The Client
Claire Ptak
Claire Ptak is an American baker, food stylist, and author. She was taught the art of cooking by her mother and grandmother as a child growing up in Inverness, California. Here, she began to learn to appreciate where food comes from and how it’s made. After being mentored under Alice Waters as a pastry chef at Chez Panisse, Claire moved to London, England where she would eventually open her own shop, Violet Cakes. Her creative process always prioritizes the ingredients to preserve their integrity and bring their flavors to life. Seasonal, organic ingredients and respect for the food she cooks creates an environment of gratitude and warmth at Violet Cakes. Claire’s sense of balance and delicacy in the kitchen are what make her food authentic and heartwarming.
Client Research Mood Boards
Food Philosophy
Claire's food philosophy is rooted in the quality of her ingredients. She favors seasonal food that is authentic to the region and rich in flavor.
Food Styling
Her food is a visual delight as much as it is delicious. She expresses a delicate, feminine style in her food styling.
Close to Home
Claire's love for cooking and baking was grown at home with her family. Despite residing in London, she still has a close appreciation for her home state, California.
Concept
Scandinavian Architecture
I chose Scandinavian architecture to drive the forms in my design. I focused on clean lines and natural light.
Marchesa
My muse for this project was the fashion brand, Marchesa. I was inspired by the delicate and exquisite fabric work as well as how they express femininity in their designs.
A Summer in Italy
The ethos for the environment was a summer in italy. The feeling I wanted the user to experience was one that emanated warmth, serenity, and bliss.
Materiality
Rich textures meet delicate patterns in feminine tones.
I started thinking of materiality with what was existing in the building. I chose to keep the existing exposed brick walls and wood floors to keep the integrity of the building's shell. The textures that these materials had contributed to the warm and rustic nature of my ethos. Delicate patterns in beiges and light pinks added to the overall femininity that is true not only to Claire's personal aesthetic but also helped reinforce Marchesa as my muse.
Presentation Board
