Designers
Designers
Designers
Tea W. Iroh
A late night tea house designed for real connection and creativity
Key Words

Designers
Esther Deng
SUMMARY
I set out to understand what makes a true third space, a place between home and work where people can feel grounded, connected, and seen. Through interviews, observations, and business modeling, I explored why these spaces have faded and how we might reimagine them. This led to Tea w Iroh, a late night tea house that merges the social ease of a bar, creativity of a studio, and the comfort of home. My project shows that creating meaningful spaces for community and belonging isn’t just desirable, it’s urgently needed.
challenge
I found that many New Yorkers crave connection, calm, and belonging, yet current cafés and nightlife options don’t meet those needs. Stakeholders, from students to young professionals to community organizers. shared gaps around accessible gathering spots, and environments that feel warm rather than transactional. These insights revealed an opportunity for a space designed for comfort, creativity, and genuine community.
Outcome
The project evolved into Tea w Iroh, a late night tea house designed as a true third space centered on comfort, connection, and calm. Its flexible daily pass model allows people to stay for however long they want. The space would also host workshops, events and community gatherings to meet their needs for community. By offering a warm, inclusive space open beyond typical café hours, it fills a clear gap in New York’s social landscape for people to just be.




MEET THE Designers:

Esther Deng
