Schoos Group - Portfolio Schoos Group - Portfolio http://schoos.com/ en Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 Contao Open Source CMS Ellipsis Restaurant Set in a 19th century building in Mumbai, Ellipsis was conceived as a stimulating interplay of history and modernism, combining contemporary style with the opulence and romance of the past.  We began by stripping away surface elements, revealing the authentic colonial-era architecture underneath.  Custom furniture and fixtures are subtle and modern, creating a chic environment. As a contrast, Thomas installed an explosion of vintage paintings from every style and period over the last 100 years, like an artist's loft from a former era. Thomas also contributed several large format paintings of his own, in some cases allowing the design to run off the canvas and continue along the walls.

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/portfolio-commercial-ellipsis.html Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/portfolio-commercial-ellipsis.html Morimoto Mexico City Seeing the modernist design of the Camino Real Hotel in Mexico City, Thomas was inspired to create a restaurant inside that is literally a piece of modern art.  The first challenge was the location itself: a large, cavernous room with a 75 foot high glass ceiling that would need to be divided into functional areas. Schoos achieved this by building an almost free-standing wooden structure that resembles a series of interlocking boxes – like a Japanese “bento” box turned on its side.   Into this restrained design, Schoos poured a variety of dramatic art pieces and custom-designed furnishings, each of which possesses its own artistic appeal. These include a series of massive canvases painted by Thomas and a rope art installation that winds through the whole restaurant, literally tying the design together.

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/portfolio-commercial-morimoto-mexico-city.html Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0800 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/portfolio-commercial-morimoto-mexico-city.html Georges Hong Kong Thomas describes the design for the George restaurants in Hong Kong and Taipei as an "explosion of the senses without limits" and a collector's dream multiplied by a thousand, like an artistic mind on cocaine.  However, the sensual indulgence consists of all original collector's pieces and museum quality items by artists like Salvador Dali and the amusing white sculptures by Chinese artist Gao Xiaowu, which underscore the sense of humor needed to bring together so many contrasting styles and elements. 

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/portfolio-georges-hongkong.html Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/portfolio-georges-hongkong.html Georges Taipei Thomas describes the design for the George restaurants in Hong Kong and Taipei as an "explosion of the senses without limits" and a collector's dream multiplied by a thousand, like an artistic mind on cocaine.  However, the sensual indulgence consists of all original collector's pieces and museum quality items by artists like Salvador Dali and the amusing white sculptures by Chinese artist Gao Xiaowu, which underscore the sense of humor needed to bring together so many contrasting styles and elements. 

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/portfolio-georges-taipei.html Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/portfolio-georges-taipei.html Burlap Restaurant Burlap is the second collaboration between Thomas Schoos and Brian Mallarkey (Top Chef), the first being Searsucker in San Diego, for which Thomas chose an Urban Cowboy theme.  Brian wanted the food for Burlap to combine Asian and American influences, so this time the theme became "Asian Cowboy." Thomas brought an intriguing blend of elements together, like Asian water buffalo chandeliers tied with lassos and colorful Burmese temple dragons hanging over the sharing table. An entire Thai architectural facade forms the outdoor bar, paired with barstools made from western tractor seats.    An original painting by Thomas includes Chinese characters that translate as "Asian cowboy."

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/portfolio-burlap-restaurant.html Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/portfolio-burlap-restaurant.html Canon Drive Home Before this spacious Beverly Hills home was completed, the owners came to Schoos design, unhappy with the plans that had been drawn for them.  The former design was a traditional Mediterranean villa but the owners wanted something more fresh and contemporary.  Schoos kept the basic design but moved the style in a transitional direction, simplifying and adding modern features such as square windows, modern railings, large doors and open sight lines. A dramatic floral white-on-white carved plaster relief was also added to the walls of the entry hall, bringing a dramatic organic touch into this imposing space.

For more about this transformation, please see the Case Study in our Live section.

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/residential-canon-drive-home.html Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/residential-canon-drive-home.html Thousand Oaks Home The owners of this spacious home had very little in the way of furniture, drapery or other furnishings.  They were seeking a more modern twist on their traditional home, including original works of art.  Thomas Schoos painted several large canvases to fill the ample wall space and bring a sense of refined elegance.  Eighty percent of the furniture Schoos provided is custom, designed specifically for the space.  Carpets were exchanged for walnut hardwood floors in the 2,000 square foot master bedroom and a custom bedframe with hand carved trim added modern style. 

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/residential-1000-oaks-home.html Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/residential-1000-oaks-home.html West Hollywood Condominium The vision adopted for this West Hollywood townhouse was a European "pied à terre" or an eclectic urban landing spot for a world traveler.  Many cultures and eras are represented, as from a traveler's collection.  There are pieces from the 1940's, 1960's and even the 1600's.  An old welding bench becomes a dining table topped with 90 pounds of tiger eye stones.  Textures are also taken from nature, such as black goat hair rugs, root wood coffeetables and a butterfly collection turned into wall art.

