Location
SEA Airport, Washington
Size
750 SF
Timeframe
2018
This proposal envisioned bringing the familiar presence of Uptown Espresso to SEA International Airport’s baggage claim level. The concept was to create an efficient, high-visibility café that greeted arriving travelers with the warmth and character of the brand’s established Seattle locations.
The design leveraged the wall of the back-of-house storage area for bold brand signage, anchoring the space visually while drawing travelers toward the ordering counter. Finishes were selected to evoke a natural, Pacific Northwest palette while withstanding the rigors of an airport environment. A field of handmade green ceramic tile from Heath Ceramics provided a signature pop of color and a subtle nod to the region’s evergreen landscape. Warm white oak grain laminate surfaces balanced durability with the warmth of wood, and blackened steel accents introduced a refined industrial touch.
The material palette prioritized sustainability and environmental responsibility. Countertops from Pental Quartz carried both Greenguard Certification and Health Product Declarations, while Tectum acoustic panels between overhead wood slats were Red List Free. Even the chalkboard menu panels were sourced as salvaged slate from a local retailer, aligning with the Port of Seattle’s goals for sustainable, locally sourced design elements.
While Uptown Espresso was not ultimately selected by the Port of Seattle, the design balanced brand integrity, traveler convenience, and sustainable material selection, creating a warm first impression for visitors arriving in Seattle.
