Situated at the center of the University of Arizona’s campus along the renowned Main Mall, Cork & Craft stands as UA’s inaugural full-service restaurant offering beer, wine, and spirits.

Our team’s approach to this project merged the perspectives of an interior architect and a brand experience designer, allowing us to successfully meet the client’s vision. We celebrated the restaurant’s partnership with the university’s dining facilities and the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, creating an identity that resonates with the UA community.

Every design element of Cork & Craft, from its name to the signage and palette, was carefully chosen to reflect its unique identity. The name pays homage to the on-site wine and beer service, while the signage and graphics mirror the interior’s furniture and fixtures. The palette, inspired by the building’s materials, creates a cohesive brand experience.

Our project was guided by two key objectives: inclusivity and inter-university collaboration. We designed an experience that caters to a diverse range of patrons, from students and faculty to visiting parents, school tours, and even specialty dean or professor visits.

The inclusion of hand-crafted beer brewed in-house by the UA College of Agriculture and Life Sciences enhances the appeal. The new roll-up door allows for an indoor/outdoor bar experience, maximizing visibility to the main mall and the ability to leverage the year-round Tucson weather.