Located in the heart of Asheville’s dynamic River Arts District, RosaBees brings a colorful, artistic, and tropical twist to the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Designed in collaboration with local cake artist and entrepreneur Melissa Gray, RosaBees fulfills her long-held dream of creating a dessert-forward dining experience that also features Hawaiian-inspired small plates and craft cocktails. Our architectural team was honored to help bring that vision to life through a thoughtfully designed hospitality space that celebrates food, art, and community.
As part of a brand-new development in the River Arts District, the design approach needed to feel fresh and modern while also fitting within the creative and eclectic character of the surrounding neighborhood. The layout was developed to support the dual nature of the concept—a dessert bar and full-service restaurant—by offering intimate seating areas, bar service, and flexible space for tastings, events, and casual dining.
A signature element of the interior design is the graffiti-style mural work by renowned local artist Gus Cutty, which brings the playful, expressive energy of the neighborhood indoors. This collaboration was a critical piece of the overall concept, connecting RosaBees to the artistic fabric of Asheville while creating a visually engaging and memorable environment for guests.
Bright finishes, bold patterns, and a tropical color palette reinforce the Hawaiian fusion theme, while custom lighting and material choices create a warm and inviting atmosphere for both daytime and evening service. Durable finishes were selected to balance functionality with flair, ensuring the space is both practical for high-volume service and reflective of Melissa’s unique culinary brand.
RosaBees is a standout example of our firm’s work in hospitality architecture, artist-led collaborations, and neighborhood-focused restaurant design. It is more than a place to eat—it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and sweet dreams brought to life through design.
