1Congratulations on winning the French Design Awards! Can you introduce yourself and share about what inspired you to pursue design as a career?
I’m Nanyan Chen, an interior designer specialising in high-end hospitality and residential spaces. My professional journey across China, the United States, and Italy has shaped a unique design philosophy that blends Italian contemporary aesthetics with the rich storytelling of Chinese culture, all enhanced by modern technology.
My passion for interior design began when I visited a hotel designed by Kelly Hill that revealed to me how powerfully a well-crafted space can move people and inspired me to pursue this path.
2What does being recognised in the French Design Awards mean to you?
Being recognised in the French Design Awards is deeply meaningful to me, both personally and professionally. This recognition feels like a powerful affirmation of my career.
3How has this achievement impacted your career, team, or agency, and what opportunities has it brought so far?
This achievement has significantly accelerated my career. It demonstrated my design ability, increased trust from the current client, and opened opportunities for potential projects.
4What role does experimentation play in your creative process? Can you share an example?
Experimentation is a critical component of the creative process. I see experimentation as essential to discovering unexpected harmony between tradition and innovation. For example, in one of my recent hospitality projects, I explored integrating traditional Mexican motifs into a minimalist, Italian-inspired space. Instead of using it directly, I experimented with abstract patterns and modern materials to subtly echo the narrative without overwhelming the contemporary feel.
5What's the most unusual source of inspiration you've ever drawn from for a project?
I usually get inspiration from natural and cultural elements. The most unusual inspiration source I took was using a motion/verb to develop the entire interior space.
6What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the design process?
The design process is a chain of decision-making. Each mild change could lead to completely different directions.
7How do you navigate the balance between meeting client expectations and staying true to your ideas?
Balancing client expectations with my design vision is one of the most important aspects of my work. I see it as a collaborative journey, where understanding the client’s needs and aspirations is the foundation. My role is to translate their objectives into a design that not only fulfils their functional and aesthetic goals but also carries my signature approach.
8What were the challenges you faced while working on your award-winning design, and how did you overcome them?
The challenge I face is to transfer traditional Indian culture through contemporary design approaches. In the end, I chose to simplify most of the decoration and emphasised a few pieces.
9How do you recharge your creativity when you hit a creative block?
I would go hiking and take photos when I need to recharge. Architectural and landscape photography is always a vital source of inspiration for me.
10What personal values or experiences do you infuse into your designs?
I believe that the aesthetic of design is just as important as its function. Every colour, material, and proportion plays a vital role in shaping the overall interior experience. A well-designed space should not only be visually striking but also serve the practical needs of its users, creating a seamless harmony between beauty and utility.
11What is an advice that you would you give to aspiring designers aiming for success?
Be persistent and learn how to enjoy life.
12If you could collaborate with any designer, past or present, who would it be and why?
Kelly Hill. He is the one who brought me into this field, and I really like his interpretation of Asian culture.
13What's one question you wish people would ask you about your work, and what's your answer?
What does interior design mean to you?
To me, interior design is about creating meaningful experiences for the client while also serving as a form of self-expression. It’s the delicate balance of understanding the client’s needs and vision while infusing my own creativity and design philosophy into the space. Every project is an opportunity to tell a unique story, one that reflects both the personality of the client and my artistic perspective.
