Architect Firm Honored for Raleigh's 101 Lounge + Café Design

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:
Cindy Stranad
919.232.5008
cindy@articulon.com

Chad Parker, AIA
919.833-0250
chad@vstudio3.com

Architect Firm Honored for Raleigh's 101 Lounge + Café Design

RALEIGH, N.C. (July 17, 2009)—Vernacular Studio (www.vstudio3.com), a Raleigh-based architecture and interiors firm, has received an Award of Merit from the American Institute of Architects, Virginia Chapter and Inform magazine for its interior design of 101 Lounge + Café (www.101raleigh.com) in downtown Raleigh. The awards recognize design excellence in the mid-Atlantic region, and are judged by an independent group of Florida-based architects.

"It is an honor to receive recognition from industry peers for our work on 101 Lounge + Café," says Chad Parker, AIA and principal of Vernacular Studio. "This distinction is a testament to the complete commitment to design excellence of the entire Vernacular Studio team."

The 101 Lounge and Café's design (http://www.vstudio3.com/architecture/hospitality/101-lounge-cafe) stems from the simple fact that it opens early in the day to cater to breakfast clientele and stays open into the night to provide a comfortable lounge atmosphere. The concept of day and night is reflected within the space by use of contrasting materials and light, creating interaction between the first and second levels.

"The owners of 101 Lounge + Café allowed us the freedom to explore architectural opportunities that reflect the unique lounge and café concept of 101," adds Parker. "When a client puts a blind trust in you and gives you a blank canvas, it invariably raises the bar and creates a sense of partnership between the architect and client."

The honor complements Vernacular Studio's 2008 Merit Award received from the Triangle chapter of the American Institute of Architects for work on the same location. A complete listing of Inform award winners is available at www.virginiaarchitecture.org/inform_awards.html.

About Vernacular Studio:
Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Vernacular Studio is a forward thinking, award-winning architecture and interiors firm specializing in commercial, retail, higher education, hospitality, mixed-use and high-design residential projects. Founded in early 2005 by NCSU School of Architecture Alumni Chad Parker, AIA and Brett Hautop, AIA, Vernacular Studio has been widely recognized for its commitment to design excellence and has earned a reputation of providing unparalleled client service and satisfaction. To learn more, visit www.vstudio3.com.

About 101 Lounge + Café:
Located in downtown Raleigh at the corner of Davie Street and Blount Street in Palladium Plaza, 101 Lounge + Café is an urban café and lounge providing a comfortable atmosphere while catering to daytime Raleigh downtown workers, nighttime leisure seekers, and visitors alike. More information is available at www.101raleigh.com.

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