40 years later the phone is still ringing, and the scrappy design firm that began in a 200 square-foot office has grown into a globally recognized institution known for excellence in architectural lighting design, theatre planning, and audio video design.
As we celebrate this milestone, we look back on our history with pride at how far we’ve come, our countless collaborations, and the transformative projects we’ve been privileged to work on through the years.
The 80s:
Big glasses, big hair,
and an even bigger idea.
Duane Schuler and Robert Shook met in 1983 as lighting designers at Chicago’s Lyric Opera and initially ran separate part-time ventures in Minneapolis and Chicago. United by shared experience — and frustration with poorly designed theaters — their hands-on work shaped a clear vision for better performance spaces, leading to the incorporation of Schuler & Shook, Inc. in 1986.
Duane and Bob describe starting the firm almost by accident — driven by a series of projects and collaborations rather than a formal strategy. Early on, they operated as a very small, scrappy team, setting up modest offices in Minneapolis and Chicago. While it wasn’t easy and required significant effort, the process was organic and fulfilling, shaped by luck, relationships, and a steady flow of opportunities.
The Aardvark House at Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield, IL
While it wasn’t easy and required significant effort, the process was organic and fulfilling, shaped by luck, relationships, and a steady flow of opportunities.
While working at the Guthrie Theatre, Duane met Michael DiBlasi, who would become Schuler Shook’s first employee, helping establish the Minneapolis office in 1986.
Todd Hensley joined the firm in 1988, having collaborated with Duane at the Lyric Opera. He and Bob set up the first Chicago office in a small room at the Civic Opera House, where they continued to build the company.
Early on, they operated as a very small, scrappy team, setting up modest offices in Minneapolis and Chicago.
Bob Shook in the first Chicago Office
Michael DiBlasi in the first Minneapolis Office
The first office in Minneapolis was a small, windowless room affectionately known as “the bunker.”
As the office’s sole employee at the time, Michael DiBlasi spent many hours working alone in the windowless room. We made sure to put his desk right next to a giant window when we moved into our current office.
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In Chicago, the firm’s first office was a 200-square-foot room wrapped around an emergency stair in the Lyric Opera building.
Though tiny, the space proved to be an asset, allowing Duane to easily step upstairs to the office between design sessions for Lyric.
Fun Fact: Schuler Shook’s first major business expense was a $3,000 fax machine, which may seem insignificant by today’s standards, but was a big leap of faith for a firm starting from scratch.
1990 – 2000:
Changes Ahead
The 90s brought about a lot of changes, both in the world and within Schuler Shook.
In 1991, the firm adopted a new logo, inspired by an image in a textbook that Michael DiBlasi found, cut out, and gave to a graphic designer. The Schuler Shook arch became the symbol of the company, one that has adapted through the years to our logo’s current iteration.
The decade also brought about massive changes, shifting how people worked, and the technology we used. As lighting designers, the adoption of ceramic metal halide and halogen lighting over fluorescent was significant and gave us even greater control over our designs.
1990
Michael DiBlasi is named Partner and helps guide daily operations as the Minneapolis office grows in size and activity.
Notable Projects: —
1991
The firm completes one of its first major exterior lighting projects at the Art Institute of Chicago and completes a major renovation of the State Theatre in Minneapolis, marking the beginning of a long-standing relationship with the Hennepin Avenue Theatre District.
Notable Projects: Art Institute of Chicago Exterior Loggia Lighting, Chicago, IL; State Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
ORIGINAL PURPLE ARCH LOGO
1991
Schuler Shook completed one of its first major exterior lighting projects at the Art Institute of Chicago, redesigning and upgrading the Loggia lighting with new metal halide and incandescent fixtures.
1992
Théâtre de la Jeune Lune opened its new home in a renovated Minneapolis warehouse, whose industrial character became an integral visual element in the company’s productions. The company would later receive the 1995 Regional Theatre Tony Award.
1993
Schuler Shook designed the new home for Skylight Opera Theatre in Milwaukee. Although newly constructed, the building was designed to evoke the atmosphere of a theatre from 1793, drawing on the firm’s theatrical and scenic design experience.
1994
The firm completed its first major international project, the Singapore American School, in collaboration with Perkins&Will. The project marked the beginning of Schuler Shook’s international practice and its continued global expansion, which would later include the opening of an studio in Melbourne.
[Example of what a caption looks like] Our roots in theatrical lighting and scenic design were a boon for the design trends of the 90s, becoming one of the top design firms for themed restaurants and projects with a thematic nod to history. Our work on the original Rainforest Café led to us designing 46 more across the globe. [anything else we want to add about RFC?]
Our roots in theatrical lighting and scenic design were a boon for the design trends of the 90s, becoming one of the top design firms for themed restaurants and projects with a thematic nod to history. Our work on the original Rainforest Café led to us designing 46 more across the globe. [anything else we want to add about RFC?]
Schuler Shook Lore: One of our more adventurous projects, The Wild Reef Exhibit at Shedd Aquarium had our lighting designers focusing lights over a tank of live sharks and navigating the aquarium’s unfortunate escape of thousands of baby spiders from a faulty exhibit case.
