Biography
Colin Schälli: A Creative Force in Design
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:
• 2x 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
to mention a few
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
to name a few
Patent:
• V30 FREITAG Skid
CONTACT
Colin Schälli
c/o Beat Ris
Forchstrasse 232
8032 Zürich
colin@colinschaelli.com
Currently employed as Senior Designer at Designers' Club Zurich Switzerland ➔