Joanna Varettas, Senior Associate Designer at TGP International, reflects on the growing importance of community-driven design in shaping restaurant interiors, told through the story of Seed & Bloom.
Following its successful launch this year in Abu Dhabi, we’ve seen firsthand the impact community-driven design can have. We imagined Seed & Bloom as a true extension of the community—a welcoming space where guests could feel an immediate sense of belonging, free to explore something new or pause for a quiet moment.
Now, as the venue continues to flourish through activations, workshops, collaborations with local producers, and its growing popularity among residents, it’s been incredible to watch the many elements of our community-led design approach come to life.
Community Driven Design
A standout feature of the venue is the visible bakery & kitchen, giving guests a clear view of the preparation area as they sip their coffee or share a meal with friends. This was a deliberate choice to celebrate the craft of baking openly, inviting curiosity about the process and creating a tangible connection between patrons and the artistry behind their food. Instead of tucking this element away, we made it part of the experience, letting the sight of ingredients and process shape the atmosphere.
We also designed a dedicated community room, which has become a central anchor for the venue’s programme of workshops and events. This adaptable space can serve as extra seating or be closed off for private or hosted gatherings. From ceramics classes and bread-making workshops to flower arranging, book clubs, and community talks, its true beauty lies in its versatility—able to transform with the needs of the neighbourhood and community.
The sell-out workshops since its opening, particularly Seed & Bloom’s signature focaccia-making sessions, are proof of how powerful these kinds of elements can be for a restaurant’s success, both in driving commercial results and fostering community value and loyalty. The room’s design ensures that even when not in use for events, it still feels like a natural, comfortable part of the café.
We also considered how seating style and pace could encourage flexible organic interactions; whether guests are catching up with their own group or striking up conversation with a neighbour while waiting for their coffee, they have the choice to dine, dwell or perch throughout the main dining area and communal tables. For those on the go, there’s a quick grab-and-go organic communal table for a short coffee break. For guests who prefer to linger, cosy banquettes and a warm, open dining area invite them to settle in.
We also introduced several dayparting features, allowing the space to shift seamlessly from a bright daytime bakery to a cosy evening restaurant, keeping the atmosphere dynamic from morning to night. Working closely with the founder, our team at TGP International developed our approach to ensure the design remained functional, adaptable, and ready to support a variety of uses, experiences, and needs.
Local Influences
Within the flow of the space and the guest journey, we carved out a dedicated retail area where shelves showcase goods and products from homegrown businesses. This zone was carefully integrated so it feels natural yet distinct, creating a place where local makers can be championed. Early partners included Mazara Farm Shop and the Unwrapped Store, both featuring goods and crafted pieces made here in the UAE, and many more organic collaborations have followed since the venue’s opening.
We believe this approach gives guests an immediate sense of place the moment they step inside. It was important that the space not only look rooted in Abu Dhabi but also actively support and celebrate the people who call it home.
We also wanted the setting to feel seamlessly tied to Abu Dhabi’s natural landscape. One of our inspirations was the desert hyacinth—a plant that thrives in this region despite the challenging climate. Remarkably, the desert hyacinth draws nutrients from surrounding plants, relying on a host to bloom.
That idea of interdependence resonated with us; much like the flower, Seed & Bloom flourishes through the support and connection of its community. Just as the hyacinth thrives within a network of relationships, the café is enriched by the people around it.
This vision also played a central role in shaping our colour palette. Visitors will notice soft, layered yellow tones threaded throughout the café, paired with organic, warm textures set against more refined, structured materials—a nod to the desert hyacinth’s delicate blooms emerging from a resilient environment.
Botanical references continue in the natural floral panels and hand-pressed artwork featuring local flora. Together, these details, from a colour story rooted in a desert bloom, to textures that evoke craft, to motifs that honour native plant life, give the space its distinctive character. Even if not consciously recognised, we believe they create a quiet sense of comfort, meaning, and connection for everyone who walks through the door. Reflecting on TGP International’s 360° capabilities, the project came to life through the combined effort of multiple teams and disciplines, with our restaurant management team continuing to oversee day-to-day operations. In many ways, it grew from our shared values and expertise as a community, strengthened by the creativity and passion of colleagues across the company. From concept, naming, and brand development to interior design, build oversight, and pre-opening strategy, it was a chance to draw on talent from every corner of the business.
Venue Images
Image Credits: Gavriil Papadiotis
