The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity Announces Acquisition of William Stout Architectural Books
William Stout at William Stout Architectural Books, 2022.
The Eames Institute, a new 501(c)(3) public charity, announces the acquisition of William Stout Architectural Books, a beloved retail destination at 804 Montgomery Street in San Francisco's historic Jackson Square neighborhood. A critical resource for architects and designers since 1974, the bookstore has been operated to date by its namesake founder, William Stout—an architect by training who subsequently followed his passion for publications, book collecting, and teaching.
In 2021, after decades at the helm, Stout began to contemplate his retirement and shuttering the store. Over the course of the past year, a series of discussions with the Eames Institute led to the decision to pass it into new hands, and, as of October 1, 2022, the Eames Institute took ownership of this remarkable establishment. With an unrivaled inventory that encompasses the best new publications in architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, as well as graphic, industrial, interior, and product design—and including thousands of rare out-of-print titles—William Stout Architectural Books is a landmark for designers, bibliophiles, and browsers alike. Under the Institute’s management, the store will continue to operate at its current location as well as online at StoutBooks.com. On an emeritus basis, William Stout will continue to contribute his decades of experience and knowledge to the store as a consultant. The shop’s knowledgeable staff will stay in place during the transition.