Interview
Nanyan Chen
1 Congratulations on winning the MUSE 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 specializing 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, which showed me how powerfully a well-crafted space can move people and inspired me to pursue this path.
2 What does being recognized in the MUSE Design Awards mean to you?
Being recognized in the MUSE Design Awards is deeply meaningful to me, both personally and professionally. This recognition feels like a powerful affirmation of my career.
3 How has this achievement impacted your career, team, or agency, and what opportunities has it brought so far?
This achievement will accelerate my career. It demonstrates my design ability, which has led to increased trust from current clients and opened opportunities for potential projects.
4 What role does experimentation play in your creative process? Can you share an example?
Experimentation is at the heart of my creative process. 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.
5 What's the most unusual source of inspiration you've ever drawn from for a project?
I usually take inspiration from natural and cultural elements. The most unusual source I’ve used was taking a motion or verb as the root concept to develop the entire interior space.
6 What’s one thing you wish more people understood about the design process?
The design process is a chain of decision-making and needs to be viewed from a broad perspective. Each mild change could lead the project to a completely different direction.
7 How 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 fulfills their functional and aesthetic goals but also carries my signature approach.
8 What were the challenges you faced while working on your award-winning design, and how did you overcome them?
The challenge I faced was how to blend traditional Indian culture with contemporary design approaches. I drew inspiration from Japanese, Italian, and Belgian renovation projects, minimized interior decoration, and preserved traditional elements in a few key areas.
9 How do you recharge your creativity when you hit a creative block?
I usually go hiking or take photos when I need to recharge. Architectural and landscape photography is a great source of inspiration for me.
10 What 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 color, 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. For me, it’s about finding the perfect balance where every element contributes to both the emotional impact and the functionality of the space.
11 What is an advice that you would you give to aspiring designers aiming for success?
Be persistent and enjoy life.
12 If you could collaborate with any designer, past or present, who would it be and why?
Kelly Hill inspired me and brought me into this field. I really admire how he interprets Asian culture through interior design.
13 What's one question you wish people would ask you about your work, and what's your answer?
I wish people would ask on what does interior design mean to me? To me, interior design is about creating meaningful experiences for clients while expressing myself. It’s balancing their needs and vision with my own creativity and design philosophy.
