We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lo Chen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lo, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

1) What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

The idea to start my own design company stemmed from a long-standing dream to have full creative ownership over my work — from the first spark of inspiration to the final installation. I’ve always believed in a holistic design approach, where being involved in every stage of the process not only elevates the final outcome but also deepens my understanding as a designer and entrepreneur.
Launching my own practice allowed me to immerse myself in every facet of the business — from securing projects and negotiating with clients to conceptualizing spaces, managing execution, and collaborating with all stakeholders. It was about more than just design; it was about building something that reflected my values, curiosity, and passion.

Lo Chen Design was born out of that vision. We’re a full-service interior design firm with a presence in New York and Hong Kong, specializing in hospitality, residential, commercial interiors, as well as staging and model homes. While we work internationally, our core focus remains in the U.S., particularly in Miami, the Hamptons, and Manhattan.

2) Social impact: how does your business help the community or the world?

At the core of my design philosophy is a deep belief that thoughtfully crafted spaces can transform lives and strengthen communities. Interior design is not just about aesthetics — it’s about creating environments that promote well-being, connection, and purpose.
One meaningful example was designing an office for a private practice psychotherapist. The goal was to create a calming, welcoming space where both therapist and clients could feel safe and at ease. Hearing how the environment has brought a sense of peace and comfort to those who walk through the door has been incredibly fulfilling. It reaffirmed for me how design can directly support mental and emotional wellness.
Another project close to my heart was The Well Coffee Shop (https://www.thewellcoffeeny.com) , operated by a Christian organization focused on outreach and community building. Beyond serving coffee, the space was designed to be a warm, inclusive gathering place — one where conversations flourish and people feel a sense of belonging. We even included a dedicated playroom for children so that parents could enjoy a moment of rest while staying connected to their kids — a small detail that’s made a big difference for families.

Looking ahead, one of my dreams is to design coffee shops around the world that serve not only as places of hospitality but also as platforms for sharing the gospel and supporting local communities. I’m excited to be working on a new café project in Manchester, UK next year that embodies this vision.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an interior designer and artist with a passion that has been nurtured since my early years growing up in the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong.

I embarked on my formal journey in the world of art and design by studying Fine Arts in HK, where my love for creative expression and aesthetics deepened. My quest for knowledge and experience led me to the bustling streets of New York City, where I took a summer course during my studies in Hong Kong.
In the Big Apple, I fell in love, not just with the city itself, but with its art, design, and the rich tapestry of diversity that inspires so many. I further honed my skills by pursuing a degree in interior design in New York, and subsequently, I gained invaluable experience working for various top design firms for about five years. However, my dream was always to start my own design company. I yearned for the opportunity to oversee every facet of a project, from inception to completion. I believed that I could gain a holistic understanding of the creative process by handling a project from start to finish.

The idea to start my own design company stemmed from a long-standing dream to have full creative ownership over my work — from the first spark of inspiration to the final installation. I’ve always believed in a holistic design approach, where being involved in every stage of the process not only elevates the final outcome but also deepens my understanding as a designer and entrepreneur.
Launching my own practice allowed me to immerse myself in every facet of the business — from securing projects and negotiating with clients to conceptualizing spaces, managing execution, and collaborating with all stakeholders. It was about more than just design; it was about building something that reflected my values, curiosity, and passion.
Lo Chen Design was born out of that vision. We’re a full-service interior design firm with a presence in New York and Hong Kong, specializing in hospitality, residential, commercial interiors, as well as staging and model homes. While we work internationally, our core focus remains in the U.S., particularly in Miami, the Hamptons, and Manhattan.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Social impact: how does your business help the community or the world?

At the core of my design philosophy is a deep belief that thoughtfully crafted spaces can transform lives and strengthen communities. Interior design is not just about aesthetics — it’s about creating environments that promote well-being, connection, and purpose.
One meaningful example was designing an office for a private practice psychotherapist. The goal was to create a calming, welcoming space where both therapist and clients could feel safe and at ease. Hearing how the environment has brought a sense of peace and comfort to those who walk through the door has been incredibly fulfilling. It reaffirmed for me how design can directly support mental and emotional wellness.
Another project close to my heart was The Well Coffee Shop (https://www.thewellcoffeeny.com) , operated by a Christian organization focused on outreach and community building. Beyond serving coffee, the space was designed to be a warm, inclusive gathering place — one where conversations flourish and people feel a sense of belonging. We even included a dedicated playroom for children so that parents could enjoy a moment of rest while staying connected to their kids — a small detail that’s made a big difference for families.

Looking ahead, one of my dreams is to design coffee shops around the world that serve not only as places of hospitality but also as platforms for sharing the gospel and supporting local communities. I’m excited to be working on a new café project in Manchester, UK next year that embodies this vision.

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

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your
life/career?

Risk has played a defining role in both my personal journey and professional growth. Leaving my hometown of Hong Kong to study and work in New York was one of the first major leaps I took — it meant stepping far outside my comfort zone and immersing myself in a completely different culture, language, and pace of life. That decision shaped not only my worldview but also my adaptability and resilience.
Starting my own design firm was another significant risk. Entrepreneurship brings no guarantees, and committing fully meant facing the unknown with both determination and vulnerability. There were moments of uncertainty, but I saw each challenge as an opportunity to grow. Through hands-on experience — from managing projects to working directly with clients — I gained insights that no classroom could offer. Every risk I took helped sharpen my instincts, strengthen my confidence, and deepen my passion for design.
Ultimately, I’ve come to see risk not as something to fear, but as a necessary part of growth. It’s in those uncertain moments that we discover what we’re truly capable of.
Contact Info:

· Website: www.lochendesign.com
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lo_chen_design
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lochendesign
· Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lo-chen-819a304/

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lochendesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lo_chen_design/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lochendesign
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lo-chen-819a304/

Image Credits

Marco Ricca, Andrew Lai, Harris Allen, John Mazlish