Our lighting designers went on to receive an IALD Award for the project, as well as the lifelong respect of their peers for the unexpected encounters with arachnids.
[ABOVE IS SLIDESHOW OF PEOPLE IMAGES FROM 90S]
2000 – 2010:
Going Global
By the start of the new millennium Schuler Shook was firmly established as a trusted voice in lighting design and theatre planning, continuing to grow as we took on larger projects and hired more exceptional designers.
Future Partners Michael Burgoyne, Joshua Grossman, and Jack Hagler (Kimberly, too?) were a few of those designers, bringing their unique perspectives and personalities to the company.
Our offices also grew, expanding south to Dallas-Fort Worth, and relocating to larger offices in Minneapolis and Chicago.
[PHOTO OF JACK IN DALLAS OFFICE]
2002
The firm’s long-standing work with Minneapolis’ theatre district continued with the completion of renovations to two additional historic venues: the State Theatre and the Pantages Theatre.
2003
Notable Projects: Lookingglass Theatre Company, Chicago, IL; Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, Seattle, WA
2004
2004 was a banner year for the firm, with the introduction of a new logo based on our original arch image,
Select Projects: Boston Opera House, Boston, MA; Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, LA
And there were two projects that further solidified our reputation for design excellence: Millennium Park in Chicago and King’s Theatre in Brooklyn.
Schuler Shook Lore: The Minneapolis office has always enjoyed multiple Michaels and marked a milestone around 2005 with five staff using the first name Michael and a sixth person with the last name Mikels. Schuler Shook has also had multiple Bobs, Jacks, and Jims over the years; but they’ve never matched the Michaels.
2005
Future Partner Kimberly Corbett Oates joined the Dallas office as a theatre specialist.
The Dallas – Fort Worth office continued its growth and relocated to the historic Texas Moline Building in Dallas.
Notable Projects: Bigelow Chapel,
2006 exchange
2006
Schuler Shook held its first-ever Exchange, a firm-wide gathering dedicated to sharing ideas, skills, and perspectives. Hosted in Madison, Wisconsin, the inaugural event brought together 35 employees. The Exchange remains an important tradition, growing alongside the firm.
Victory Gardens Theater opened its new home in the historic Biograph Theatre, best known as the site of John Dillinger’s death. The theatre marked the third Victory Gardens venue designed by Schuler Shook.
2007
Jim Baney became Partner.
Notable Projects: Palmolive Building, Chicago, IL;
2008
Jack Hagler became Partner.
Notable Projects: W Minneapolis – The Foshay, Minneapolis, MN; David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, New York, NY
2009
We begin work on Hamer Hall at Arts Centre Melbourne in Melbourne, AUS — a project that changes the trajectory of the company. Jim Hultquist established Schuler Shook’s Melbourne office, marking the firm’s first permanent international location.
[footnote mel]
Opening a studio in Melbourne wasn’t something Bob and Duane set out to do when the company was founded, but the scale and complexity of the project at Hamer Hall called for a theatre consultant to be on the ground full time. Jim Hultquist was game, and the studio’s first home was a single desk within Arts Centre Melbourne itself.
The Melbourne Studio:
While opening a studio in Melbourne wasn’t something Bob and Duane set out to do when the company was founded, the scale and complexity of the project at Hamer Hall called for a theatre consultant to be on the ground full time. Jim Hultquist was game, and the studio’s first home was a single desk within Arts Centre Melbourne itself.
2010 – 2020:
The 2010s marked a new chapter for Schuler Shook. As the firm expanded into new cities and strengthened its U.S. and international presence, a new generation of leaders stepped forward to guide its future.
By 2010 Schuler Shook had four offices globally, but the growth continued into the next decade.
[I will need help with the company history/things of note]
Schuler Shook Lore: The Cowles Center, originally the historic Shubert Theatre, had to be relocated to a new lot down the street before being restored and adapted into a new performing arts centre. It is the largest building to ever be moved via truck in one piece.
2012
Schuler Shook completed the renovation of Hamer Hall at Arts Centre Melbourne, strengthening a relationship that continues today. The Melbourne studio also became a permanent part of the firm’s operations.
Notable Projects: Moody Performance Hall, Dallas, TX
2013
The Dallas office relocated to a new downtown location.
Notable Projects: The Theatre School at DePaul University, Chicago, IL
2014
Notable Projects: Target Field Station
2015
The San Francisco Bay Area office was established, expanding the firm’s ability to serve projects throughout the western United States.
Notable Projects: Ordway Recital Hall, St. Paul, MN
2016
The Minneapolis office moved to their new home on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Notable Projects: Pillsbury A‑Mill, Minneapolis, MN; “The Horn” at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN; Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL; McDonald’s Chicago Flagship, Chicago, IL
2017
Notable Projects: Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati, OH; The Weitz Center for Creativity at Carleton College, Northfield, MN; Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul, MN
2018
Notable Projects:
2019
Ted Ohl launched Schuler Shook’s New York office, expanding the firm’s presence into another major theatre and cultural market.
