A recent addition to Sonoma, California, the Matheson is a modern, tri-level restaurant that features a craft cocktail bar, sushi bar, wine wall, private dining room, outdoor patio, mezzanine dining loft, and rooftop cocktail bar and garden lounge. Crafted by San Francisco-based Cass Calder Smith Architecture + Interiors, the restaurant pays tribute to the area with works from local artisans and objects, including eight murals from San Francisco painter Jay Mercado celebrating Sonoma’s agricultural heroes; images curated by Sonoma County photographer Andy Katz; and custom ceramics by Bay Area ceramicist Sara Paloma.
Here, founding principal Cass Calder Smith and partner and interior design director Barbara Turpin-Vickroy discuss the project’s highlights.
What was the design inspiration for this project?
Barbara Turpin-Vickroy: Our working name for this project was the ‘Tradesman,’ which grew out of our discussions around celebrating tradespeople, artists, and agricultural workers—all working with their hands. This name spoke to me when putting together our initial concept sheets and the selection of materials. Design details are crafted, the palette natural, organic, and textured. Materials installed are unique and handmade. The space has a history of being the first hardware store in town, which also speaks to tradesmen building with their hands. So, the idea of craftsmanship, quality, and creating something by hand became the driving force behind the concept. A tribute to craftspeople, artists, and people with a passion to do a job well.
Project standouts?
Cass Calder Smith: The architecture is very much about the details and materials that reveal how it was built. Aside from the design, it’s a multi-level establishment that makes it unique to most other restaurants—especially in the wine country. With three levels and design differences within each area, it’s a tour that people enjoy and a place that people can come back to.
What were the design challenges and solutions?
CCS: Solving where all the elements of the existing building as well as all the new programming would go and fit together was extremely challenging. It was a literal puzzle. We added three floors to an existing historic building; the main restaurant (the Matheson) was housed on the main floor, up to the mezzanine for events, and then up to the roof deck (Roof 106). Within all of this we had to fit stairs, elevators, two kitchens, two bars, private dining, wine storage—and with each room and area optimally located. In addition, we added another floor on top of all that with a pair of high-end condominiums.
Another challenge was to create spaces with an overall feel that was attractive and felt right for local residents, but also a place that had a slightly cosmopolitan feel. It is always important to create a sense of place that is local while also being international—this makes a restaurant relevant.
What is a surprising detail about the project?
CCS: Owner Dustin Valette’s great grandfather, French immigrant Honoré Valette, opened Snowflake Bakery in the 1930s on the Matheson site. When people visit and ascend to the roof deck they are very surprised by the vast outdoor space, and what makes it more of a surprise is the great natural view of the central square of Healdsburg.
How does the restaurant speak to its location in Sonoma County?
CCS: While very similar to Napa, Sonoma has a bit less tourism and more of an agricultural feel. The restaurant is an homage to the local artisans, craftspeople, winemakers, and farmers—’the makers’—who have been part of the local agricultural epicurean community for generations. It’s also wine-centric. The design has a lot of natural materials, from oak to redwood and raw steel to stone.
