Joshua Tree Concept Cafe

📸 All images were generative by Justine Anweiler using Midjourney, Land-inspired Cafe in Joshua Tree, 2025.

At some point in my life, I will design a concept cafe, here’s why . . .

I have a VERY strong design philosophy when it comes to architecture.

I believe THE MOST EFFECTIVE interiors represent and authentically embody the surrounding landscape.

And by “effective,” I mean resonant, grounding, supportive, and inspiring.

I recall it was Frank Lloyd Wright who designed to bring the outside in.

But what if we fully blurred the line between them? I like this premise. Very much.

I’m going to preface this by saying I am a Taurus sun (au-natural empress), Gemini moon (communications maestro), and Pisces rising (mystic artist) – meaning everything I design is tactile, practical, authentic, made to foster connection, and infused with magic.

It’s how it is, and it works!

So last year when I visited Joshua Tree, California, I noticed the aesthetic was either very old western saloon vibes or fresh out of Silverlake in LA. This seemed like a missed opportunity because the landscape is otherworldly.

I haven’t seen copious amounts of the world but I imagine once you see Joshua Tree, you could likely identify its land attributes anywhere in the world. It's that unique.

So why wasn’t the exterior landscape represented in the interior?!

In several conversations since, I’ve said, “When I was in Joshua Tree, I so desperately wanted to be in a cafe that embodied the story of the land.” A space that held its textures and amplified its song.

So today I am sharing samples with you of the cafe I would create in Joshua Tree, California.

*** Please note: My actual execution would be cozier, more rustic and have local craft masters in every touch point. And for more context and to see the whole pitch deck, you can download it here.

Exterior Concepts include:
1. Cement Slab // 2. Flinstones Wave // 3. Stone Theatre

Interior Concepts include:
1. Lava Lamp // 2. Star Wars // 3. Michelin Wood // 4. Tree-First

📸 All images generated using Midjourney on Discord.

Article FAQs generated by AI:
1. How can architecture and interior design be used to reflect and honour the spirit of a specific landscape like Joshua Tree?
Architecture and design can honour a place like Joshua Tree by intentionally integrating the natural textures, shapes, and stories of the land into every element of the built environment – from the materials chosen (like weathered stone or desert clay) to the spatial flow and even the scent or sound within the space. This approach not only creates visual harmony but also fosters a deeper, more somatic sense of place where visitors feel with the land rather than separate from it.

2. What might be lost when a destination adopts imported aesthetics instead of cultivating its own place-based design language?
When a location like Joshua Tree leans on aesthetics imported from other cultural or urban centers (like LA’s Silverlake) it risks diluting the distinctiveness of its landscape and eroding a sense of rootedness. This can lead to a homogenized experience that feels generic rather than transformative. In contrast, embracing a place-based design language invites visitors into a deeper relationship with the land, fostering stewardship, reverence, and authenticity.

3. Why does blending interior and exterior, both literally and symbolically, create more resonant spaces, and how could that influence future design trends?
Blurring the line between inside and outside dissolves the illusion that humans and nature are separate. In practice, this can mean using natural light, organic shapes, raw materials, or even incorporating living elements (like indoor gardens or open-air transitions). Symbolically, it reflects a design ethos rooted in belonging and reciprocity. As society becomes more aware of ecological and emotional disconnection, we’ll likely see more spaces that function not just as shelter but as sanctuary, reminding us that place is a participant in our well-being.

4. Is the approach more human or land-centred?
The approach described is fundamentally land-centred, but it has a deep human sensitivity woven through it. It is predominantly Land-Centred for the following reasons:

• The design philosophy prioritizes the landscape by wanting the architecture and interiors to reflect, honour, and embody the surrounding land (Joshua Tree).

• It responds to the land’s textures, history, and visual language, rather than imposing an external aesthetic.

• It shows a desire to resist anthropocentric trends (Silverlake-style cafes or western saloon vibes) in favour of letting the land lead the design narrative.

But it is human-attuned in its experience. While the space is land-led, the goal is to create resonance and groundedness for the human experience—to make visitors feel supported, connected, and inspired. It has an interest in how humans feel, connect, and relate to space, ensuring the outcome is not just beautiful but meaningful. And it includes craftsmanship, storytelling, and sensory cues that support human engagement with the land’s essence.

It’s land-centred in principle, with a human-centred execution that amplifies our capacity to be in relationship with the land. It has not been designed for humans alone or for the land alone – it is designed with the land and for humans who are ready to be in communion with place. That makes the approach rare, timely, and regenerative.