SeaStar Restaurant and Raw Bar Awarded by the American Society of Interior Design
Seattle, Washington — October 3, 2003 — At an award ceremony on Thursday October 2, 2003 the American Society of Interior Design (ASID) recognized the winners of its Northwest Design Awards, including two awards for Belleuve's hearlded seafood gourmet eatery, SeaStar Restuarant and Raw Bar. Designed by Weber + Thompson, a full-service architecture, interior design and planning firm, SeaStar opened in March of 2002 with much fanfare. Since then, SeaStar and its owner, Executive Chef John Howie III, have been showered with adulation and awards for the restaurant's food and design. The ASID awarded SeaStar in two categories – Best Innovative Solution over $50,000, and Best Commercial Space over 2,500 square feet.
SeaStar Restaurant and Raw Bar is the realization of Executive Chef Howie's vision of combining a high-energy main dining room, an intimate dining area and an active bar and raw bar to appeal to three distinct eating audiences. The design team developed a creative brief that called for transforming the hard-edged retail space into a sophisticated atmosphere, emphasizing water and earth elements. The designers softened the space with drapes, carpet, and a fluid glass wall to buffet diners from the busy sidewalk and street. Moving away from a literal interpretation of sea life, the designers commissioned abstract artwork including large custom chandeliers with hand blown glass pendants, a forged steel rendition of the logo, blown glass, and cast glass signs and screens. Most importantly, the design team achieved the mix of spaces to satisfy both the owner's vision and the diner's enjoyment.
Project Team
Executive Chef John Howie III, project owner; Weber + Thompson, architecture and interior design; Bargreen Ellingson, kitchen design and equipment; Lease Crutcher Lewis, contractor; Hermanson Corporation, mechanical engineer; SME Electric, electrical engineer; Speciality Wood, millwork contractor; and Schnitzer Northwest, building owner.
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About Weber + Thompson
Seattle-based Weber + Thompson is a full-service, West Coast architectural and interior design firm, managed by principals Blaine Weber, AIA, Scott Thompson, AIA, and Kristen Scott, AIA. The firm is comprised of an experienced staff of 40 design and construction professionals. Founded in 1987, Weber + Thompson's practice is diverse, with architectural and interior design project types including master planned communities, high-density urban infill, residential, commercial office, hospitality, and financial facilities. The firm has particular expertise in complex mixed-use and high-rise projects, winning various awards for their excellence in planning and design. Weber + Thompson seeks effective results through a thoughtful and collaborative design process. For more information visit www.weberthompson.com, contact Weber + Thompson by phone at (206) 344 5700 or email info@weberthompson.com.