier Marin store to a brand new, larger San Rafael “West End Village” location. Courtenay had spent countless hours designing the new space to be warm and inviting yet functional with tons of storage for the limitless supply of yarn that Atelier offers.
The entire electrical system in the new location needed to be updated.
Amanda’s previous Atelier Marin location in downtown San Anselmo was bursting at the seams. So Amanda spent many hours finding the right new location, negotiating the price and working with Courtenay to look beyond the extensive dry rot and truly vintage mechanical and electrical equipment and the very questionable layout of the historic clog shop. Together they envisioned what the new space could be. From a financial and logistical perspective, Amanda was planning for the risky time between closing the old space and opening the new.
Initial concept design of Atelier Marin before purchase
“We were waiting for our commercial building approval from the city when the Covid Pandemic struck. We had no contact within the department and no way of knowing the status of our project. With her two kids in tow, and in the summer heat, Courtenay waited outside of the shuttered building department until she could wrangle a name, contact information. We were able to get updates and ultimately approval during Shelter in Place. Courtenay was AMAZING! She went above and beyond,” says Amanda.
Because of Courtenay's solid plans and persistence, the project continued throughout 2020 with planning approval and construction; and one year later - in March 2021 - Amanda opened the doors to the bright and spacious Atelier Marin on 4th Street in San Rafael.
The location had dry rot, a broken up floor plan and years of grime and grit.
Throughout 2020 the dilapidated and dusty historic clog shop was completely gutted to remove years of questionable design and finish choices and restored back to it’s beautiful open layout with plenty of yarn storage to support Atelier Marin’s impressive yarn stock and supplies.
Amanda welcomes her community to Atelier Marin in San Rafael’s West End
A hallmark of Atelier Marin’s success is experienced knitters on staff and beautiful sample projects to inspire customers. Often in a design meeting, Courtenay and Amanda would have to pause as Amanda would help correct a patron’s stitch pattern. In this renovation project, the knitting came first.
Amanda wanted a welcoming living room environment with plenty of space for knitters to peruse the yarn selection. She also required a well thought out floorplan divided into distinct functional zones based on tricks and tools displayed and sold, yarn, storage, tools, patterns, embellishments, etc.
Atelier Marin, inviting and cozy and bursting with yarns and knitting essentials
We hope you have a chance to visit Atelier Yarns and Atelier Marin in San Francisco and San Rafael to see this success story come to life and to check out their extensive selection of yarns, needles, patterns, books, knitting bags and accessories made locally and from around the world.
“I loved working with Amanda on this project because I am passionate about guiding people to realize their goals and dreams. I’m a design coach, helping clients create the optimal environment so they can live and work their best lives. Bringing the site, beings and space in harmony, I combine the dream and vision with the reality, resulting in modern, glamorous spaces,” says Courtenay.
Amanda couldn’t agree more: “Courtenay knows everything about design and building and guides you effortlessly in your project. I don’t know where we would be without her. She’s a great collaborator.”
If you are in need of an architect for a retail location or a design coach to help you dream a shift in your business space, reach out to us for a consultation.