The marijuana dispensary is a relatively new typology for architects – one where design still has the potential to set a standard. The owners of Ajoya identified the lack of expectation in the industry as an opportunity to differentiate itself in the market.

The goal was to elevate the experience and exude cleanliness, quality, and professionalism. By cultivating a sense of confidence, Ajoya intends to make the experience more approachable, and expand their clientele. The 3,000 SF space is a sophisticated hybrid of retail shop, pharmacy, and bar. The perception of quality is enhanced by featuring the product in a minimalist background.

Patrons are encouraged to linger, lounge, and browse the product menu at the bar. Pipe and bong glassware pieces are housed in custom backlit cases, displaying them as art. Buds within the glass main bar cases are lit from below by LED lighting, which appears to make them sparkle, while blue spectrum lighting is used more generally to activate customers minds. The bar space is exhaustively detailed from small display niches for lighters, to the perfectly honed distance between customers: maintaining a sense of privacy without hindering the “bar like” atmosphere. Whether a customer is looking to ‘Settle’, ‘Unwind’, ‘Focus’, or ‘Elevate’, the experience at Ajoya is positive and imbues a sense of community.