Qamaria Coffee House

AB Group is proud to present Qamaria Coffee House, a culturally vibrant and thoughtfully crafted café located in University City, Charlotte. Designed as part of the revitalization of the district near the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, this project transforms an underutilized commercial space into a dynamic community hub that celebrates Yemeni coffee culture while elevating everyday experiences through intentional design. 

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., an emerging national coffee concept rooted in centuries-old traditions of Yemen; the historical birthplace of coffee; selected AB Group to design its first North Carolina café. The café offers authentic Yemeni coffee, traditionally roasted beans, and culturally meaningful spaces that encourage study, connection, and conversation well into the evening hours. 

Situated within the J.W. Clay Parking Deck on JW Clay Boulevard, Qamaria’s Charlotte location is strategically positioned to serve students, professionals, and residents through a welcoming environment that bridges cultural heritage with contemporary café culture.

Cultural Narrative through Space:
The design interprets Yemeni cultural values; hospitality, warmth, inclusivity; into spatial and material decisions. Interiors fuse modern cosmopolitan architectural language with authentic cultural elements, creating an atmosphere uniquely suited to both social interaction and reflective solitude. 

• Material Palette: Earth-toned finishes, warm woods, and tactile surfaces evoke the natural landscape of Yemen and the rich heritage of coffee craftsmanship. Textural contrasts between smooth millwork and layered textiles create a sensory journey from entry to seating areas.
   
• Spatial Strategy: Flexible seating configurations accommodate a range of activities—from focused study sessions and one-on-one conversations to larger gatherings—reinforcing the café as a “third place” in the urban fabric.
   
• Cultural Integration: Custom artwork, culturally resonant murals, and curated décor reference traditional Yemeni motifs without resorting to pastiche, striking a balance between authenticity and contemporary design sensibilities. 

More than a café, Qamaria functions as a community anchor; a place where coffee rituals serve as a catalyst for human connection. The design accommodates extended hours, comfortable seating zones, and adaptable lighting to ensure the space remains welcoming from early morning through late evening. 

Users enter into a warm, inviting interior where rich spices and bespoke brewed beverages define the sensory experience. Strategic lighting design emphasizes depth and intimacy, guiding guests through zones that support studying, socializing, or casual lounging; all while maintaining operational efficiency for staff and seamless customer circulation.

AB Group provided comprehensive architecture and engineering services integrating mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems that support continual operation and safety. The design respects both functional performance and aesthetic clarity, ensuring the space meets code and sustainability goals while maintaining a finely detailed finish. 

Qamaria Coffee House stands as a testament to AB Group’s commitment to community-centric design and the firm’s growing portfolio of culturally resonant commercial spaces. As an early success for founder Alaa Bou Ghanem and the firm’s multidisciplinary team, this project reflects a thoughtful intervention that enriches the urban experience in Charlotte’s thriving University City district.