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/west-hollywood-condo.html Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/west-hollywood-condo.html West Hollywood Penthouse This penthouse apartment was designed as a dreamy getaway for an artist who travels frequently and wanted a serene escape in the midst of the city.  The rooftop terrace is a summer Bonzai room with a striking crystal chandelier and casual wood lounge furniture, combining informality and elegance.  The interior is a blend of comfort and exotica, with Art Deco nightstands, shagreen nightstand boxes and art pieces made from north African jewelry in vintage silver.  Area rugs, beds, nightstands and chairs are all custom pieces designed by Schoos.

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/west-hollywood-penthouse.html Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/west-hollywood-penthouse.html Bel Air Estate The owner of this Bel Air estate was a bachelor who bought a large empty house and wanted us to turn it into a home.  He also wanted a place to throw large parties so it needed to be comfortable yet exciting with some visual panache.  Since the owner was a world traveler, we included eclectic items from world cultures such as Italy, Bali and Russia.  The floorplan was kept open for maximum flow.  Full-grown trees were brought into the two-story atrium, as well as a spectacular chandelier made from capiz shells.  The party vibe was extended outdoors with a custom designed luxurious cabana.

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/bel-air-estate.html Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/bel-air-estate.html Hollywood Hills Residence This extensive renovation of a Hollywood Hills home brought an opportunity to create a French country house with occasional Moroccan touches:  The coffeetable is made from a Moroccan door,  green Moroccan vessels serve as ornaments and a Moroccan lantern hangs above the patio dining table.  French doors open to the Mediterranean hillside garden and pool with an al fresco dining area. The landscaping, decks, pool and outdoor lighting are all by Schoos.

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/hollywood-hills-home.html Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/hollywood-hills-home.html Palm Drive Townhomes This exclusive townhome was a model unit for a Mediterranean-style residential project in the heart of Beverly Hills.  In keeping with the architectural style, we chose to combine old world sophistication and charm with new world technology and luxury for the perfect modern lifestyle environment. For this unit, the crisp modernism is also warmed up with the addition of dramatic natural objects like a driftwood sculpture, a tree branch credenza, large potted trees and cowhide upholstery in the den.

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/beverly-hills-townhomes.html Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/beverly-hills-townhomes.html Beverly Hills Condominium This model unit for a Beverly Hills condominium project uses fresh modernist materials but softens them with warm Mediterranean colors and textures.  A more formal touch is maintained in the dining and living rooms with cool greys, decorative glass objects and a dripping crystal chandelier.   In the bedrooms, den, kitchen and office, warmer brown tones and softer textures are used.  A Googie-style starburst mirror adds a festive touch to the bedroom.

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/beverly-hills-condo.html Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/beverly-hills-condo.html Brentwood Home, California Schoos brought an Asian influence to this remodel of a standard contemporary home in the middle of a 3 acre estate.  From the Foo Dogs at the entrance and the Asian temple doors to the antique Buddha that greets one in the entry hall, the simplicity brings a zen quality and creates a soothing backdrop for some dynamic works of art, including an original piece by Thomas Schoos.

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/brentwood-residence.html Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/brentwood-residence.html Koi Restaurant, Los Angeles Schoos Design's first L.A. restaurant, Koi is a more modern spin on the Asian style perfected in venues like Tao New York. Instead of specific Japanese references, textures like bamboo and water give a zen feel.  When the owners complained that the bar area was too small, Thomas suggested converting an entire dining room into a lounge where guests could wait or even order dinner or desserts, encouraging lingering and comingling.  To compensate, outdoor patios were adapted for intimate al fresco dining, and these are now the most requested tables. The arrangement led to Koi becoming one of L.A.'s first "destination restaurants."

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/koi-restaurant.html Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/koi-restaurant.html Summit Drive Home, Beverly Hills The owners of this older home in the hills of Beverly Hills wanted to update to a more contemporary look.  On the exterior, dated moldings and wrought-iron gates were replaced with clean modern stucco and glass.  Inside, sleek modern pieces such as the slab dining table are balanced with custom Italian chairs, which are given a chrome finish.  A glass brick wall was replaced with glass shelves to allow more light and to display a Baccarat and Lalique art glass collection.  The dining room also features an original painting by Thomas Schoos.

See the Case Study in our Live section for more insights!

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/beverly-hills-residence.html Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/beverly-hills-residence.html LAX Nightclub, Las Vegas Designing LAX Nightclub at the Luxor Casino in Las Vegas presented a challenge in how to divide a cavernous pyramidal space to create a variety of welcoming environments, from large dance floors to intimate nooks.  Schoos Design worked with architects Bergman, Walls & Associates to find a solution, which involved using a series of unusual Gaudi-esque shapes with no right angles, including a central "pod" room with a sweeping free-floating staircase that reaches over it into another large dance hall.  The process of entering the venue requires entering through a small Speakeasy-type bar and passing through a variety of different rooms, to create an air of mystery and intimate privacy. 

