Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Tlaquentli Namacoyan Kalihtik Tlachihchiualli by UE Architecture

Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Tlaquentli Namacoyan Kalihtik Tlachihchiualli by UE Architecture is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Mahuizolli A' Design Award Bronse in Callitic Tlacauhtli ihuan Tlanextilizpan Tlachihchihualiztli Competition Category.

BronseCallitic· 2026

Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Tlaquentli Namacoyan Kalihtik Tlachihchiualli

by UE Architecture

Client: Rubin and Chapelle

Mahuizolli A' Design Award Bronse Winner in Callitic Category

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Colors

The Design

About Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Tlaquentli Namacoyan Kalihtik Tlachihchiualli

Rubin and Chapelle Boutique se tlaquentli namacoyan kalihtik tlachihchiualli, mokaua ipan Newport Beach, California. Inin namacoyan kipia 95 metros cuadrados uan okiselih iyolteouiliz itech se ueue tlaquentli-tzotzomahtli kalpiyaloyan tekitiloyan tlen New York altepetl. Tliltik tlakemeh tlen kipiah intlakayo momaneloah iuan tepantli tlen amo asi tlakpak, tlachihchiualli ika poktik teskatl uan tepostli. Inin tepantli tlami tlatzintlan tlen tlapachiuhkayotl, ik inon in tlapouhki tlapachiuhkayotl uan in tlaneskayotl teposkoyoktli ok neski uan in tsikitsin kalihtik neski okachi ueyi. Yexkampa uan naukampa tlaltemitl kipiah in kampa motlakentiah uan in kampa mopiya youalli tlakemitl. Ueyi tlapechmeh kixeloah in tlaquentli ipan tsikitsitsin ololmeh inik in tlakouani yolik nemis.

The Recognition

About the Mahuizolli A' Design Award Bronse

Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Tlaquentli Namacoyan Kalihtik Tlachihchiualli ca in quicuic in Mahuizolli A' Design Award Bronse, hueyi tlamahuizoliztli tlen momaca in cualli tlachihualli in motenehua ipampa yancuic tlamantli, tlamatiliztli ihuan ixtlamatiliztli. In quicuicah Bronse ca tlachihualli in quipia toltecayotl ihuan quinextia in cenca miac nemiliztli ihuan tlamatiliztli intlachihuanime. Ca quinequi in Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Tlaquentli Namacoyan Kalihtik Tlachihchiualli ca tlazohtli tlamantli, mahuiztic ihuan cualli. Ni dizayno in quicuic Bronse quipia cualli toltecayotl ihuan quitta in tlen tepiton. Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Tlaquentli Namacoyan Kalihtik Tlachihchiualli quipaquiltia in tlacah ihuan quitlamahuiztiltia in intlanequiliz.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Unlike any store in the Southern California outdoor mall, we incorporated textured deep and dark materials into the space. The use of partial-height smoked glass supported by steel is unusual for this earthquake zone, allowing for an open ceiling with exposed ductwork and views across the compact area, making it feel larger. The lighting contrasts rugged textures with the sophisticated elegance of Rubin and Chapelle’s fashion. Through the grey glass, customers glimpse intimate, exclusive spaces for evening wear and fittings, adding a touch of refined exclusivity.
Dimensions & Packaging: Store area 95 sqm. Main ceiling height: 5030mm. Storefront height, top of shelves and ceiling height at entry: 3650mm. Top of glass partitions and entry door: 2750mm.
Tags: Retail, fashion, luxury, rustic
Production Technology: The design incorporates partial-height walls of smoked glass and steel as a counterbalance to the rustic materials. It is particularly notable in this earthquake-prone area to have walls that do not rise to the ceiling for anchorage. This choice allows for an open ceiling with exposed ductwork, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness and providing views across and through the compact space.
Design Challenge: Determining how to get the desired flow and visual lucidity while faced with the earthquake zone structural restrictions proved challenging. We made it even more daunting when choosing to hang all the shelving on the walls with minimal connections to the floor. Careful coordination with the structural engineer had to be done to achieve the look we were after.
Research: To ensure the boutique reflects the brand, we visited their other stores and workshop and interviewed the owners. We also spoke with the mall operators about their plans to upscale with luxury brands. Based on this information, we limited elements in the dressing room, added multiple mirrors in the fitting area, and provided transparency for customers to bring friends. Layered curtains were installed in the changing rooms to allow items to be passed through without opening them, and hanging rods were elevated to accommodate long draping dresswear.
Inspiration: Drawing inspiration from the RC workshop, an old fabric warehouse in New York City, the design intends to encourage exploration of a mysterious, rustic space. The aim is to encourage customers to explore the space more thoughtfully, moving away from traditional retail layouts that often limit interaction and engagement.
Project Duration: The project started with a meeting with the owners of Rubin and Chapelle in February of 2024. We started working with them on the design shortly after, completing it in May that year. Construction started in January 2025 and was completed in May 2025. (It took a long time because of the Corona disaster.) The store, located in Fashion Island, Newport Beach, California, opened in May 2025.
Operation Flow: The wedge-shaped space has side walls oriented toward the entry, making them too prominent. To enhance discovery, we added smoked glass partitions that delineate interconnected triangular and rectangular zones. These openings subtly reveal the spaces beyond, enticing visitors to explore further. The rectangular arrangement of fitting and evening wear areas creates a runway-like experience, encouraging dynamic interaction with the space. Deeper shelving segments clothing into smaller, curated groups, effectively slowing the shopping pace and promoting thoughtful exploration.
Team Members: Jeff Goldberger, Architect, UE Architecture
Sean Kim, Structural Engineer, KNSE Structural Engineering
Image Credits: Rubin and Chapelle