The Challenge
We partnered with the younger generation of a well-known local car dealership family to create a completely new concept for the used car buying experience. Starting with a blank slate, the project came with a strict do-not-exceed interior design budget of $100,000 and a very tight timeline. The goal was to reimagine what a dealership environment could feel like — replacing the typical high-pressure showroom experience with something warmer, more approachable, and more community-driven. Inspired by the comfort and familiarity of Starbucks, the vision was to create a space that felt welcoming for the entire family and far less like a traditional car lot sales floor.
What Mattered Most to the Client
Budget, timing, and execution were the top priorities. The client gave us a high level of creative freedom, but the expectations were clear: create something memorable, stay on budget, and get it done on time. That trust allowed us to explore the brand expression in a more meaningful way — from the first impression when a potential buyer walked in, to how families, kids, and returning customers would experience the space. It was important that the environment feel approachable, modern, and distinctly different from the standard dealership model.
What We Handled
Our team led the design from concept through implementation, handling everything from space planning and customer experience strategy to feature development and visual brand expression. We designed unique elements including a movie theater wall, a community gathering area, and a custom moss feature that brought the Mossy logo to life in an unexpected and memorable way. Working in close collaboration with the construction team in a design-build format, we delivered a highly creative solution under intense time and budget constraints — while keeping the overall vision cohesive, functional, and brand-forward.
Strategic Moves We Made
We spent a great deal of time rethinking the customer journey and exploring how to modernize the car buying experience. We looked at what makes spaces like Starbucks and the Apple Store feel comfortable, intuitive, and engaging — and then considered how those qualities could be translated into an automotive retail setting. The goal was to blend hospitality, retail, and showroom design into one seamless experience: open, welcoming, interactive, and centered around community rather than pressure. Every design decision supported a more relaxed and human-centered approach to buying a car.
The Result
The finished space is exceptionally unique — far less showroom, far more welcoming destination. Instead of a traditional sales environment, visitors are greeted with a light, bright, and engaging interior that reflects the relaxed energy of its beachside community. Guests can enjoy free coffee, sit comfortably with family members, and talk about their dream car in an open, inviting setting rather than being moved into a closed-off sales office. The result is a fresh, memorable automotive environment that helped redefine what the used car buying experience could feel like.
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