At Crossville, we love to celebrate talent. That’s why we connected with interior designer Audrey Chen. It only takes a few minutes speaking with Audrey to realize her passion for design and the clients that she works with. Her enthusiasm is infectious. She was born and raised in Shanghai, China and has spent the last 14 years in Los Angeles creating unique spaces for corporate workplaces, major motion picture studios, commercial high-rises, senior living complexes, and more.
Interview Transcript
WHY DID YOU GET INTO INTERIOR DESIGN?
I’ve always loved the movies. I’m fascinated with their storytelling and how they touch people emotionally. When you leave the theater, you feel differently because of the immersive experience you just had. That’s why I got into design. I wanted to create that feeling beyond the big screen. I take a unique cinematic approach to elevate people’s experiences and humanize spaces. My goal is to stimulate people emotionally, visually, intellectually, and viscerally through design.
WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE INDUSTRY?
Open concept office spaces are a thing of the past, and now we’re focusing on customizing to individual company needs. Natural elements, sustainability, environmental concerns, and employee well-being have become important design issues. Organizations are realizing that they need to invest more in the physical and emotional health of their employees.
In Los Angeles, movie studios are moving towards on-campus office buildings with 24/7 amenities. In the past, the various disciplines were separated all over town, but now all talent is working at the same location. It’s been working out well so far.
YOU ARE LEED AP CERTIFIED. WHY IS SUSTAINABILITY IMPORTANT?
The whole world is witnessing environmental changes right now. And the building and construction industry play a key part in contributing to the environment. Sustainability should be taken into consideration in every aspect of the design process with the aim of being both environmentally conscious and providing psychological well-being. Being aware and doing our part to make a difference is important in how I practice.
HOW DO YOU PUSH BOUNDARIES IN YOUR WORK
I strongly advocate for multidisciplinary practices. I incorporate graphics, branding, and signage elements (and take architectural, exterior, and landscape features into consideration) to create fully integrated and cohesive interior spaces. Everything you see and feel should be part of the interior design. I strive to use innovative, unique, underutilized, and natural elements as a framework and develop the workplace around them—ultimately expressing a balanced harmony between technology and nature. If we can achieve all of that, why not?
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW DESIGNERS?
Design with passion, not ego. Embrace collaboration and limitations, and don’t ever give up when it gets tough. Remember that design is not only about space, it’s about being human. And keep your stubbornness when it comes to what you believe in.
Know an interior designer or tile professional we should feature in our Conversations series? Message us at marketing@crosssvilleinc.com to make the connection. We’d love to hear from you!
