One of a kind. A hold-out from the 90s when Elliot Bay Bookstore was still around. Not just architecture and design! I recall now, when they were near the Market on First Avenue, buying two Abrams art books (Medieval Art, 19th century Art) when I was in graduate school back then. Ironically, after Elliot Bay, which had anchored Pioneer Square for years, moved to its less than ideal "digs" on Capitol Hill, Peter Miller moved just a block away in a hard-to-find alley just on the other side of Alaskan Way. (I walked up and down Alaskan Way for 10-15 minutes, as the street address is on that rather infamous thoroughfare). The bookstore is a trove of books and bibelots, objets d'art, curiosities---I'm not sure what the mot juste in English is for these "things." For those people who are averse to walking into Macy's or Crate and Barrel (University Village), this is a little more "real" and less of a "retail" experience. Where else would you stumble upon "Ruskin on Tintoretto"? Where else would I have noticed, perched up on a high shelf behind the front desk, some formally purist bronze objects, Brancusi-like, with the shimmer of light reflecting off the surfaces, which turned out to be turned out by the Swedish Skultana)? https://petermiller.com/products/skultuna-nurture-watering-can-1 Very hot and stuffy in the summer, even when it is only 75 degrees outside. On the ground floor of a semi-historic brick building. in one of the few neighborhoods--with its marvelous Richardsonian Romanesque buildings mostly intact--not razed in the name of High Tech-Big Business-Progressive Seattle. It pairs well with Folio and even the post-modern Seattle Art Museum just fifteen minutes away on foot (walking down or up Western Avenue is the most scenic and interesting way to explore the high-end backwaters that lie in the otherwise presumably No Man's Land in-between. read more

Peter and his shop are a gift to our city. This is Mecca for many, designers, great minds and many of the innovators that shape the spaces in which we exist. You can expect a selection of curated supplies, books and thoughtful house wares. I hesitate to recommend this place so whole-heartedly as I've kept it as my quiet favorite for many years, but also it is a place that offers great hospitality alongside an amazing collection of items. Please visit when you have time to truly enjoy the space and the jewel that is Peter himself. read more

I want to like this shop wholeheartedly. I love a dedicated subject bookstore and love the merchandise and space. But I had a similar experience as described by other reviewers. We (myself, a woman of color, and my white male date!) were talking about architecture books, feeling like we were having a wonderful discussion with the shop owner. Then and out of NOWHERE the shop owner said something like "You know what we need more books about? SEX!" My date and I were both taken aback and confused. Dude, can you just NOT? Most of us truly want nothing more than to support local businesses and we even have the $ for the fancy stuff! read more

Unfortunately have become known for inappropriate behavior towards women and a disinterested or distaste towards customers who don't appear to have enough money. I had a lot of interest and excited for a cool place to visit and now won't enter the building based on these reviews in fear of weird behavior from male employees or not looking wealthy enough to staff to be considered a customer. read more

Starting out in design I was really passionate to learn and would come in often just to be met with side eye glances and smirky responses to any questions.. I was treated like a child who had no place to be there - and to be yelled at when trying to read a book review on my phone felt demeaning, I would buy it if I knew it was up my alley (hence reading the reviews). Get your books elsewhere and skip this - they were rude every time I walked in, eyed me like a hawk as if this was a Gucci store - terrible owner read more

I did a little searching online and found that there was a book about the Seattle Central Library at Peter Miller, which would serve as a perfect gift for my friend in Japan. I was pleasantly surprised with the store. I've always wanted to go in b/c they have those HUGE wall calendars and I want one. REALLY BAD. (my birthday is October 17th, btw..) Anyway, they had the book. They were incredibly nice and the store is pretty amazing. Books, people.. Books! Lots of 'em. And calendars.. and retro radios and other fun things that probably cost more than rent, but that's okay. I do think Mr. Miller was helping me out with the sale, but I could be completely wrong. I do know he's an older gentleman and this guy was VERY well dressed. Whoever he was, he was really nice and appreciated my joking around. read more

