Podcast Summary: "Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production"
Episode: Mandy Cheng – From Set Design to Interior Design, On Career Pivots, Creativity and Growing A Small Firm into an AD100 Business
Release Date: October 9, 2024
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Talk Shop, host Ariel Okin welcomes Mandy Cheng, a distinguished interior designer renowned for her transition from Hollywood set design to establishing a highly acclaimed interior design firm in Los Angeles. Mandy’s unique journey, creative insights, and practical advice offer valuable lessons for both aspiring designers and seasoned professionals alike.
Career Journey: From Production to Interiors
Mandy Cheng's career path is anything but conventional. Starting her professional life in customer service at a footwear company and later venturing into the mortgage industry, Mandy eventually found her true calling in production design at DreamWorks Animation. Her knack for creativity led her to freelance production design projects, which ignited her passion for interior design.
Notable Quote:
"I have lived nine lives, so telling you where I started and how I got here is quite a journey."
— Mandy Cheng [00:24]
The pivotal moment came when Mandy decided to leave DreamWorks Animation to pursue production design full-time. Supported by her husband, Rory, an architect, Mandy took on her first interior design project: a full gut renovation of a two-story condo. This successful endeavor marked the beginning of Mandy Chang Design, her solo interior design firm.
Design Philosophy: Earthy, Layered, and Comfortable
When asked to describe her design style in three words, Mandy chose earthy, layered, and comfortable. Her portfolio showcases a harmonious blend of rich colors, textures, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Notable Quote:
"I would say earthy, layered, and comfortable."
— Mandy Cheng [02:17]
Ariel Okin notes the distinctive use of color in Mandy’s work, emphasizing how it sets her designs apart. Mandy attributes her love for color to her childhood experiences, including participating in grocery store coloring contests.
Notable Quote:
"We can thank Kroger grocery store coloring contests for my career today."
— Mandy Cheng [10:39]
Overcoming Challenges: Renovating a Hoarder’s Home
Currently, Mandy is renovating her own home, which was previously a hoarder’s residence. This complex project involved extensive clean-up, structural upgrades, and living amidst ongoing construction—a test of patience and resilience.
Notable Quote:
"I will never, ever tell a client to live through construction."
— Mandy Cheng [05:09]
This experience underscored the importance of clear communication with clients about the realities of living in a construction zone and reinforced Mandy’s commitment to client well-being.
Evolving Design Process: Building a Team and Letting Go
Reflecting on her decade-long journey, Mandy discusses how her design process has evolved from handling every detail herself to building a competent team. Embracing delegation was a significant learning curve, helping her scale her business effectively.
Notable Quote:
"I started to let go of my need for control, which is hard for a type A person like me."
— Mandy Cheng [15:12]
Ariel and Mandy delve into the challenges of relinquishing control and the strategies that helped Mandy foster a collaborative and efficient work environment.
Inspirations and Influences: Travel, Nature, and Global Design
Mandy draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including her travels, particularly her time in Santa Barbara and Mexico City. These experiences have instilled in her a love for diverse color palettes and global aesthetics.
Notable Quote:
"Nature just going outside and hiking and looking at plants and seeing how nature puts color together."
— Mandy Cheng [26:15]
Her background in production design also plays a crucial role, teaching her to transform arbitrary spaces into cohesive environments tailored to specific visions.
Favorite Practices and Shopping Local
A strong advocate for supporting small businesses, Mandy prefers sourcing unique decor and accessories from local LA shops and online platforms like Etsy. She emphasizes the importance of personalized, handcrafted pieces in creating distinctive interiors.
Notable Quote:
"I love to shop local. I love small businesses because I'm a small business."
— Mandy Cheng [23:45]
Mandy also highlights the joy of vintage and antique shopping in Los Angeles, where she finds eclectic items that add character to her projects.
Rapid-Fire Highlights: Personal Favorites
In the rapid-fire segment, Mandy shares her personal favorites, offering a glimpse into her personality and tastes:
- Favorite Food: French fries
"A nice glass of Pinot Noir and some French fries is fabulous." - Favorite Drink: Pinot Noir
- Favorite Film: Anything by Wes Anderson
- Favorite City: Los Angeles for living and Mexico City for travel
- Favorite Bedding: Bamboo, specifically from Parachute and Mateo
- Favorite Playlist: Spotify's Mexican guitar
- Favorite Weekend Activity: Brunch and hanging out with friends
- Favorite Design Book: Art Digest
Current Projects and Future Endeavors
Mandy is currently collaborating with Hudson Valley Lighting Group on her own lighting collection within their Mitzi line. This venture allows her to expand her creative footprint and bring her design vision into homes through functional art pieces.
Notable Quote:
"I collaborated with Hudson Valley Lighting Group for my own lighting collection with their Mitzi line."
— Mandy Cheng [34:59]
She anticipates showcasing her collection at High Point and other design conferences, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey.
Final Advice: Defining Your Own Interior Style
Mandy advises aspiring designers to start by exploring their own homes to identify what naturally attracts them. She emphasizes the importance of building on personal preferences while remaining open to diverse styles to cater to a wide range of clients.
Notable Quote:
"Start with your own house. Look around and see what you're drawn to and then build on that."
— Mandy Cheng [36:23]
She encourages designers to embrace experimentation and avoid confining themselves to a single style, ensuring flexibility and creativity in their work.
Conclusion
Mandy Cheng’s insightful journey from set design to establishing a top-tier interior design firm underscores the power of passion, resilience, and continuous growth. Her emphasis on authentic design, client-focused solutions, and the importance of a supportive team offers a blueprint for success in the dynamic world of interior design. Listeners are inspired by Mandy’s story and encouraged to apply her wisdom to their own creative pursuits.
Connect with Mandy Cheng:
- Website: MandyChangDesign.com
- Instagram: @MandyChangDesign
Follow Mandy and Ariel Okin on their respective social media platforms for more updates and design inspiration.