Atelier Cho Thompson
is a multidisciplinary design and concept firm with offices in San Francisco and New Haven. We are engaged in the art of architecture, interiors, graphics, brand strategy, furniture, installations, and exhibitions. Our expertise and passions transcend the conventional boundaries between these disciplines, resulting in a richness borne of the cross-pollination of ideas and strategies from across this spectrum of design. This integrated design approach produces holistic environments in which all elements are deeply related to each other and to the heart of a central concept.
Atelier Cho Thompson has been certified as a Women-Owned San Francisco Local Business Enterprise and is a member of the Female Founders Collective.
Our Story
Christina Cho Yoo and Ming Thompson met many years ago and have since built a lasting partnership through shared interests, approach to design, and friendship. Though formally trained in architecture and engineering, our interests and personal histories drive us to reach beyond the borders of these disciplines. We have been curators, bakers, artists, and teachers, and we draw from our varied experiences to shape our design work. Working in places near and far -- India, France, China, Korea, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area -- we believe our experiences infuse our work with a cultural sensitivity and flexibility, producing a deep consideration of the varied needs and nuances of each client. Our multidisciplinary background and approach bring a keen awareness to the graphic, spatial, tactile, and aural effects of the places, objects, and ideas we create.
at•el•ier (ˌæt lˈyeɪ, ˈæt lˌyeɪ) n. a workshop or studio, esp. of an artist, artisan, or designer. A loft that has been converted into an artist's workroom and living area. An atelier is a place of creativity. [French, from Old French astelier, carpenter's shop, from astele, splinter, from Late Latin astella.]
Architecture + Interiors
Architecture and interior design are at the core of our practice. We work closely with clients to understand their heart and vision and to then create environments that address their needs and desires. Trained in architecture and engineering, our practice capitalizes on a technical know-how to produce inspirational, inventive designs, all the while considering constructability and cost-effectiveness.
Strategy + Graphics
We partner with innovative businesses from industries from food, education, fashion, technology, and beyond to help start and grow brand identity. We help clients build an aesthetic vision and tell their unique stories that differentiate them in the marketplace. Great design helps to build a great company, and we work with clients to build an aesthetic vision at multiple scales, from the business card to the signage & wayfinding to the storefront design.
Furniture + Installations
With experience in museum, installation, and exhibition design, we believe that design can act as a vehicle for education and new forms of interaction between people and their surroundings. We work with individuals, institutions, corporate clients, and community organizations to develop booths, installations, exhibitions, and furniture which reflect their brand or mission & produce a compelling experience on multiple scales.
Selected Clients
Educational institutions
FoodCorps
I-Think
Kinkaid School
Mill River Park
Riverdale Country School
Stanford University
ARTS & CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
International Festival of Arts & Ideas
Long Wharf Theatre
Museum of Chinese in America
NXTHVN
On Memory
Yale-China Association
Yale Peabody Museum
Yale University Art Gallery
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
GOVERNMENTAL & PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
City of New Haven
San Francisco Unified School District
CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL
ClimateHaven
Dewey Land Company
Durst Organization
EQ Office
Equip
Google
Goodwater Capital
Inbox Health
North Peak Capital
RoomUnity
Stefanie Cove & Co
Turo
HOSPITALITY, FOOD, & RETAIL
B-Natural Kitchen
ConnCAT
Cuyana
Gioia
Info New Haven
La Quercia
Roia
Spice Kit
Umami Mart
Yale University Properties