Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yoko Chow. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Yoko thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

Absolutely! I believe that taking vacations or exploring new places is crucial for both personal well-being and business success. Stepping away from the daily grind helps recharge mentally and physically, offering a fresh perspective and new inspiration. For me, as an interior designer, travel is especially valuable—it allows me to experience different spaces, structures, and materials, which in turn helps me better understand what clients may want. Design doesn’t have one fixed answer; it’s about feeling and appreciating what resonates with each client.

That said, I understand that taking time away can create challenges for clients and team members. However, with today’s technology, many tasks can be managed remotely, so I make sure to plan in advance. I always communicate with my team before a vacation to ensure everything runs smoothly and minimize the need for real-time intervention. The key is balancing preparation with the ability to disconnect, which ultimately benefits both the business and personal creativity.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I transitioned into the interior design industry after spending a decade in finance, following a personal remodel project. While the process was detailed and at times cumbersome, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. That sparked my interest in interior design, and through my academic studies, I was surprised to discover how much more is involved in handling it professionally.

Although I was born and raised in Japan, I have had the opportunity to live and work in diverse environments, including Singapore, Beijing, Hong Kong, New York and Los Angeles. This international experience has not only shaped my work ethic—combining discipline with flexibility—but has also deepened my appreciation for diverse cultures and individual client preferences.

As a designer, I tend to lean towards a minimalist aesthetic with subtle elements of biophilia—the natural human instinct to connect with nature. However, I believe that my growth as a designer comes from learning from each client and the world around me, whether it’s nature, culture, or the works of artists. I’m excited to continue evolving and pushing the boundaries of my craft.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My interior design career began with a focus on commercial projects, primarily restaurants and offices, while I was still a student. I enjoyed collaborating with other professionals who provided clear concepts, budgets, and timelines. However, after completing my master’s program, the pandemic hit, and all of my projects were either canceled or put on hold.

There wasn’t time to dwell on the setback; instead, I quickly shifted my focus to how I could adapt and contribute to the new reality. With so many people staying and working from home, the demand for home renovations skyrocketed. I pivoted towards residential design, offering consulting services for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), home offices, expanded kitchen spaces, and more.

Residential design is quite different from commercial projects—it’s not always driven by strict concepts, budgets, and timelines, which can make it more challenging. But the reward comes in seeing how much my clients appreciate and enjoy their new spaces once the project is complete. Helping them transform their homes into functional, beautiful environments during such uncertain times was incredibly fulfilling.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation has been built on a foundation of hard work, transparency, and a disciplined work ethic. While social media can certainly boost visibility, I believe that true, long-term success in interior design comes from consistently delivering quality work over time. Each project often spans months or even years, and it requires patience, dedication, and a focus on building trust with clients.

Despite today’s emphasis on social media marketing, 100% of my clients come from repeat business or referrals from trusted vendors I’ve worked with. This speaks to the importance of maintaining strong, genuine relationships and consistently upholding a high standard of professionalism. In my experience, these long-term relationships are the key to sustaining a solid reputation in the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yokochowdesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yokochow.design/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoko-chow-a0047291/

Image Credits

None.