We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Clair Van der Swan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Clair below.

Alright, Clair thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Discipline, honesty, openness to learning [by failure], finding comfort in solitude. The latter I state because moving up and moving forward are usually lonely places.

When Atelier van der Swan was still in its formative years, I remember working on a project for a client who, at the time, was more successful than any I had encountered previously. The project was complex and required intricate detailing, which I had never attempted for a client before – only school or recreation. One evening, when the deadline was drawing near, I found a flaw in one of the design’s core components. Honestly, it might have gone unnoticed by many, but it stood out loudly to me.

This is where honesty came into play. Instead of ignoring this or acting like it was intended and somehow better, I immediately informed the client about the oversight. Naturally, they were disappointed, but they appreciated the transparency. It was a setback, yes, but it was also an opportunity to show discipline.
Discipline meant working long hours to not just fix the mistake but also to enhance the design further to atone for the error. The days blended into nights. But during this process, I realized that this was hardly a punishment; but rather it was a challenge to always push boundaries in the endeavor to come closer to perfection.

It was in those silent nights, when the world was asleep, and I was alone with my work, that I truly found comfort in solitude. The quiet hours allowed me to connect deeply with my craft, giving it the attention and care it deserved. I recognized that solitude wasn’t about being alone, but about being unencumbered by external distractions, allowing the inner creativity to flourish, which often comes while alone.

The final design corrected the initial flaw and exceeded the client’s expectations as well as my own. That was an immense feeling of complete accomplishment! This incident wasn’t just about a successful design project. This was a testament to the core values of Atelier van der Swan, which I carry with me in every endeavor that I undertake. It was a lesson in perseverance, honesty, and the boundless possibilities that come with continuous learning and embracing solitude.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I believe in crafting a design from a human perspective and scale. I like to push boundaries of conventional design with fine details where craftsmanship and technology are married together seamlessly like poetry. All too often designers don’t question the “why”? They just design within the established practical conventions. Interior Design is a form of art and art should always push, if not break, boundaries. Foundationally, one must understand the classics – the history – in order to create the Modern.

For example, while attending Instuto Europel Design [IED] in Rome, I was the first student in IED history to be accepted by the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising [FIDM] in Los Angeles, California to attend the Design Exchange Program. Then I became the first exchange student to get selected to do the “Chairing Style” (Chairing Styles is a unique collaboration of 30 students – 10 from Textile Design, 10 from Fashion Design, and from 10 Interior Design). Students are paired in teams of three to create a collaboration and an end product that is quite unique. And I had the honor to be presented at the FIDM runway show and gala.

After FIDM I went back to Rome and received a bachelor’s degree in interior design and, subsequently, opened a design studio in Florence, Italy taking on many prestigious commercial projects. However, constantly seeking to bring innovation and new opportinities into my life, I returned to Los Angeles and I have been working with high profile clients in the interior design community ever since.

Shortly thereafter, I had the distinct privilege of being one of the twelve leading architect/ designers invited by the WestEdge Design Fair and Knoll to create a “re-imagined”, one-of-a-kind Bertoia Chair for the silent auction at that year’s edition of the WestEdge Design Fair’s Opening Night Party, presented by WestEdge, Knoll, and LALA Magazine. Proceeds benefited “Safe Place for Youth” whose mission is to inspire, nurture and empower the resilient human spirit of homeless youth by providing immediate and lasting solutions, one young person at a time.

Additionally, my company, Atelier van der Swan, LLC, has been published in Gulf Shore Magazine, Florida Design, Florida Design Miami, and Voyage LA.

My journey into the world of design began in the alleys of Amsterdam, where I was surrounded by the juxtaposition of historic architecture and avant-garde art. I was mesmerized by how spaces could evoke emotions and narrate stories without uttering a word. This intrigue, coupled with a background in art history, became the genesis of Atelier van der Swan.

At Atelier van der Swan, we wear many hats, but our primary focus is twofold: Interior Design and Bespoke Furniture Design. Our designs don’t just adorn a space; they transform it into a living canvas that mirrors the personalities and lifestyles of their inhabitants. On the other hand, our bespoke furniture pieces are more than just functional entities; they’re heirlooms crafted with meticulous precision and passion, often becoming conversation starters in many homes.

What truly sets us apart, beyond our designs, is our approach. Every space has a soul, every furniture piece a story. Our role is to decipher this hidden narrative and manifest it into reality. For our clients, we don’t just solve space issues or provide furniture; we create experiences, memories, and above all, feelings of warmth, luxury, and comfort.

I take immense pride in the relationships we’ve cultivated over the years. To us, every client is a collaborator, every project a partnership.

For those who are just getting to know us, Atelier van der Swan is not just a design studio; it’s a testament to the beauty of tailored design. Our ethos is rooted in authenticity, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We’re here to transcend trends, crafting spaces and furniture pieces that remain relevant and cherished across generations.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I’d like to say this: Atelier van der Swan is where dreams meet design. If you have a vision, no matter how grand or intimate, we’re here to make it tangible. Welcome to our world of unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless design.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I mean fail is just never an option, what else would I do?

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

A party. Wink.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.clairvanderswan.com
• Instagram: atelier.vanderswan

Image Credits
Sam Frost. Tony Soluri.