Carolina Hemp Company

290 Haywood Rd, Suite 002, Asheville, NC

Our architecture firm was commissioned to design the interior space for a progressive, education-focused hemp store that also functions as a wholesale distributor of hemp-based products. Located in a high-traffic urban setting, this project aimed to shift public perception of hemp by creating an inviting, modern, and informative retail experience that seamlessly blends education with commerce.

The design concept centered around transparency, sustainability, and approachability. The client’s vision was to help bring hemp into the mainstream market—not only as a retail product but as a sustainable solution with countless applications. To reflect these values, we focused on creating a light-filled, open interior that promotes curiosity and comfort.

Natural materials played a critical role in the project. We used a warm palette of untreated and lightly finished wood, echoing the organic nature of hemp and reinforcing the store’s eco-conscious identity. Expansive windows flood the space with natural light, enhancing the feeling of openness and reducing the need for artificial lighting during daytime hours. The result is a welcoming, peaceful environment that encourages customers to explore, learn, and engage.

A key aspect of the layout is its flexibility. Open shelving and modular display systems allow for educational exhibits, product showcases, and wholesale transactions to coexist in a cohesive manner. Informational signage and interactive stations were integrated throughout the space to support the client’s mission of public education around hemp’s uses, legality, and environmental benefits.

This hemp retail and wholesale space stands as a model for sustainable, purpose-driven commercial design. Through strategic use of natural materials, open planning, and thoughtful branding integration, we helped our client create a space that is not only functional and beautiful, but also capable of transforming public perception and advancing the hemp industry.

Photography by Daniel Gale.