For millions of television viewers in the 1990s, David Charvet was the epitome of California cool. Whether he was patrolling the beaches of Malibu as the rookie lifeguard Matt Brody in Baywatch or navigating the high-stakes drama of Melrose Place as the charismatic Craig Feld, Charvet commanded the screen with a sun-kissed charm that defined an era. However, in the decades that followed his departure from prime-time television, Charvet has redefined his identity. Today, the actor-turned-entrepreneur finds his greatest sense of fulfillment not in front of a camera, but inside the four walls of a fitness studio, side-by-side with his 18-year-old son, Shaya.
The duo has recently launched "BUILD," a revolutionary fitness concept that serves as both a cutting-edge wellness destination and a testament to the enduring power of the father-son bond.
Main Facts: The Genesis of BUILD
BUILD is more than just another gym; it is a meticulously engineered fitness experience that merges strength training with advanced recovery technology. Co-created by David Charvet and industry partner Maria Chase, the concept is designed for a boutique environment, capping classes at just 10 students to ensure maximum efficacy and personal attention.
The workout, which lasts 45 minutes, is the first of its kind to integrate progressive heavy lifting—utilizing weights ranging from 10 to 95 pounds—with low-level infrared heat and medical-grade LED/NIR (near-infrared) red light therapy. This combination is designed to make heavy lifting gentler on the cardiovascular system while optimizing caloric burn and muscle recovery.
The business model reflects David Charvet’s transition into real estate development and construction. Having designed and built the studios himself, he has ensured that the physical space is as optimized as the curriculum. Currently making waves in Southern California, the brand is now poised for national expansion, driven by a partnership that is as much about familial legacy as it is about physical health.
A Chronology of Growth: From the Bleachers to the Boardroom
The roots of the BUILD concept trace back to the high school athletic career of Shaya Charvet. For David, the realization that his professional path was shifting occurred at a poignant moment: his son’s high school graduation.
"When I was at his graduation, I was looking at those bleachers because I was there every single day after 3:30 p.m. after work," David recounts in an exclusive interview with Muscle & Fitness. "I used to always watch him and support him throughout his whole high school career. I didn’t miss a day. And so, I was leaving the graduation and I said, ‘Wow, I’m never going to see these bleachers again.’"
That moment of parental reflection acted as a catalyst. David began to question his own motivations for entering the fitness space. "I realized that I created BUILD because I still wanted to be on a bench and I wanted my son to perform in front of others," he reflects. "Did I subconsciously do this so that I could still be close to him? The answer is definitely yes. I couldn’t see myself not being able to be close to my son."
What began as a subconscious desire to maintain their closeness evolved into a professional collaboration. While Shaya did not pursue his father’s path in acting, he inherited the Charvet work ethic and a deep, intellectual passion for exercise science. By the time the studio doors opened, the father-son dynamic had shifted from mentor-protégé to full-fledged business partners.
Supporting Data and Technical Innovation
The success of the BUILD model relies on a scientific approach to hypertrophy and recovery. By limiting the class size to 10 participants, the instructors are able to focus on specific, high-quality movements that target the upper and lower body independently.
The integration of red light therapy and infrared heat is the "secret sauce" of the program. Infrared heat increases core temperature, which allows for a more efficient sweat and metabolic boost without the excessive heart-rate strain often associated with high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Simultaneously, the medical-grade LED/NIR light therapy aids in cellular recovery, reducing inflammation and potentially shortening the time needed between heavy lifting sessions.
"He kind of took it upon himself in the last three years to learn more about the science behind it," David notes, referring to his son’s deep dive into the technicalities of muscle growth. "He blows me away now because he talks about things that I had no idea about. I sit back sometimes and I go, ‘Holy moly: This is my son.’"
Official Responses: The Evolving Father-Son Dynamic
The transition from playing the role of a father to that of a business partner has not been without its adjustments. In the early days, David admitted to being "super nitpicky" about how his son conducted the classes. However, that phase has passed, replaced by mutual professional respect.
"He’s my dad, so obviously he’s going to be harder on me than anyone else," Shaya says. "But now? Not anymore. I like feedback, but when it comes to the classes, that’s what my expertise is in. He doesn’t give a lot of input [on the training], but everything else, he’s very present."
David echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of treating Shaya as an equal. "I don’t talk to him as my son," David explains. "I talk to him as my business partner, as an equal, and that’s kind of how we go about things now. I’ll always be his dad and I’ll always be standing on the sidelines watching him, but I want him to also be able to be his own man."
Shaya credits his father’s unwavering intensity for his success in the fitness industry. "He’s been taking me to the gym since I was probably 8 years old," Shaya recalls. "When you instill that work ethic in your kid, it for sure has an impact. If you’re going to do something, you do it 100 percent, and if you’re not going to do it 100 percent, why do it at all?"
The Implications: A New Chapter in Wellness
The implications of the Charvets’ collaboration extend far beyond the success of a single gym chain. Their story highlights a shift in the fitness industry toward "personalized boutique wellness," where the experience is curated, scientifically backed, and rooted in authentic community connection.
As the brand prepares to scale across the United States, the focus remains on the "bug"—that addictive feeling of seeing a client’s life change through physical discipline. For Shaya, who is arguably in the best physical shape of his life, the goal is to expand the reach of this philosophy. For David, the success of the business is secondary to the fact that he has created an environment where he and his son can continue to grow together.
"He has now gotten the bug where he sees that he’s helping people and he’s changing people’s lives," David says with pride. "It’s become much bigger than just him. It’s not about him just being fit for himself, but now he’s actually helping other people do it."
In an industry often dominated by celebrity endorsements and superficial trends, the BUILD concept stands out for its foundation in genuine, multi-generational hard work. By turning a personal desire for connection into a viable, high-quality business model, the Charvets have proven that the best projects are the ones built on a strong, shared foundation. Whether they are training clients in Studio City or overseeing the development of new locations, the message from the father-son team remains clear: If you’re going to build something, build it to last—and build it with the people who matter most.
Basiran
rifanmuazin
