THE GUILD - WHEATON
Project
Located in the heart of downtown Wheaton, our clients wanted The Guild to be a warm, layered destination – bringing together a café, bookstore and event venue under one roof. The final design balances hospitality and community, creating a space that feels equally inviting for a morning coffee, an afternoon meeting, or an evening gathering. Rich textures, thoughtful lighting, and carefully curated details were used to establish a sense of comfort, character, and connection throughout the space. The result is a modern gathering place that reflects The Guild's vision of slowing down, engaging with others, and experiencing the best of downtown Wheaton.
Inspiration
Some spaces simply have soul and The Guild has it in abundance. The client is a longtime bibliophile and his London-inspired vision comes to life the moment you step inside, where layers of history, warmth, and carefully considered design create a world entirely their own. Deep forest greens, rich cognac leather, and aged brass set a tone that feels both timeless and alive, while unexpected details around every corner reward the curious eye. The Guild is a place built for those who believe that slowing down is its own kind of luxury.
Client
The Guild was born from investor Kurt Fritz's passion for a bookstore he could walk to, which he brought to life by partnering with Subourbon's established hospitality team. Two Hands Interiors has collaborated with this group many times before — so we came into Guild with an efficient creative shorthand, able to move from concept to design brief without the usual exploratory period of a first-time partnership. The real test was juggling a long list of stakeholders, all with strong opinions, while designing a single space that had to function seamlessly as a bookstore, a retail shop, an event venue, and a restaurant all at once.