Annette E. Schaich (1963-2024), a beloved and respected figure in the contract textiles industry, passed away on November 2, 2024, after an 11-year battle with ROS1 cancer. She died peacefully at home in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, surrounded by family and friends. She was 61. Known for her unwavering dedication to the world of furniture design and textiles, Annette’s career left a profound impact on the industry and those who had the pleasure of working alongside her.
Annette was born in Reutlingen, Germany, where she studied international business and marketing management at Fachhochschule für Wirtschaft und Technik. After graduating in 1991, she worked as a product manager at Knoll International, Germany, until the end of 1994. In 1995, she relocated to New York City, where she became a product manager at Knoll Studio, NYC, serving until April 2000. In July 2000, she became vice president of marketing at Maharam, where she played a pivotal role and was a key contributor to its emergence as the industry leader in contract textiles. She is celebrated not only for her strategic vision but for her advocacy in preserving the legacy of iconic designs, such as those by Charles and Ray Eames and Alexander Girard.
In her roles at both Knoll and Maharam, Annette excelled at building strong relationships between iconic brands in the U.S. and Europe. “During her time at Knoll, she helped integrate Fritz Hansen into the KnollStudio collection,” recalled Karla the Losen, a former colleague at Knoll. “She also played a key role in establishing the partnership between Maharam and Kvadrat,” added Hillary Ellner, who worked with Annette at Maharam.
In November 2013, she left Maharam to start her own textile consulting business which she operated through 2023.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Annette was deeply committed to community and compassionate causes, often spearheading initiatives to help those with limited resources. Whether raising funds for a friend in need or contributing her time and resources to industry organizations, she embodied a spirit of kindness and generosity that inspired those in her personal and professional circles.
Her role as a board member since 2007 of the Association for Contract Textiles (ACT), and ACT Board President between 2010-2013, further demonstrated her dedication, helping to elevate the standards and value of contract textiles worldwide. “We are heartbroken about the loss of our dedicated long-time board member and past board president,” says Janan Rabiah, Executive Director of ACT, “Annette was always generous with her time and worked diligently in so many ways—from outreach to the A&D community through social media, to CEU programs and branding initiatives. With her incredible curiosity and far-flung connections, she opened up whole new avenues for program content and speaker lineups at our membership conference each year. But what we will miss most is our adventurous, upbeat dear friend who was so much more than a colleague.”
Annette lived a wonderful life of joy, creativity, adventure, travel and style which she shared with her husband, Tony Conway, an artist who she met in New York City in 1997. Speaking many languages, she often was found attending and speaking at Design Week in Cologne and Milan. Together, she and Tony forged lasting friendships around the globe. She was predeceased by her father, Immanuel Schaich, and she leaves behind her husband, her mother, and Evelyn Schaich, in addition to many relatives, friends, and colleagues, who mourn her loss but celebrate the remarkable life she led. Annette will be buried in the family plot in Germany, and a celebration of her life will be held in the spring in Westmoreland.
An initiative is underway to create a scholarship in Annette’s honor. For those interested, queries can be directed to Tony@conwaystudios.com.