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/lax-nightclub.html Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/lax-nightclub.html Morimoto Waikiki Morimoto Waikiki was our second restaurant for celebrity "Iron Chef" Masaharu Morimoto. Like the design for Morimoto Napa, the goal was to impart the essence of Japanese design principles without directly referencing specific Japanese culture. This was accomplish by maintaining simplicity and a limited number of colors and textures, like the simplicity of a zen garden. Natural artifacts like live moss and large corals are used as art pieces throughout, including coral fixtures in the ceiling that are lit from above and moss inside glass tables, giving the impression of dining on a flowing stream.

For more behind-the-scenes info and insights into our design process, see the Case Study in our Dine section!

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/morimoto-waikiki.html Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/morimoto-waikiki.html O-Bar Restaurant O-Bar was the first restaurant actually owned and operated by Schoos, winning the Best Restaurant Design award from Angeleno magazine right out of the gate.  As the award committee put it, "Schoos and Berman are masters of feng shui, successfully combining fabric, stone, water, wood and fire like never before.  They have brought L.A.'s fabulous cabana culture indoors while allowing the outdoors to serve as art.  They have harnessed the energy of the high life, taming it with tranquil water, dramatic chandeliers, live fire and the prettiest zen garden imaginable." 

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/o-bar-restaurant.html Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/o-bar-restaurant.html Searsucker Restaurant, San Diego The design for this restaurant in the Gaslamp District of San Diego was envisioned as comfortable, playful, raw, handsome and classically American.  The idea was that use and age would only improve the space, the way wear improves an old leather glove. The space mixes comfortable living room arrangements with dining areas to encourage interaction and mingling.  Materials such as rough-hewn wood, old marble and rope chandeliers give the restaurant a casual elegance that has led to Open Table voting Searsucker the #2 most popular restaurant in the country.

See the Case Study in our Dine section for much more insight into Searsucker's creation!

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/searsucker-restaurant.html Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/searsucker-restaurant.html Table 8 Restaurant, Los Angeles Originally a local diner with minimal after-dark appeal, Table 8 desired to go more upscale with a sexy lounge look that would appeal to the young urban crowd in Hollywood.  Schoos brought in darker and richer elements such as deep red textured walls, heavy curtains and black upholstery. Furniture profiles were kept low to maximize people-watching. Within this moody environment were added glowing accents such as walls full of candles, lanterns and a clever chandelier fashioned from the diner's original single-bulb 1950's fixtures.

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/table8-restaurant.html Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/table8-restaurant.html Hotel Frank The Schoos recreation of the Hotel Frank was designed to appeal to the business traveler while being true to the traditional architectural elements and environs of this historic hotel near Union Square.  Tradition is reflected in the houndstooth carpet design which pervades the hotel and in classic furniture pieces adapted for the modern era.  However, a luxurious spa-like atmosphere is added through the use of open bathrooms, large tubs and sports-inspired art pieces. 

For more insights into our design process, please see the Case Study in our Stay section!

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/hotel-frank.html Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/hotel-frank.html Huntley Penthouse Restaurant As in the design for the rest of the hotel, Thomas wanted to bring a beach vibe to the Penthouse Restaurant, even though it is up on the 18th floor.  White upholstery and sheer white curtains reflect the sun and sand atmosphere while specific touches like dolphin-shaped chair backs and a seashell-imprinted bar reference the sea. The plank hardwood floors give the feeling of a boardwalk while curtained cabanas serve as banquettes, though each has a Murano white chandelier for a touch of elegance.  A fresh feel comes from open skylights above, with a large fireplace to warm up the room on cool nights.

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/huntley-penthouse-restaurant.html Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/huntley-penthouse-restaurant.html Citizen Smith, Hollywood Schoos had two visions for Citizen Smith. The first was to create a restaurant for the "everyman," with features resonant of working people, like industrial walls with open ductwork, cowhide banquettes and concrete floors.  The other was to juxtapose the old and the new, such as covering an ornate hand-carved wooden bar with silver lacquer or placing a neo-classic Roman sculpture against a modern ironwork grid pattern.  The perfect combination of both themes is seen in the classic French chandeliers that are encased in lucite boxes that reveal translucent photos of local Hollywood denizens.

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/citizen-smith-restaurant.html Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/citizen-smith-restaurant.html Tao Las Vegas Tao Las Vegas brings Asian authenticity to a city known for plastic and neon.  From its slate floors, brick walls,  and hand-sculpted giant Buddha to its collection of genuine Asian artifacts and statuary (not recreations), the design gives a feeling of quality and solidity not often found in other Sin City homages.  The 42,000 square foot venue is broken into a variety of spaces each with a unique feel. Novel items like an opium pipe collection and 250-monk bar add moments of interest.  All of this has helped Tao Las Vegas remain the most successful restaurant/nightclub in the world.

Check out the Tao Case Study in the Dine section for the full backstage story!

]]> http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/tao-lasvegas.html Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://schoos.com/portfolio/project-details/items/tao-lasvegas.html