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Avinash Rajagopal, Must-Reads

15 Must-Reads to Help You Prepare for 2022

With insightful analysis, critical perspectives, and in-depth reporting, Metropolis contributors give you the tools you need for the year ahead.

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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

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