I love and adore the Peter Miller shop. Spending hours and hours in the shop perusing the books, looking at all the office objets and supplies, I really feel complete. I fit here. I'd love to live here except at the end of the day, they'd lock the doors and I'd be trapped inside. My favorite clock, a NAVA green circular clock that is really big - like a foot and a half in diameter, was acquired here at Peter Miller. I saw it on the wall of the shop and I just couldn't pass up asking how much it costs. It was pretty reasonable. When I discovered it was designed in Italy by Nava and got the reason why I liked the design so much. Simple. Tasteful. Colorful. Clever. Just as most Italian objects are. The clock is now happily installed in my apartment and I love looking at it everyday. I just could not imagine not having it. You also can find treasures at Peter Miller. Just take a look. read more

Amazing taste and some real design gems with a sophistication that's so awesome to encounter on the west coast. The stationary is exquisite and so are the pens. Even the children's books are incredible! read more

I am an architect and a huge design advocate, plus I love supporting local businesses. But really...too expensive, I was rudely told not to write down titles for a birthday list (huh?), AND if you're a woman under a certain age, conversation with owner Mr Miller will leave you wanting to rinse off. blech I don't get that eeuw feeling often, but ladies, when you know --you know. I have a wedding ring, right? There are lots of design-rich book sources with integrity and heart and it's easy to turn to them instead. :) read more

Like a finely crafted design model, I've come to learn that good books are worth the upfront investment. So a treat for this young architect-in-training on her annual trek to Seattle from the Rose City is a stop at Peter Miller to pick out something from the architectural and graphic design books, sketching tools and swanky cases to pack them all away. From popular publications to hard to find editions of journals like el Croquis, I'm always impressed and overwhelmed by the collection here. And it's almost impossible to leave without buying anything... almost. You see, it pains me to say that this most recent trip left me with a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. With not even a hello from the staff I couldn't help but note this uncharacteristic and unprofessional aloofness. As the only one in the shop, it seemed strange that my presence went unnoticed. Quietly flipping through a few books of interest I decided against adding to the list of works purchased here and made my way out back into the afternoon rain. I sincerely hope my experience was a one off thing, and I'll be willing to give Peter Miller another shot when I'm back in town. Next time with a little more architectural experience of my own under my belt, but the same quirky architectural school girl glee that only a fellow designer can understand. read more

Not Just For Archidorks! Peter Miller is the best place to get sketchbooks - they have every size, every price range (calfskin leather bound gold edged pages anyone?), lined, unlined, gridded (my personal preference), you name it. My first week at my job, another one of the architects took me out to lunch and to Peter Miller. I feel lucky it's so close to my office! Also, you can stop by the AIA office just across the street to check out their library. read more

I just want to start off by saying this store is PERFECT! You must talk to Peter.. he's a hoot! This store has every design book I've dreamed of, and more. All the employees are so knowledgeable and helpful, I just can't get enough. From design-savvy books to the oh-so-needed eraser, Peter Miller stocks it all! read more

If you are looking for design or architectural books (which I love and collect), this is the place to go in Seattle. They have an amazing selection of design books in a well displayed and somewhat sophisticated store. All the great books are there including Phaidon, Rizzoli, Mueller, el Croquis .... Could have stayed there for longer but had to get back to the hotel. read more

Simply one of the best design bookstores on the west coast and in the country. The only bookstore that trumps it in my mind is Hennessey+Ingalls in Santa Monica. The great thing is the size of the store and the fact that Peter is there everyday, so approach him and ask him questions to get suggestions on the latest books. There's a great selection of design books covering everything from graphic design to furniture design to landscape and urban planning. The architecture section is full of great books new and old. He also stocks some great magazines domestic and foreign. I can easily spend an afternoon in the store. I'd probably empty my bank account at the same time. Don't let the architecture-design-specialty-bookstore-label scare you off. Peter Miller's also has quality sketchbooks, pencils, pens, calendars, and bags. There's also a small section of jewelry. Word of advice if you are planning to travel abroad or even to NYC, Chicago, or LA, drop by Peter Miller's and grab a book or map on noteworthy architecture, hotels, restaurants, etc. in the awesome travel section. Peter might just have his own suggestions so ask him as well. read more

