Metropolis Digital Optimism Talks logo

Join us every second Tuesday of the month for a dose of optimism with thought-provoking guests who are revolutionizing their fields. Innovators will lead virtual workshops for an hour of discovery, inspiration, and community. Led by editor in chief, Avinash Rajagopal, these workshops will be guided by our audience, where questions are not only welcome but encouraged.

Register Now
natural habitat cold spring home exterior

Metropolis Editors, Natural Habitat, sustainability, sustainable architecture

METROPOLIS Introduces Natural Habitat, a Sustainable Homes Video Series

The series debuts with a tour of a tranquil upstate New York retreat designed with Passive House principles.

Read more
image of a couch with desk and table work stations

October 14, 2022

For This Shive-Hattery Principal, Curiosity Always Yields Innovation

Flexible, morale-boosting interiors distinguish the work of Michael Davis.

By: Kelly Beamon

Michael Davis

From childhood model-building and electronics tinkering to his first design job planning spaces for a furniture company, Michael Davis brings the full range of his lived experiences to his role as a principal in Chicago for Shive-Hattery. Like Davis, the firm’s 14 offices are known for balancing technical and aesthetic problem-solving. But Davis doesn’t credit his career trajectory to fitting in. “It’s an opportunity to stand out,” says the Ball State University alum.

portrait of michael davis
COURTESY MBOSHPHOTO
image of a light fixture

Go Figure fixture

“The ability to reconfigure it provides customization without it actually being custom.”

alwusa.com

Flooring image

Cartography resilient flooring

“It has a great accent color that brings vibrancy to a room.”

tarkett.com

orange lounge chair

D’Urso lounge

“The lines nod to the past, but with a twist.”

knoll.com

upholstery pattern detail

Slant upholstery

“It has a simple pattern that plays well with other materials.”

maharam.com

image of a white desk

SW_1 table

“The relaxed scale is perfect in breakout areas.”

coalesse.com

wooden side table

Shapes side table

“I love the company’s story: reclaimed material that’s reused in a number of furnishings.”

urbanevolutions.com

wood and metal stool

Magis Steelwood stool

“This is a classic style, but elevated.”

hermanmiller.com

image of a couch with desk workspaces

Away From The Desk seating

“This is a statement piece that can serve as meeting, social, and work space.”

orangebox.com

Would you like to comment on this article? Send your thoughts to: [email protected]

What's Next in Hospitality Design?
HIGHGATE

What's Next in Hospitality Design?

Shantell Martin Shares the Stories of Music and Scholarship Behind Her Artwork
KELLY BEAMON

Shantell Martin Shares the Stories of Music and Scholarship Behind Her Artwork