Hotel & Resorts | Designed Projects

SHUTTERS AT THE BEACH

Santa Monica

Modernizing Poolside Operations: Shutters at the Beach

Shutters at the Beach, a premier luxury hotel in Santa Monica, required an update to its poolside beverage and foodservice operations. The objective was to bring the existing pool bar up to modern health department standards while completely replacing the aging equipment, all without expanding or altering the facility’s original footprint.

The Challenge: Spatial Constraints and Code Compliance

Updating older hospitality spaces to meet current health and safety codes often introduces significant spatial challenges. Modern commercial equipment, such as upgraded refrigeration units and mandated sanitation sinks, often requires more space or specific clearances. The primary challenge for this project was integrating these modern requirements into a strict, pre-existing boundary to avoid costly structural modifications to the surrounding pool deck.

The Solution: Optimized Layout and Equipment Selection

To achieve regulatory compliance without expanding the bar’s footprint, the design focused on high-efficiency spatial planning and precise equipment specification.

Key aspects of the project included:

  • Strategic Equipment Selection: All-new, high-performance equipment was specified to fit the exact dimensions of the existing space while handling the high-volume demands of a luxury resort.

  • Footprint Preservation: The workflow and station layouts were completely reconfigured internally. This maximized usable prep and service space within the original perimeter, eliminating the need for structural expansion.

  • Health Code Integration: The redesign prioritized modern sanitation requirements, seamlessly incorporating updated handwashing, warewashing, and safe storage stations to ensure full compliance with local health department standards.

Project Outcomes

By carefully selecting modern equipment and optimizing the internal layout, the modernized pool bar achieved full regulatory compliance within its original spatial limits. The facility now operates with increased efficiency and safety, allowing the hotel to maintain its high standard of guest service without disrupting the architectural integrity of the pool area.

Services

Foodservice Design, Equipment Consultation, Health Department Permiting

Special Thanks

HERBER Design, Arbor Construction

Project Details

Type

Hotel & Resort

Completed

2026

Size

210 Sq. Ft.