Maitri Medicinals wanted to continue its commitment to serving patients in the emerging Pennsylvania cannabis industry and supporting the revival of local communities with the opening of a second dispensary location in the heart of Pittsburgh. Just like Maitri Uniontown, the East Liberty neighborhood was in the midst of a transformation and Maitri Medicinals wanted to play a key role in the redevelopment of the area.
The High Road Design Studio worked with the owners to bring the brand to life in an existing two-story structure that was previously a medical office building. While the location offered great visibility with storefront windows along a busy thoroughfare, the chopped up floor plan with more usable space on the second level posed unique project challenges.
With the decision made to locate the primary dispensary functions on the second level, High Road puts its creativity to the test in establishing a distinct sense of arrival on the main level and enticing customers upward on their dispensary journey. Dramatic illuminated signage marks the entrance and welcomes customers into the entry lobby, where Maitri’s mission of elevated wellness comes to life. Vinyl decals in a striped application of PPG brand hues seamlessly wrap the two-story stairwell core and are punctuated with a dimensional acrylic peacock logo. The gradient stripe on the wall is subtly repeated in the same gradient palette on the stair risers, an intuitive wayfinding cue that guides customers upstairs. This entry sequence establishes the palette for the entire dispensary experience and reinforces the core concept of transition. Using lines, colors, textures and materials, a rhythm was created for the customer journey.
Upon arrival on the second level, customers are greeted at a reception desk set against a wall of textured black columns and mirrored glass that is punctuated by an internally lit channel letter sign, a familiar repetition from the main entry. The sleek wall detail also serves an important function—it is actually a two-way mirror that supports the adjacent security office. A small adjacent lobby lounge set under a dropped ceiling of stamped tin tiles provides an intimate setting. A variety of seating options in sophisticated, colorful fabrics infuse a comfortable, residential appeal.
Identity Development & Brand Guidelines
Spaceplanning
Design Conceptualization
Interior Design Documentation
Signature Brand Elements Design & Fabrication
Custom Milwork Design & Fabrication
FF&E Specification
Procurement
Visual Merchandising
The advantage of the second floor location was a wall of windows providing access to natural light as well as spectacular views of the local landmarks—an opportunity to really connect the dispensary with the surrounding community. Architectural details, such as columns washed in light and niches with high gloss faces, create a cool and sexy vibe that is accented with stamped patterns, graphics and art installations. A porcelain, wide plank wood-look tile floor in blonde oak is arranged in a diamond pattern to add warmth to the space while creating a dynamic visual. All of the views and carefully considered details set the stage for the product, which is displayed with prominence like pieces of art—think Museum of Weed. A combination of faceted pedestals with glass vitrine tops, wall displays built around the windows, glass display cabinets and flower islands create an elegant showroom experience.
The customer journey is punctuated at the POS. While orders are fulfilled via efficient pass-through cabinetry, design elements delight the senses—from the smooth contoured edge of the white quartz countertops to the soothing delicate line work of the string art installation. As satisfied customers exit the space, a floating emblem sign embeds the brand in memory before they descend the stairs past the iconic two-story peacock. A detailed Maitri experience that may be hard to forget.