Peter is amazing and this shop is amazing and my first purchase (a pen) is amazing. This is the only shop I wanted to go to in Seattle forever and I finally made it. read more

I love that Peter Miller has a collection of sculptural and beautiful "every day" items - blown glass sugar cube shakers, fine silverware that would make a great wedding gift for that discriminating couple about to get married, post cards of England that can be customized with included needle and thread to mark places you've been or want to go. I absolutely appreciate that these are the type of item that are functional and useful and can elevate the every day experience in a totally elegant way. And, many of the items are gender neutral, and would suit a distinguished man or couple just as well as they would a single female - something that is perhaps not surprising given that the owner of the shop is a man, but something that is refreshing after so many visits to places like West Elm, Chamelion Designs, etc, etc - all of which I love, but are decidedly girly. I'm not an architecture student, so I probably wouldn't know a good curated collection full of hard to find volumes from the typical collection of more common architecture books, but that's not really why I'm coming here anyway. The shop owner does seem quite particular - strictly no cell phone usage is allowed in the shop - so it doesn't surprise me that Darcy H was asked not to write down the names of the books she was looking at. But, I am happy to report that my yellow lab and I were enthusiastically welcomed. We will be back! read more

One of the best architecture bookstores I've ever been in. I like being left alone while browsing books so it didn't bother me that no one approached me beyond the initial greeting. Mr. Miller was in an extended conversation with someone he clearly knew, after 40 minutes or so when the other gentleman left he did say something to me personally and was gracious about it. As I was paying for my purchases the sales woman and another woman who was in the store to meet Mr Miller for lunch both struck up an extended conversation with me. I'm pierced and tattooed and oftentimes people in places like this will treat me poorly. No complaints about the Peter Miller Bookstore. read more

I ordered some things from Peter Miller Books on-line-(the way we roll in 2020, unfortunately.) I can't adequately convey how pleased I am with the level of care, attention to detail, personalization, expediency, and value my orders have received. Please shop here and at your other favorite small businesses this holiday season!!! read more

Impeccable offerings! My fiancé has been raving about this gem for years. I finally made it in and am very impressed. This is a special place. If you are in need of a unique gift or an incredible something for yourself.. You must come in! Oh Mr. Miller himself is so dapper and cool- where does HE shop? read more

Never again. My sons and I came into the store during a walk through Belltown and the market area. When we walked through the door the gal behind the counter scowled at us. Never did she say hello or welcome. My sons went to the books and went to the writing instruments. After I had tried the third pen on the sample paper provided, the counter gal told me that using the pens was not appropriate. What! There is a pad of paper on which to try the pens. I am not spending $50+ on a pen without trying it. My sons pulled a book from the shelf on urban farming and were promptly told to return the book to the shelf because "browsing" was not allowed. One of my sons quickly took a photo of the book so he could add it to his wish list. At that point we were asked to leave! What I thought would be a treasure trove of Christmas, birthday and graduation gifts will NEVER, and I mean NEVER, see a dime from me. Peter Miller may be a "great" guy, but his clerks are nasty and arrogant. read more

So here we are in a economic crisis, and small bookstores like this are struggling - one would think that this would be good reason to court customers rather than drive them out of the store. It's my habit, when considering splurging on pricey books or shoes, to write down the item in question and see if it's still relevant to me in a week or so's time; if it is, I'll traipse back to the store and purchase said item. I'm a big believer in supporting local businesses, so it's rare that I'm writing down the item to "find it cheaper online". There's no way the store's clerk could have known this, of course, when he brusquely asked me not to "write down titles of books" in his store. I was so flustered by this I didn't even ask him for an explanation; his manner was so abrupt and rude that my friend and I simply left the store. I understand that in the age of Amazon it may have appeared to the proprietor that I was jotting down the title to purchase elsewhere. However, the better course of action would have been to engage me in conversation about my interest, or even to present me with a 10% off coupon, which would have 1) cemented my interest in purchasing from his store and 2) made me a repeat customer. As it is, I'm telling everyone I know about my bad experience there. And in these financial climes, an independent bookstore can ill-afford to have this sort of review on the web. read more

