Retail Design

1014 Meares Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, on the traditional territory of the Lək̓ʷəŋən People.

This space became the home of Is This Menswear? As a designer, I wanted to control how the product was presented and experienced. More than that, I wanted to shape the way people interacted with the clothing, the space, and the surrounding community. Being the only storefront on the block gave us a rare opportunity to create something that felt open and welcoming.

We offered more than retail. The space included art, a garden, a bench, and somewhere people could simply visit and spend time. We hosted art shows, gatherings, and small events that brought people together. Although the storefront did not exist for long, it was special. It became a place where young people could learn, grow, and feel encouraged to explore creativity.

The space spoke to a larger conversation about where products come from and why they deserve a place in your life. It was intentionally designed to be fun, as a reminder that creativity and curiosity should never be taken too seriously. Structural steel beams painted in primary colours, a clouded ceiling, and cube displays all nodded to a youthful mindset, one that shifts and adapts with the seasons.

Material choices prioritized Canadian sourcing wherever possible. Western red cedar beams, straw composite flooring, and Canadian plywood formed the foundation of the space. The exterior succulent garden was completed by Christian Barnard, and the mural was created by local artist Cameron Kidd.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the space what it was.