mischief & wilde

WHAT

We believe in creating spaces that revere and inspire the next generation. Our goal is to bring beauty, joy, and imaginative play into every corner of a child’s world.

WHY

• Beauty & Joy: Every design should delight the senses and inspire creativity. We craft play spaces and objects that spark adventure for kids and offer sophisticated style for all ages.
  
• Open-Ended Play: Our designs foster wonder and curiosity.  By avoiding implied rigid rules and structured outcomes from our designs, we encourage exploration and self-expression, which leads to more creative learning experiences.
  
• Biophilia:  Meaning “an intrinsic love of nature,” biophilic design enhances children’s cognitive growth, creativity, and emotional well-being.  It reduces stress, boosts problem-solving skills, and sparks imaginative play. By using natural materials and organic forms, we create environments where children thrive.
  
• Sustainability:  Our play features are crafted with natural materials at the forefront. We select these materials not only for their innate beauty but also for their low embodied carbon and ethical sourcing from well managed forests. Through sustainable choices, we create responsible, aesthetically compelling spaces that contribute to a healthier planet.
  

WHO

Founded by designer Nathan Schleicher, Mischief & Wilde blends biophilic design with a mission to inspire joy and connection. Nathan’s diverse background—exhibit designer, youth worker, musician, and playground design lead—has shaped his unique approach. He’s collaborated with top architects and landscape architects on iconic projects such as The Presidio Tunnel Tops in San Francisco, Rainbow Park in Vancouver, and Met Park at Amazon HQ2 in DC. Each project reflects his passion for nature-infused, story-rich play spaces. 

ASK ME ABOUT…

• Why Mischief & Wilde design studio and a play cafe will share a space…
• The reasons non prescriptive play is such an important concept…
• Why we should use more natural materials, especially for children’s spaces
• What I’ve learned from collaborating with top architects and designers on public play spaces…
• The influence my children have had on my work…
  

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Nathan on a couple of projects. He’s a great collaborator with phenomenal vision. His ability to give shape to ideas is unparalleled, helping others see what the concept will look like in built form, and with a proven track record to back up his designs. He brings play to the creative process – a pure joy to work with.”

Melissa Erikson, Principal, Director of Community Design Services at

MIG

“The design process working with Nathan is enlivened by co-imagining places full of wonder, surprise, and exuberance, but also places for retreat, escape, and quietude. He doesn’t design objects; he designs experiences.”

Lori Singleton, Vice President, Design Director at

SmithGroup

“Nathan brings unparalleled creative energy to the art of playscape design. His passion for how children experience the world combines with a good sense of fun and a collaborative approach to ideation – from concept to details he’s a joy to work with!”

Kate Tooke, PLA, ASLA, Principal, Landscape Architect at

Agency Landscape + Planning

“Nathan is an exceptional designer who creates moments of joy through the spaces he designs, perfectly balancing beauty and functionality. His designs not only captivate the imagination but are thoughtfully crafted for implementation. Nathan is professional, engaging, and brings fresh, innovative, and playful ideas to every project.”

 

Alex Waffle, MLA, OALA, Partner at

Earthscape Play

“Nathan’s artistic talent and keen ability to understand and engage with youth audiences through design is remarkable. His unique designs demonstrate the important connections that happen between open spaces, playground sculptures, and children’s imaginations. It was this unique talent that led to Nathan’s recurring feature at ASLA’s national conference for years. His towering designs displayed in our Expo Hall left attendees awestruck, and his participation in ASLA’s conference for kids – DREAM BIG with Design helped elevate landscape architecture to youth audiences and educators alike.”

Lisa Jennings, MEd, MA, Sr. Manager, Career Discovery & Diversity / Project Director

American Society of Landscape Architects