It's a cruddy day. Everything is going wrong and I will never be ok again. I don't know why. Then I notice the little black ribbon tied around my finger. Why is it there? Oh! Oh! It's for me to remember that at moments like these there is Peter Miller. Peter Miller -- the best shop for losing yourself in the splendor of creative minds that envision perfect homes, perfect open spaces, perfection. Honestly, pick up any book and be prepared to be sucked in, to stare into its pages for as long as it takes. Buy a book and you will want to settle in to a chair and spend the afternoon with its lovely paper, sanserif text, pictures of what is possible, there it is, and simultaneously impossible. Notice the space around you -- great, high ceilings, snug but uncluttered passageways, a black & white, classic, cool, unassuming backdrop to the one and only focal point, books. Books everywhere, tightly packed but organized for my personal pleasure. In a few unadorned glass cases, find items selected for their just-rightness in the essential-accessory category -- pens, desk games, little black books, all positively sophisticated. Buy something there this time you're in or the next, it's all the same to them. They welcome me when I enter and say goodbye when I leave. And I am restored and hopeful again. read more

I hope design heaven looks exactly like the Peter Miller space (Design hell probably looks like Bed, Bath and Beyond... but, I digress...). It's been fun to see the evolution of Peter Miller -- from a purveyor of funky art pieces (years ago) to a more refined and focused small boutique that caters to design and architecture lovers. This new space is absolutely gorgeous and is floor to ceiling covered in amazing design artifacts and books (some out of print). The store's books (which account for most of its inventory) slant more toward gorgeous European design and architecture (bauhaus, mid-century, and modern as far as I can tell), but you can also find some great American and Asian design publications on the shelves as well. I could literally spend all day browsing, as you find something new and fun to engage with each time you glance around -- from large typographic calendars to Alessi silverware to the Seattle Design Royalty clientele that frequent this store. One room over, you'll find an actual installation which is beautiful to look at and makes the space all the more charming. The staff is incredibly welcoming and not the least bit pretentious. I truly love it here, as this store is very much a beacon of design love and inspiration. read more

I was on my way elsewhere when I saw the pens in the window and made a sudden detour in their. In addition to the books, they have a small but high-quality selection of art/drafting supplies. They won me over with the lead display. They have .3 through .7 in varying hardness grades. I'd picked up a .3 at Staples but couldn't find refills for it anywhere else. Copic multiliners and brushpens are also available. I can't comment on the service since it there were many shoppers when I went in and I just found the pens I wanted and paid, but the space itself is quite pleasant to be in. read more

Talk to Peter himself...then you'll understand the five-stars. This guy is a champion. Oh, and he has an excellent selection of architecture and design books. read more

I really just come in to look at pens and notebooks. I know, kinda lame. But they have a lot of cool things in there. I feel out of place, but whatevs. I've bought some pens here. And some notebooks. Staff seem friendly enough, though usually pre-occupied behind the counter. read more

Great bookstore to browse, with lots of interesting specialty pencils and design books. As a former architecture student, I find it hard to stay away... read more

Such a beautifully curated store. The owner, Peter Miller was such a delight as well. Everything in there is so beautiful from the books to the unique pencils and sketchbooks. I probably spent an hour in there just going through the different pencils and I didn't feel pressured or bothered. He simply told me to just enjoy and to take my time. Theres a gallery its connected to and he encouraged me to roam up there and check it out. Really nice man. Its too bad I can't afford to buy too many things there but I will little by little add a unique piece to my collection :) I left with a few really awesome pens, pencils from Japan and a cool new sketchbook from Germany. A designers dream... *SIGH* read more

This is a great little bookstore conveniently located in downtown Seattle. In addition to a great book selection, they have a nice assortment of toys for adults. I picked up a pair of elegantly designed clockwork racing cars and and an Eames house of cards building set. Both items were pricey, but well designed things tend to cost more. The woman at the desk was very friendly and happily demonstrated the cars when I noticed them behind the counter. read more

