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Colin Schälli: A Creative Force in Design
Bold ideas. Timeless execution. A designer who makes you stop and think.
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Born in Chur, Switzerland, in 1980, Colin Schälli's artistic journey kicked off with an apprenticeship as a draftsman under the master of detail, Peter Zumthor...
...It was during these formative years that Schälli developed a sharp sense of design principles, a foundation that would shape his entire career.
At Zurich University of the Arts, Schälli broadened his horizons, diving deep into industrial design while exploring the vast realms of graphic design, typography, and layout. It was a time of discovery and experimentation, and it wasn't long before his creative direction took shape, marked by bold, visually arresting designs that made people stop and think.
Following his studies, Schälli got the chance to collaborate with FREITAG, the iconic Swiss brand famous for its recycled bags. This collaboration became a playground for his multifaceted design skills, where he left his mark on the brand's graphic and packaging design, pushing the boundaries of sustainability and style.
In 2006, Schälli took a leap into creative independence, launching his own design studio. Since then, he's worked with a wide range of companies, both locally and internationally, crafting everything from corporate identities to innovative product designs. His ability to merge function with flair has earned him numerous awards, including several from the prestigious Design Prize Switzerland.
Schälli's designs have reached global audiences, appearing in top-tier exhibitions at the Museum für Gestaltung Zurich and Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, and regularly featured in renowned design publications, cementing his status as a leading force in the world of design.
Beyond his own projects, Schälli is committed to nurturing the design community. He shares his knowledge through lectures and contributes as a jury member in design competitions, always pushing for innovation and inspiring the next generation of creators.
Today, Colin Schälli continues to challenge design conventions, producing thought-provoking work that leaves a lasting impact. His unwavering dedication and passion for design make him a standout figure in the Swiss creative scene, continually inspiring and setting new benchmarks for what's possible.
Artistic Achievements and Recognition
Awards:
- 2× Design Prize Switzerland
- Red Dot Design Award
- Foundation for Grisons Arts and Crafts
- Culture Promotion Prize of the Canton of Graubünden
Financial Support:
- Grant from the Foundation for Innovation of the Canton of Graubünden
Lectures:
- Genuine Swiss, Swiss Design Symposium Tokyo
- A+D Museum in Los Angeles
- Sangsangmadang, Seoul
- Lucerne School of Art and Design, Lucerne
Residency:
- Tokyo Arts and Space – Genuine Swiss, Swiss Design Symposium
Design Jury:
- Die Besten 2011, Hochparterre
Exhibitions:
Various exhibitions in L.A., Paris, Milan, Zurich, Tokyo and Kyoto. For example:
- exhibition of FREITAG Hangtag and V30 POS Skid in the Museum für Gestaltung Zurich
- exhibition of con.temporary furniture at Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris
- exhibition of V30 POS Skid at the A+D Museum in Los Angeles
- exhibition of con.temporary furniture at Design Tide in Tokyo
- exhibition of con.temporary furniture at Showcase in Tokyo
- exhibition of con.temporary furniture at Salone del Mobile Milan
- exhibition of con.temporary furniture at the IFFT interior lifestyle exhibition in Tokyo
- exhibition of I AM URBAN at Urban Research Gallery in Kyoto
Notable Publications:
- published under Birkhäuser Verlag; Wonderwood
- published under Lars Müller Publishers; FREITAG Ein Taschenbuch & Spielwitz und Klarheit
- published in magazines such as Esquire, Hochparterre, Milk, Brutus, Casa Brutus, Schöner Wohnen and Ideales Heim
- published in newspapers such as SonntagsZeitung, NZZ am Sonntag, Z Magazin, Südostschweiz, Bündner Tagblatt
- published online at Core77, Designboom and Domus
Patent:
- V30 FREITAG Skid
Let's Create Something Exceptional
Meet me at the Clubbers!Case Study
FREITAG, known for colorful messenger bags and accessories made from used truck tarps, bicycle inner tubes, and discarded seat belts, commissioned the interior and exterior design of their Osaka store following their Ginza and Shibuya locations. Marking their 25th anniversary, this 65m² space facing the street required a store design that maximizes storage for over 1200 unique bags.
Inspired by the style of a "kiosk," the plan includes a U-shaped counter in the center of the sales floor. The counter features a hollow panel top made from leftover cedar thinning wood, resting on steel cabinets. A tarp matching FREITAG's bags hangs above the counter, acting as an awning when opened during business hours and revealing a printed logo visible from the street when closed.
The walls flanking the counter are lined to full height with FREITAG's original V30 fixtures, while the back wall features steel perforated panels allowing diverse visual displays with hooks and more. The ceiling's existing concrete structure was cleaned and equipped with factory-used lighting fixtures, while the floor was simply polished.
This treatment of the existing structure creates an industrial impression contrasting with new fixtures and adding dynamic character to the space. Incorporating the kiosk theme brings fresh value to the FREITAG store concept.
Gallery
About My Current Work
I am now part of Designers'Club – a team dedicated to crafting meaningful design that shapes perception and creates lasting impact. At Designers'Club, we focus on strategic, precise communication that goes beyond campaigns to build intangible capital.
Even though I am part of this great company, I remain open and enthusiastic about new collaborations under this banner.
I would also be delighted to reconnect and work again with clients from my freelance days. If you're interested in working together, don't hesitate to reach out!