Weber + Thompson Creates Three Dining Experiences in One, at SeaStar Restaurant and Raw Bar
Seattle, Washington — August 19, 2002 — Working with the vision of Executive Chef John Howie III, Weber + Thompson designed Bellevue, Washington's newest restaurant as a hub for hip dates, private dining, and relaxing-after-work professionals. The SeaStar Restaurant and Raw Bar was envisioned by Chef Howie to combine a high-energy main dining room, an intimate dining area and an active bar and raw bar, appealing to the three distinct eating audiences. Only open since March, this new eatery has enjoyed effusive reviews, celebrity diners and a full plate of reservations.
When Chef Howie approached Weber + Thompson, he wanted to introduce a premiere seafood restaurant into downtown Bellevue, a bustling city at the center of Washington's technology market. At the time there were few quality seafood restaurants in the immediate area, and Chef Howie thought his goal, to provide a high-quality dining experience in a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere, would fit this city perfectly.
Weber + Thompson's design team transformed three hard-edged retail spaces into a seamless, sophisticated atmosphere emphasizing water and earth elements. Drapes, carpet and a fluid glass wall buffets 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.
Three Experiences, One Place
At the corner of SeaStar the entry creates a neutral ground between the dining area and the bar. Upon entering, patrons can glimpse both atmospheres and choose either the social swirl of the bar ahead or the quiet, more romantic dining room on the left.
In the bar, undulating granite counters greet customers and invite a quick bite or a place to hang with the locals. At the end of the bar, customers entering from the adjacent Civica Office Commons lobby are engaged by the raw bar chef's preparation of oysters, sushi and other raw delicacies.
In the dining room, patrons get special attention from the chef and meet their neighbors at the raised and lighted communal table – akin to a "town square" in the center of the restaurant. A textured glass wall screens the exhibition cooking area, while allowing diners to experience the activity of the kitchen. The rest of the dining room offers a more romantic setting, with rich woods, sophisticated fabrics and wall coverings. Around the corner, at the end of the dining room, is a private room, secluded from other diners by a custom glass art sliding door. A separate entrance allows discreet service, while a high-tech media center attracts business luncheons and presentations.
Resulting Raves
Since its opening in Spring 2002, SeaStar has enjoyed huge success and visits from Pacific NW personalities. Diners at SeaStar include part-owner and Sonics star Gary Payton, local broadcaster Joyce Taylor and former senator Slade Gorton. The SeaStar has also received effusive reviews about, among others, its interior design:.
" . . . a star of the first magnitude: elegant, but not stuffy; opulent but comfortable; stylish and handsome" writes James Goldsmith for the Seattle Post Intelligencer.
"An abundance of polished wood and granite, rich fabrics in soothing, refined earth tones – few, if any, corners were cut in design and décor." states CitySearch.com editorial review.
Project Team
The project team for SeaStar Restaurant and Raw Bar consists of Executive Chef John Howie III, project owner; Weber + Thompson, architecture and interior design; Bargreen Elllingson, kitchen design and equipment; Lease Crutcher Lewis, contractor; Hermanson Corporation, mechanical engineer; SME Electric, electrical engineer; Specialty 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 architecture and interior design firm. Principals Blaine Weber AIA, Scott Thompson AIA, and Kristen Scott AIA, oversee an experienced staff of 40 design and construction professionals. Founded in 1987, Weber + Thompson's practice is diverse, with architecture and interior design project types including high-density urban infill, residential, commercial office, hospitality, and financial facilities. The firm has won 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.