Featured Project

The Rathskeller

WordPress Design, Multi-Service Branding, and Event-Driven Architecture.

I designed a comprehensive digital home for The Rathskeller—Indianapolis’ oldest and most iconic restaurant—using WordPress and the Enfold theme. Because The Rathskeller is a massive, multi-faceted operation, I focused on a design that reflects the rich, 130-year history of the Athenaeum while providing a high-performance experience for modern visitors. The build is centered on high-impact photography of the Bavarian-style interiors and the legendary outdoor Biergarten, ensuring the atmosphere is felt the moment the page loads.

To manage the business’s complexity, I designed a structured layout that balances fine German dining, a high-volume live music venue, and a premier banquet facility. I prioritized a responsive, mobile-first design so that guests can easily check the live music schedule or browse the beer list while on the move in Downtown Indy.

View Completed Website

View Website

The Rathskeller

“Designing for a 130-year-old icon like The Rathskeller is about respect for the legacy. I focused on a design that captures that unique ‘Old World’ soul while giving it the modern speed and structure it needs to thrive in a digital-first world.” — Doug Walker

The Challenge

The Rathskeller isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a 3-in-1 institution that serves as a fine-dining destination, a casual beer hall, and a massive events center. The challenge was to design a unified digital identity that honors its 1894 heritage without feeling “dated.” We had to solve the puzzle of guiding different audiences—from tourists seeking authentic Sauerbraten to locals looking for the night’s band lineup—to their specific destination within the site.

The Strategy

The design strategy focused on “Atmospheric Navigation.” We wanted the website to feel like a digital tour of the basement level of the Athenaeum. By using “Visual-First” storytelling, we highlighted the distinct personalities of the Dining Room, the Kellerbar, and the Biergarten. We also implemented a strategic SEO framework to ensure they remain the definitive choice for German heritage and live entertainment in Indianapolis.

The Solution

  • Service-Siloed Architecture: Dedicated, immersive paths for Menus, Live Entertainment, and Banquet/Wedding services.
  • Integrated Event Calendars: A streamlined system for managing a high-volume schedule of local and national touring bands.
  • Luxury Banquet Galleries: Detailed showcases of the historic ballrooms and meeting spaces to drive high-value event bookings.

The Result

The Rathskeller now has a polished, modern platform that successfully bridges its historic past with its vibrant present. The site is fast, secure, and serves as a powerful marketing engine that maintains its status as an Indianapolis landmark, making it as easy to book a wedding as it is to find a seat in the Biergarten.

701 Bayport Way701 Bayport WayHartland SouthwestHartland Southwest