Tricks of the trade with Chango & Co.

We (virtually) sat down with Susana Simonpietri, the creative director & owner of design firm Chango & Co. for her tricks of the trade. From Brooklyn lofts to Hamptons getaways, Susana and her team transform spaces into warm, bright homes. Read on for her tips on collecting art, design advice, and guidance on how to “make beauty happen”.

How did your design practice begin?

When the economy crashed in 2008, I lost my job with Ze Design and decided to start my own business. I had big dreams back then, but really no idea where life would take me. Slowly but surely, the business began to grow, but I only moved as quickly as I could while still remaining in control of my work and creativity. Throughout these years and especially early on, I watched many people come and go - failing to pace themselves and quickly running out of steam, and I remember fearing a similar outcome. As I watched and learned, I decided to manage the growth at a speed I felt comfortable with, taking time with each decision and minimizing the potential for failure as much as possible. Our office ran out of my Brooklyn Brownstone before we finally took the plunge towards an official Chango & Co. office space, just a few years ago. Since then, our growth has been exponential and this year, we have plans to double our footprint, grow our team, and take on more exciting projects than ever before. And so they say, slow and steady wins the race.

What is your design ethos? How would you describe your unique approach to design?

We like to say that we design homes for nice people with open minds, and we really do mean it. For me, the likable factor is crucial because design is such a personal thing, especially when it comes to someone’s home. Before devising a plan for any project, I take cues from my clients and each of their unique personalities. And have to say, it’s mighty hard to make beauty happen if you can’t find it in the people you’re creating for. I know there are plenty of designers who don’t mind constant tension between themselves and their clients, as long as it means they’re able to produce their work. To me, that sounds a lot like slow torture. A long time ago I started to say, any beauty you might find in my work is a direct reflection of my understanding for the family that inhabits the home, and the same still and will always hold true. The work we have cataloged is only a mirror of who I’ve created for, a beautiful collection of the sweetest, kindest people I’ve had the opportunity to cross paths with.

What's the best piece of design advice you've received?

In relationship to art, I’d say it would be to be irreverent and never adhere to any rules. For me, this is the most liberating way to approach art. I usually tell young clients that it’s much more beneficial to invest in a few pieces from a young, up-and-coming artist than it is to fork over massive amounts of money to one settled artists who you’re forced to pay a premium for. I enjoy pulling from galleries like Uprise because they focus on bringing forward talented young artists who are well worth the investment for anyone looking to start an art collection.

Any beauty you might find in my work is a direct reflection of my understanding for the family that inhabits the home.

Susana Simonpietri

How does art influence you and your designs?

Art is the very last thing I will select for a home, and I do it all myself - one piece at a time. While I no longer have as much time as I once did to source furniture and finishes (but thankfully, we have an entire team devoted to pulling options so I’m able to edit and curate), art is a large part of what I love to do and I still take the time to take it on.

I’ve been surrounded by art ever since I was a child. My father is one of the founders of the Museum of Contemporary Art in PR and my mother is an art curator and historian. Through the years, they have grown a beautiful collection of Latin American art that makes me so proud and was truly inspiring to be around as a child. I grew up exposed to this beautiful world and when I was a child, my parents built a casita on our property to host artists from different parts of Latin America while they worked on producing new work. I remember spending long afternoons with each artist and watching as they created and engaging in long conversations which meandered and helped me become who I am today. The world of an artist and mentality of creation has always been an important part of who I am.

What are your rules to live by for your personal art collection?

For my personal collection, we only buy what we love, and I’ve been extremely fortunate to inherit some beautiful pieces from my family. In addition to this, we think of art as very cyclical. I will live with a piece for a while and sell it when I’m ready for something new, similar to what my parents have done.

What are a few of your favorite art moments from past projects?

My favorite project from the last several years was a home in the Pacific Palisades of Los Angeles. Firstly because it was done for a second-time client, and secondly because it was located in California - a market I had been dying to reach and now hope for the opportunity to continue creating in.

Looking for more tricks of the trade? Read how New York-based designer Tina Rich helped Karlie Kloss makeover the Klossy office.