Notable Projects: Octave 9: Raisbeck Music Center, Seattle, WA; Macalester College Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, St. Paul, MN
2020 – Present
2020
Like much of the world, Schuler Shook adapted to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to support projects across the globe.
Notable Projects: The Momentary, Bentonville, AR
2021
Notable Projects: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego, CA
2022
Garth joined the leadership team to establish Schuler Shook’s audio video design practice, expanding the firm’s service offerings.
The firm returned to in-person office operations, including moving into a new Chicago office.
Notable Projects:
2023
Schuler Shook held its first in-person Exchange since 2019, bringing staff together again following the pandemic.
Notable Projects: “The Venue” at Thunder Valley Casino, Lincoln, CA
2024
Notable Projects: Jacobs Music Center, San Diego, CA;
2025
Notable Projects: Jack C. Taylor Music Center, St. Louis, MO; The Playwrights’ Center, St. Paul, MN;
2026
Our 40th anniversary.
The firm gathered once again for Exchange, reflecting on four decades of growth while looking toward the future.
Schuler Shook Lore: In our 40 years, we’ve encountered many interesting spellings and pronunciations of the company name. We take it in stride, but we do have a running list we keep around including: Shuler Shook, Schluler Shook, Shooler Shuck, Schuler’s Hook, Schuler Schook, Schlook Schuler, Schuler Shoes
2016
The Minneapolis office moves to their new home on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Notable Projects: Pillsbury A‑Mill, Minneapolis, MN; “The Horn” at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN; Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL; McDonald’s Chicago Flagship, Chicago, IL
2017
Notable Projects: Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati, OH; The Weitz Center for Creativity at Carleton College, Northfield, MN; Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul, MN
2018
Notable Projects:
2019
Ted Ohl launched Schuler Shook’s New York office, expanding the firm’s presence into another major theatre and cultural market.
Notable Projects: Octave 9: Raisbeck Music Center, Seattle, WA; Macalester College Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, St. Paul, MN;
2020-Present:
short intro paragraph
2020
Like much of the world, Schuler Shook adapted to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to support projects across the globe.
Notable Projects: The Momentary, Bentonville, AR;
2021
The firm continues working remotely.
Notable Projects: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego, CA; Dayton’s Project, Minneapolis, MN;
Schuler Shook Lore: The Momentary opened one week prior to lockdown, but quickly adapted into a COVID-19 vaccination site, as well as place for community members to access supplies, food, and other support systems. Many of our projects found themselves in similar situations, adapting to support the safety of the greater community.
2022
Garth joins the leadership team to establish Schuler Shook’s audio video design practice, expanding the firm’s service offerings.
The firm returns to in-person office operations, including moving into a new Chicago office.
Notable Projects: James Earl Jones Theatre, New York, NY; Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Syndy, NSW
2023
Schuler Shook holds its first in-person Exchange since 2019, bringing staff together again following lockdown.
Notable Projects: “The Venue” at Thunder Valley Casino, Lincoln, CA
2024
Notable Projects: Jacobs Music Center, San Diego, CA; North Loop Green 360, Minneapolis, MN;
2025
Notable Projects: Jack C. Taylor Music Center, St. Louis, MO; The Playwrights Center, St. Paul, MN;
2026
This year, we have already had the privilege of working on projects that reflect the breadth of experience, artistry, and passion that define Schuler Shook.
Our theatre planning team is contributing to the renovation of two Broadway houses — the Todd Haimes Theatre and the Roundabout Theatre — while several long-standing relationships continue to evolve. In Chicago, our work has come full circle as we revisit familiar projects at Millennium Park’s Pritzker Pavilion and the Ravinia Festival Pavilion. We also celebrated the opening of TimeLine Theatre, a new home for a beloved company and one that Schuler Shook has been involved with since 2010.
Together, these projects highlight both the enduring partnerships and forward-looking work that continue to shape the firm’s future.
2026
Forty years on, Schuler Shook reflects on its history while actively engaged in work across the world. We have already had the privilege of working on projects this year that reflect the breadth of experience, artistry, and passion that define our firm.
Our theatre planning team is contributing to the renovation of two Broadway houses: the Todd Haimes Theatre and the Roundabout Theatre. In Chicago, our work has come full circle as we complete new projects at familiar sites and celebrate the long-awaited opening of TimeLine Theatre after 16 years of dreaming, planning, and joyful collaboration.
In May the firm gathered once again for Exchange, reflecting on our four decades of growth while looking toward the future.
And a persistent question was on our minds as we enjoyed time together: In a world changing so quickly it’s sometimes hard to catch your breath, how do you plan for the future?
Well, we have some ideas. It is an exciting time of transition and, while we don’t know exactly what the future holds, looking at our past — the victories, the challenges, the exorbitant number of Mikes, and the ever-emerging “Schuler Shook Lore”— helps us shape our future.
We have been privileged to do what we do for 40 years, and we aren’t stopping any time soon. We’re grateful for everyone who has been a part of this journey and we can’t wait to see where the future leads us.
