(shike) Attack

Most would agree that Denver has come a long way in recent years, especially in the way of an increasingly robust cosmopolitan culture. When David Schaich arrived in Colorado nearly two decades ago, however, this wasn’t the case and at the time thought he had placed his design aspirations on hold in order to fulfill the experience of living in the mountains.

Over the years, though, Schaich has sought out broad-based design possibilities and has not only created a niche for himself, but has also contributed to the growth of a greater nightlife and city culture here in Denver. He is well known locally for his highly charged interior environments and boasts an impressive portfolio spanning product, furniture, tradeshow and interior design.

 

David Schaich: All of Schaich’s immediate family members occupy a place in the creative field (fashion design, graphic design and fine art), undoubtedly planting the seeds for Schaich to follow a similar path. Schaich went on to graduate from Carnegie Mellon school of Design.

 

Schaich’s holistic design approach has proved to be highly effective in executing his hospitality environments, specifically, nightclubs and restaurants, which he is best known for locally. Between Denver and Boulder, Schaich has had a hand in bringing to life some of the most interesting interiors to grace our city. Root Down, Zio Romolo’s, Sutra Lounge, Vinyl Nightclub, Tryst Lounge, Tahona Restaurant, Funky Buddha Lounge and Beaucoup Burrito all contain Schaich’s signature outlook on fun and eclectic design. Take a look...

 

 

Beaucoup Burrito 

 

 

Look familiar? Schaich designed and installed the interior of Rise nightclub before it became Beta Lounge.

 

One of the central values of Schaich’s work lies in his ability to single-handedly execute design projects from concept to completion. Schaich is a craftsperson as much as he is a designer. Many of the projects, like this one, enlist his entire range of design skills, including building out custom furniture and large scale installation pieces. When working with Schaich, clients gain the benefit of someone who can care take the entire process.

 

Tahona Restaurant

 

 

Tamburello office interiors.

 

 

 

 

 

Tryst Lounge

 

 

Zio Romolo's

 

 

 

Root Down, where Schaich consulted in a collaborative environment, has been a major design success and demonstrates Schaich’s emphasis on reclamation. He notes that the practice of reclaiming and repurposing is perhaps the result of growing up in a rural and farm environment, where there is a need to be resourceful.

 

 

 

The (repurposed) tin can wall, lining the private dining room in Root Down.

 

Almost all of Root Down is made up of unique design solutions. While the atmosphere lends itself to perceive that a sophisticated planning process took place, in reality, it is the kind of cultivated beauty that arrives out of spontaneity. With a significant depth of experience to draw from, Schaich has developed the ability to execute design through this kind of approach. 

 

Schaich maintains the position of a designer who is rarely bored. He says he is grateful to be continuously involved with projects and that engage his personal interests. On the side of product design, Schaich has a background in mountain bike racing as well as recreational skiing, and therefore designs heavily for outdoor lifestyle products. Some of his clients include, Smith Optics, Outlast, Rockshox and GoFast Sports. Additionally, Schaich has taught a mixture of product and tradeshow design classes at The Art Institute, Metropolitan State College and University of Denver.

 

For more information, visit www.shikedesign.com.

 

Words: Melissa Belongea

Contact: melissa@modernindenver.com