Clients
Erin and Mark Ward
Location
Rainier Square
Seattle, Washington
Size
450 SF
Timeframe
2010 – 2011
General Contractor
DB General Contractors
Press Coverage
Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce
Virtual Tour
Ward &Co.
Founded in 2011 by Upward founder and architect Mark Ward and his wife Erin to bring a refined, male-focused grooming experience to downtown Seattle, Ward&Co Men’s Grooming is a boutique retail space offering the finest shaving, skincare, and grooming products for discerning men. Located in Rainier Square beneath the iconic Rainier Tower, the 450-square-foot shop transforms a long-vacant former Northwest Airlines ticket counter into a warm, timeless retail environment.
The design pairs classic detailing with a contemporary sensibility. Natural materials—white oak, cork, and a salvaged 1925 Victorian pedestal sink—are combined with custom-crafted elements such as a display counter fashioned from reclaimed panel doors and baseboards. Floating wood shelves and a milled white oak sales counter highlight a curated selection of local and international products, while concrete-based Skimstone flooring lends a subtle, modern texture.
Large storefront glazing along 4th Avenue maximizes visibility and draws in both downtown professionals and travelers from the nearby hotel and retail district. Inside, thoughtful lighting and material choices create an atmosphere that encourages customers to test products, engage with staff, and discover new favorites. The result is a cost-effective yet sophisticated space that invites both men and women to explore a unique retail offering in the heart of the city—blending entrepreneurial spirit with architectural craft.
