About Town: Thomas Schoos
Thomas Schoos isn’t any ordinary designer. After all, he and his design team—comprised of Schoos Design and The Schoos Group—is responsible for creating environments at restaurants from Herringbone in Los Angeles and Morimoto Napa, to hospitality projects including The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica and Alfred Hitchcock-inspired Hotel Vertigo in San Francisco. But, the designer, who recently completed Beach Nation in West Hollywood (with an outdoor patio with bright orange floor lamps and a casual, resort-style vibe), reveals he doesn’t have a lot of free time. “If I have a night off, I’d rather stay at home and enjoy dinner and wine with my partner and a few close friends,” says Schoos. “However, when I’m abroad, I always try to make time for a night out to get a feel for the culture and flair of the area while seeing what’s new in nightlife around the world.”
When he is in town, though, he tells C his mainstays (some even his own creations), favorite landmarks, and where he escapes for a leisurely afternoon.
By Jennie Nunn
SEIZE SUR VINGT “Incidentally, it’s the site of my first store in LA, but more importantly, it’s my favorite shop due to their exceptional clothing. They have custom-made suits that I wear exclusively to events. Where else can you get a personally tailored canary yellow suit?”
GRACIAS MADRE My go-to plate from the menu: coconut cevice. It’s served with fresh summer squash and tomatoes topped with avocado and served with homemade chips.
LA FLOWER MARKET Depending on the person and/or occasion, the bouquet will also vary. Orchids are without a doubt my favorite flower, they are nature’s own architectural wonder. However, I’ve also been known to include Cattleyas and Ranunculus.
MELROSE PLACE FARMERS MARKET Small, quaint, incredibly fresh produce and most importantly, it’s in my neighborhood. I love supporting local businesses in my community.
BEACH NATION It’s the coffee shop I created in my own neighborhood that features its own sandbox beach!
LOTUSLAND It is my personal oasis where I go for meditation, reflection & creative rejuvenation.
THE PENINSULA BEVERLY HILLS Truly, when it comes to hotels & hospitality, it really is all about the service. The Peninsula Beverly Hills, both sophisticated and service-oriented, also boasts extraordinary comfort in terms of their beds.
ENNIS HOUSE by Frank Lloyd Wright. I see each of his houses as works of art. Specifically, his Ennis Hills house in Los Feliz. It’s truly iconic.
Pictured: Thomas Schoos
Photo Courtesy of Schoos Group