To millions of television viewers in the 1990s, David Charvet was the embodiment of the sun-soaked, golden-age aesthetic of Southern California. Whether he was patrolling the beaches of Malibu as the rookie lifeguard Matt Brody in Baywatch or navigating the high-stakes interpersonal drama of Melrose Place as the charismatic Craig Feld, Charvet’s face was a staple of primetime television.
Yet, for those who know him today, the red swim trunks and scripted romances are merely footnotes in a much larger narrative. Charvet has pivoted away from the flicker of the camera lens and toward a more tangible, enduring legacy: the creation of a cutting-edge fitness movement. Alongside his 18-year-old son, Shaya Charvet, the actor-turned-entrepreneur has launched "BUILD," a revolutionary training concept that is as much about physical transformation as it is about the profound, unbreakable bond between a father and his son.
The Genesis of a New Venture
The inspiration for BUILD did not come from a board room, but from the quiet, reflective moments following a high school graduation. As David watched his son, Shaya, accept his diploma, he was struck by the sudden realization that the daily rhythm of his life—a rhythm defined by years of cheering from the sidelines of sports fields—was coming to an end.
"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 recalls in an exclusive interview with Muscle & Fitness. "I used to always watch him and just 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 sense of finality triggered a wave of introspection. David began to question his own motivations. Was the creation of his new fitness brand, BUILD, merely a professional endeavor, or was it a subconscious mechanism to stay connected to his son?
"The answer is definitely yes," David admits. "I couldn’t see myself not being able to be close to my son, and I guess I deliberately created something that he was interested in and he was very passionate about. We both created it together without knowing that we were going to stay together."
A Shared History of Discipline
The partnership between David and Shaya is rooted in a lifelong history of shared sweat and determination. Long before they were business partners, they were gym partners. Shaya recalls his father introducing him to the iron at the tender age of eight. This wasn’t just about building muscle; it was about building a foundation of character.
"He had me working around the house, and when you instill that work ethic in your kid, it for sure has an impact," says Shaya. "I think just him always pushing me—he was very hard on me as a kid in a good way, especially with sports—instilled this discipline in myself. For sure, it’s had a huge impact. One hundred percent, we used to work out together. That’s all we’d do. That’s been our main bonding thing since I was young."
For David, seeing his son transition from a student of the gym to an expert in the field has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. "He kind of took it upon himself in the last three years to learn more about the science behind it," David notes. "To the point where he blows me away now because he talks about things that I had no idea about. I see somebody that is completely involved, and he is really giving a quality lesson. I sit back sometimes and I go, ‘Holy moly: This is my son.’"
Innovation in the Studio: The BUILD Concept
BUILD is not just another gym; it is a meticulously engineered environment designed to optimize human performance. Co-created with Maria Chase, the concept has garnered a devoted following in Southern California, specifically for its unique approach to wellness.
The 45-minute sessions are designed for intimacy and precision, with a strict limit of 10 students per class. This allows for a level of personalization rarely found in the modern fitness industry. The programming integrates progressive heavy lifting—using weights ranging from 10 to 95 pounds—with low infrared heat. To maximize recovery and efficiency, the studios are equipped with medical-grade LED/NIR (Near-Infrared) red light therapy.
This combination serves a dual purpose: it allows for a workout that is highly effective for building strength while remaining gentle on the cardiovascular system. The methodology targets the upper and lower body in separate, focused segments, ensuring that clients receive a balanced, comprehensive training stimulus.
David’s background in construction proved vital to the project; he personally designed and developed the studio spaces to ensure that the infrastructure matched the sophistication of the training protocols.
The Professional Dynamic: From Father-Son to Partners
As the business expands, the dynamic between the Charvets has evolved. While the initial stages of the business saw David taking a more "nitpicky" role as a father/mentor, he has learned to step back and trust the expertise of his son.
"He was super nitpicky in the beginning, and he’s my dad, so obviously he’s going to be harder on me than anyone else," Shaya laughs. "But now? Not anymore. I like feedback, but when it comes to the classes, that’s what my expertise is in and that’s what I do. He doesn’t give a lot of input, but everything else, he’s very present."
David echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of treating his son 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. 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 and experience the things that he’s going to need to experience."
Implications for the Future
The success of BUILD signals a shifting trend in the fitness industry toward "conscious fitness"—spaces that prioritize not just the physical body, but the psychological and emotional benefits of community and legacy.
For the Charvets, the objective for the coming year is ambitious: to expand the BURN and BUILD concepts across the country. They believe that their model, which emphasizes high-quality, science-backed instruction within a supportive environment, is scalable.
However, at the core of this growth remains the same philosophy that brought them together in the first place: the pursuit of excellence. Shaya reflects on the most important lesson his father has taught him—a lesson that permeates every aspect of their business.
"The greatest lesson is that anything is possible when you truly believe in it," Shaya says. "My dad has really pushed that on me. Both my parents, honestly. If you truly believe in something and you give everything 110%, it will happen. If you’re going to do something, you do it with everything. That applied to sports, that applied to working out, that applied to relationships, business, everything. He’s always implemented that if you’re going to do something, you do it 100%, and if you’re not going to do it 100%, why do it at all?"
A Legacy Redefined
As the sun sets on the era of the "90s heartthrob," a new, more substantial chapter begins for David Charvet. He is no longer just the man people watched on their television screens; he is a man building a future alongside his son.
In a culture that often favors the superficial, the story of BUILD serves as a poignant reminder that the most enduring things in life are those we build with purpose, passion, and the people we love. Whether they are training clients in Studio City or scouting new locations for expansion, the father-son duo is proving that when you combine a legacy of discipline with the energy of a new generation, the result is more than just a workout—it is a movement.
"He has now gotten the bug where he sees that he’s helping people and he’s changing people’s lives," David says of his son. "And I think that’s become a real driving force. 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."
For the Charvets, the work has only just begun. And for those who have followed David’s journey from the lifeguard towers of Baywatch to the forefront of the fitness industry, it is clear that his best role—the role of a dedicated, proud father—is one that he is still just getting started in.
Ammar Sabilarrohman
Raul Delapena Setiawan
Asro
