Smith & James

Smith & James has been outfitting the Upstate of South Carolina since 1916 and is known as the hometown clothier for the best-dressed man. DP3 Architects had the pleasure of partnering with the brand to design their new location in the Verdae Boulevard Development adjacent to Hale’s Jewelers. This free-standing, two-level store celebrates Smith & James’ rich history and seamlessly flows.

The new facility includes 5,200-square-foot shopping area, a private tailored and custom clothing section, and a designated lounge bar area.

DP3 Architects selected to reuse and repurpose a vast assortment of Smith & James’ existing signage, millwork, and décor. The iconic pieces give Smith & James its character and historic legacy. For example, the vintage canoe previously used as a retail display in a previous location is now displayed prominently, suspended above the check-out counter.

The Smith & James brand, rooted in service and quality, can be seen throughout the design, from the architectural details of the building shell to the quality of the furniture and finishes, to the bold black-and-white-striped wallpaper feature. The architecture is a formal and elegant expression of the fine clothing inside while also emphasizing the fun and easy shopping experience they strive to provide their customers. The building plays with these ideas by contrasting the solidity of the masonry materials with the transparency of glass entrances and graphic displays.

DP3 Architects partnered with Mavin Construction to bring the Smith & James vision to life. The customer service excellence Smith & James has been known for since 1916, has been met with a new, equally iconic retail space. Overall, the new store is a physical extension of the brand and a special place for customers to come and have an unparalleled shopping experience. Be sure to swing by and check out their amazing products!