Firm: Porter

Project Name: The Shop by Porter

Project Statement: A shimmering water-cut mirror over the counter tells guests they are ‘Welcome As You Are.’ A rice paper mural on a concrete column illustrates iconic spots throughout Seattle.

This is a space that defies categorization, seamlessly integrating hospitality with design, event, office, and immersive retail. At the beating heart of the “radical hospitality” concept that inspired this utterly unique, experimental space is a love for Seattle, a passion for the local design community, and a belief that design can create both experience and connection. While intended to engage and attract Seattle designers and other commercial real estate professionals, the space – especially the café – has become a unique and unexpected oasis for the Downtown Seattle community to connect, imbibe, shop, and refresh during the day.

Initially teed up as two tenant suites, the project is comprised of two spaces that orthogonally intersect at a corner with a thirty-inch elevation change between two entrances. At the intersection of the two spaces, an elevated wood platform houses the design lab and retail lounge, and also serves as a focal point for speakers. Located in the heart of the space, the Lab is nested as a room-within-a-room with operable partitions that allow for enclosed working sessions or open connections to the larger space. North of the Lab, the platform ramps down to the main level, and is lined by custom-built ash shelving that provides an armature for shoppable small wares.

Along the storefront, deep treaded stairs with a soft radius are carved into the platform, stepping down to the retail lounge, providing a gradual level change between the two entrances. On the main level, a curved milestone and quartz counter transitions from café to bar. Three richly hued private meeting rooms with glass partitions are tucked against the east wall, to allow quiet co-working spaces.

The primary goal is to allow the products, furniture, and decor to shine, so the material palette is simple and restrained. The ash wood used throughout is light in color but the variety in grain gives it a playful personality. Metal surfaces are painted to lighten their impact in the space and to keep the focus on the products.



Kathleen Selke
Founder, VP Sales & Marketing
Kyle Haakenson
Founder & Partner
Amy Atkins
Design Director
Mia Wiggin
Creative Experience Director








Jim Graham, Principal in-charge, Graham Baba Architects
Lauren Strang, Project Manager/Project Architect, Graham Baba Architects
Taehyung Kim, Design Collaborator, Graham Baba Architects

Owner's Representative | Splice | | 

Photographer | | Kevin Scott | 

General Contractor | MRJ Constructors | | 

Structural Engineer | ROICH Structural | | 

Environmental Art | House of Sorcery | | 

Acoustic Consultant | SSA Acoustics, LLP | | 

Kitchen Equipment Consultant | CMA Restaurant Supply & Design, Inc. | | 

Custom Metal Fabrication | Out of Round Design | | 

Casework | Creoworks | |