Christian Robert and Shawn Gehle Honored at Cayton Playmaker’s Gala
OFFICEUNTITLED Co-Founders and Principals Shawn Gehle and Christian Robert were honored at the 2024 Playmakers Gala on November 14th at the Skirball Cultural Center for their transformative work on the Cayton Children’s Museum. Hosted by actor Patrick Warburton, this year’s event celebrates “The Magic of Play” and recognizes leaders like Shawn and Christian who help make play accessible for all children. Their dedication to creating a vibrant, exploratory space has been instrumental in supporting the museum’s mission of fostering curiosity, connection, and learning through play.
Shawn Gehle and Christian Robert’s path to designing the Cayton Children’s Museum was guided by their shared belief in the power of play. They approached the project with a fresh perspective. When reimagining the museum, Shawn and Christian drew from the most authentic sources of inspiration: their own children’s innate sense of wonder and exploration.
Understanding the profound role that play holds in childhood development, they approached the project not just as designers but as parents. They envisioned a museum where play is not only encouraged but integrated into every inch of the environment. Through full-scale mock-ups of elements like the museum’s signature walls, the team worked hands-on to ensure the space reflected both imagination and inclusivity. By weaving interactive architecture with non-linear storytelling, they crafted a museum that encourages self-guided exploration, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
While their work at Cayton highlights their ability to design spaces that celebrate imagination and exploration, this ethos extends across all OU’s projects. Whether in architecture, interiors, master planning, or design strategy, OU embraces the spirit of play to inspire creativity, challenge conventions, and engage users in unexpected ways. With a dynamic team spanning Los Angeles, New York, and beyond, OU delivers innovative solutions that not only reimagine how spaces function but also how they can spark interaction, curiosity, and joy—regardless of scale or setting.
The gala was an evening filled with freat food, drinks, games, and a specially curated auction to benefit the museum’s PLAY4ALL initiatives. It was an unforgettable night of celebration, fundraising, and fun in support of inclusive, playful spaces for children across Los Angeles.
