We had the good fortune of connecting with Christopher Shields and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Christopher, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
I’ve had this quote appear to me a number of times this year: “I hear and I forget… I see and I remember… I experience and I understand (Confucius).” After being in the interior design industry for over 18 years, I’m actually (finally) putting together all the things I’ve experienced as a designer and how these experiences have shaped who I am, how I design and what my creative voice is all about. The quote reminds me of the cacophony of creation… not only in the design work, but in developing myself as an artist and the evolution of my business. Interior design is an incredible business that few truly understand. The sheer number of details that go into the creation of an environment is awesome. The ability to achieve a vision and create balance, interest, cohesion, something that speaks to the owners, something unique and singular is truly an art. Add on top of that the passions and emotions associated with my clients’ homes (I’m a residential interior designer) as well as those of the people who do the work to implement the design and you are conducting a world-class orchestra. So I have heard a lot of things over the years, seen a lot too, but it’s all those experiences and moments that have occurred in my professional life that have made the lasting impact and helped me hone my eye, speak my voice and develop a streamlined and comfortable process to guide my clients and team along in the creation of a home. For as complex as all of this sounds, the end goal is actually a simple and beautiful idea… for me, it all comes down to designing homes that grow love.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m the principal interior designer and CEO of Christopher Shields & Company, Inc., based here in Denver, Colorado. I focus on residential interior design whether new custom home design and decoration or large-scale remodel projects for existing homes. I’ve been in the interior design industry for over 18 years and I’ve owned my own firm since 2014.
Residential design projects are large undertakings, and I’ve developed our design process to guide our clients from dreams to reality. Our clients want to have a home that looks like them, feels like them and calls to them when they are away… a place they miss when they are not there. Typically our clients have a head-full of ideas swimming around, but they just can’t get “there” and pull all those ideas together.
As an interior designer with over 18 years of experience, I use my talent and vision to get our clients “there.” For me it all comes down to designing homes that grow love. Our design process taps into the heartbeats of our clients to create something singular for them and their families. I think that is what sets us apart and is what I’m most excited about.
I frequently hear from our clients during interviews and design development that, “no one has ever asked us about the varying aspects of our lives or really asked our opinions.” Not only do we design and decorate the home of our clients, but we are guiding our clients to the lives they want to achieve, to express what moves their hearts and to develop and express their style and taste. I’ve gotten to where I am at today one project at a time with a focus on doing good work and enjoying the process with my clients.
In the end, I design homes that create connections, moments and memories.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well I love to entertain, so let’s get out and about! You can do so much in Denver over the course of a week, so let’s start with a good brunch and a little history. I love brunch at the posh Cherry Creek spot Le Bilboquet, then let’s hit up the Colorado History Museum… Both keep their offerings fresh and interesting!
I can’t hit the Golden Triangle without a visit to my favorite gift shop extraordinaire The Sacred Thistle… Another feast for the senses where cultures, creation, craft and culinary favorites collide.
Sometime during the week we have to pop up to Bar Dough in the Highlands for forever fresh and creative Italian fare and some great pizza. And what about some coffee to keep us going… I have to say I like it all, but my forever go-to is St. Mark’s Coffee Shop at 17th and Race. I’ve been going there since design school and I can’t say enough about their chocolate chip cookies. They happen to be next door to a wonderful cocktail bar, The Thin Man… some of the best cocktails in the city (and they’ve been at it for years!).
I’d love to take you to my regular outpost for all things interior design, The Denver Design District. I’d love to give you a tour and you’ll see fabrics, furniture, wallcovering, lighting… you name it (!) that will blow your mind; it’s where I go for all of my design projects.
I love to work out and I’m into high intensity training, so let’s go check out my Orange Theory studio on South Logan.
Speaking of orange that reminds me of the logo of one of my favorites, how about we check out The Process Denver and meet a ton folks working on their next big thing; I love going here to focus on my business without distraction, and you’ll meet tons of creatives, writers, developers you name it.
I love filling out my homes with unique and unusual artifacts and antiques, so I think we should spend an afternoon at Eron Johnson Antiques.
After all that, I think we need to land at The Denver Central Market in Rino for just about anything you could need… After all this, a great cocktail from Curio and a little chocolate from Temper will set the mood for a great chill rest of the week.
We’ve done a lot, so let’s get out of town for a day or two and hit up all the great new things going on in Winter Park and the Fraser Valley. In fact, let’s get a spa and steak and stay at Devil’s Thumb Ranch.
That sounds like a pretty fab week to me!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When it comes to my success and progress in life I have a few things that come to mind. First, the book, “The Success Principles,” by Jack Canfield (of “Chicken Soup for the Soul” fame) has been my guiding text for a long time. The book came to me at a moment in life when I was starting to understand that the energy we put into the universe is often returned to us if we are in a good space and able to pay attention… to listen. It was a book that literally fell off the shelf at The Boulder Bookstore at my feet, and I purchased it. The book has incredible wisdom to share. Second, I’m grateful for two key people who welcomed an engineer/physicist turned designer into their creative world. I worked for Candy and Billy at a design shop (Kneedler-Fauchere) in San Francisco and they changed my whole life. From the designs we sold, the makers we represented and the designers who came in to purchase our goods, Candy and Billy gave me an incredible experience and exposure in the world of interior design. Third, I want to give a shoutout to my business coaching group at The Pearl Collective based here in Denver. They have helped me elevate my design business, put on the shoes of a creative and business owner and help me create many breakthroughs for my design firm.
Website: https://www.christophershieldsandcompany.com
Instagram: @chrismshieldsdesign
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@christophershieldsandcompany
Other: https://denverdesign.com/designer/christopher-shields
Image Credits
Kelly Vorves Photography, Turpenhoff Photography