Sterling Retail Pavilion
A refined retail environment crafted to elevate brand presence through spatial storytelling and intentional circulation.
Location
Brookhaven District, SE
Services
Year
2024
Sterling Retail Pavilion was envisioned as a modern retail landmark that brings together shopping, social interaction, and brand expression in one cohesive environment. Located in the vibrant Brookhaven District of Seattle, the project required a design solution that could attract foot traffic while offering a memorable retail experience. The client sought a versatile pavilion with a clean, contemporary identity that could house rotating brands, pop-ups, and community-driven events throughout the year. Our approach centered on creating a space that felt open, dynamic, and visually distinct — a commercial destination with architectural clarity.
The client approached us with the goal of redefining how people interact with retail spaces in urban settings. They wanted a structure that could adapt to various functions while maintaining a consistent design language rooted in modern simplicity. Flexibility, visibility, and flow were key priorities. The space needed to feel welcoming, encourage exploration, and support both high-traffic retail use and curated brand installations. The brief emphasized the importance of natural light, modular interior layouts, and a strong architectural presence that could stand out in a dense commercial district.
We responded by designing an airy pavilion defined by strong geometric lines, generous openings, and a neutral yet refined palette. The architecture emphasizes transparency and connection, using large glazed sections and layered spatial zones to guide movement intuitively. Interiors are shaped with a balance of simplicity and warmth, ensuring a comfortable environment for visitors while giving brands a flexible canvas for storytelling. Strategic lighting, clean detailing, and modular display systems were integrated to support a wide range of retail setups without compromising the overall visual identity.
To reinforce the pavilion’s adaptability, we crafted an interior circulation path that flows seamlessly between entry points, encouraging discovery as visitors move through the space. Material selections complement the architecture: polished concrete floors for durability, soft wood accents for warmth, and matte surfaces for a contemporary feel. The pavilion is organized into zones that can transform according to retail needs, from open product showcases to immersive brand installations. These spatial strategies ensure the pavilion remains functional, cohesive, and visually engaging regardless of the brand occupying it.
Sterling Retail Pavilion stands today as a dynamic retail environment that elevates everyday shopping into a design-led experience. Its architectural presence brings clarity and sophistication to the surrounding district, while its flexible interior supports evolving commercial needs. Visitors are drawn to its open architecture, intuitive flow, and calm material palette, creating a retail destination that feels both modern and welcoming. The pavilion has become a preferred space for emerging brands, local designers, and seasonal events — fulfilling the client’s vision of a future-forward retail space shaped by thoughtful design.