I love this place. Peter and his staff are great. A bit pricey, but you get what you pay for and I love the selection of pens, pencils and papers (on top of the selection of books on architecture.) read more

This is a store that seamlessly meshes with my Utopian (Utopic isn't a word) vision of what the present would be like if we had consciously curbed population growth at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. read more

I can get into some serious trouble in this store as there is some incredible eye candy to load up on. As the other reviews have stated, PMB specializes in architecture titles, but also is well stocked with graphic design, typography & poster books, and beautiful cards. Peter Miller & staff has always been gracious and helpful to me and I can browse as long as I like without any pressure. It's a great shop. They know books and will special order titles for you. I'm going back...and yeah! no cell phones allowed and I respect books enough to leave my coffee at home. read more

Excellent in everyway. Small, but that's part of the charm. I'm always suprised and pleased when I go in. I'm an architect, so maybe I just go crazy for this kind of store, but I think it would appeal to anyone interested in great books. It's been around forever, and has just opened a branch at the Henry Art Gallery. Thank goodness, because the old store that was there was horrible. read more

Really great bookstore. I was very impressed with the variety of architectural books and periodicals they carried. I got Architecture Depends by Jeremy Till, after lingering for nearly an hour to peruse and decide between a broad range of up-to-date materials. One gripe: the books were kind of pricy for a student budget. Maybe consider a sales shelf, Peter? read more

My fiance and I saw this store on our way back from getting coffee and he asked if we could pop in so he could check out some design books. A sign on the door said "Absolutely No Cell Phones Allowed", but there was not a sign saying, "No Food or Drinks", so we went in. As soon as we started looking at some books, Peter came up to me and told me he needed to hold my coffee at the counter as drinks were not allowed near the books There really is a great selection of books and I noticed my fiance seemed interested in a couple. I went to the counter and asked for a pen to jot down a title. (I like to purchase his Christmas gifts when the recipient is not with me.) Both clerks gave me dirty looks and said, "Title-writing" was not allowed in their store. I grabbed my coffee and told my fiance I was ready to leave. I will not go back and support a store that makes me feel so unwelcome. read more

The store itself looks nice, and at first I felt like I could get lost in here... except for the customer service of Peter Miller. Go to PaperHaus for your sketch book needs. It's AH block north. It started off well. I wandered in, excited that there was an architecture book store, right near me. My boyfriend is an architect, and had recommended some great literature, none of which I could find in the Seattle Public Library; I just wished I had the list of recommended books on me. While browsing, he even asked me if I wanted to see anything, or had any questions. Twice. So I thought, well, I might as well ask, since they were so friendly, and not that busy either. So I mentioned the boyfriend, his birthday was a month away, how I didn't know architecture, but maybe PM could help me find something. Something modern, in the style of, blah blah. And he turned around and started to look, and conversationally I mentioned I'd just have to make sure my boyfriend didn't already own the book. But hey, Peter Miller had been so obliging, and I was about to tell him how I was excited to have found this store. And he turned around and psuedo-affably said, then why don't you come back when you're ready to buy something, and we'll find a book that is so new, he won't possibly have it. I didn't ask for something new, I wanted something good. Something in the vein of the books I knew my boyfriend had, but that he didn't already have. And didn't YOU ask me if I had any questions? Looking at the reviews, you're all waxing poetically about the sketchbooks (and I can tell you the customer service in PaperHaus, just up the street, is much better), or you're talking about how skanky/rude Peter Miller is, especially if you just want to think about the book purchase for a week. Put me in the latter camp. read more

Like others who have given it a one star, if he had provided a better customer service, people will purchase at the store. However, it is his store, he can make up as many rules as he wants. read more

The best design books bookstore in Seattle. Peter is a wealth of knowledge, if he doesn't have something you are looking for, he goes out of his way to get it for you. Really great design swag too! High aesthetics, high value, high design all the way. Love you Peter Miller Books! read more