MAGAZINE · INTERVIEW

César Giraldo

César Giraldo is a Colombian-born interior designer and the Founder and Principal of César Giraldo Design, a studio working across residential, commercial, and hospitality projects internationally. Based in West Hollywood, his work is recognized for blending contemporary luxury with references to traditional craftsmanship, creating interiors that feel both refined and timeless.

Driven by an early fascination with color, form, and materiality, Giraldo approaches each project with a strong sense of individuality and atmosphere. His interiors balance elegance with warmth, combining sculptural forms, rich textures, and carefully layered details to create spaces that are deeply personal and visually striking.

Beyond interiors, Giraldo has expanded into furniture, rug, leather, and lighting design through collaborations with brands including Tidelli, Mehraban, and Studio M Lighting. His work has been recognized with several industry accolades, including the Stars of Design Award from the Pacific Design Center, and has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest and Elle Decor. Alongside his design practice, he founded the Espiritu Santo Project Foundation in Medellín, supporting art education programs for at-risk youth.

Cesar Giraldo David Christopher Lee — © David Christopher Lee

“Let the design process embrace the unexpected.”

INTERVIEW

Could you tell us about one of your favorite projects and what makes it special?

1859 Bel Air Rd remains one of my favorite projects, embodying everything I cherish about my work. From the outset, it presented a multitude of challenges, which I thrive on. I relish finding design solutions, especially for a 20,000 square foot home like this one.

Moreover, this project connected me with an exceptional client who has become a dear friend. Over the 4 1/2 years of collaboration, we shared a vision and dedication that propelled the project forward. Witnessing my client’s deep investment and passion for the project was incredibly inspiring.

I had the privilege of collaborating with luxurious brands that I deeply admire and curating an impressive portfolio of artists, such as Pierre Bonnefille, which was a true luxury in itself. The project also served as inspiration for my lighting collection with Studio M Lighting and a rug collection for Mehraban Rugs. Additionally, collaborating with Ex Nihilo, a Parisian fragrance house, to create a special scent, and where they debuted their scent diffuser for the home, was one of the highlight’s of the creative process.

I take immense pride in the outcome of 1859 Bel Air Rd—a masterpiece of a home that exemplifies the pinnacle of modern design and luxury.

You are currently based in LA and you have grown up in Colombia. You are an important and vibrant part of the LA Design community and are working globally. Could you tell us how your journey into design started?

Growing up in Colombia, I experienced both the vibrant highs and the challenging lows of life intensely, and I found solace in creativity. From a young age, I gravitated towards art and design, eagerly taking classes to nurture my passion. I seized every opportunity to be creative, especially enjoying the transformation of my family’s home interiors. Rearranging the same pieces of furniture to give them new life was magical and fueled my passion for design, solidifying my future career.

This act of redesigning was metaphorical, reflecting my desire to bring stylish order to my life. After leaving Colombia, I moved to Iowa to study business administration and communications. Despite my academic focus, my passion for design persisted. I continued to explore design independently, often designing the apartments of friends.

Moving to Los Angeles was a pivotal step in my creative journey; I intuitively knew that LA would nurture and enhance my creative path.

Designing interiors and products is the only thing that truly fulfills me vocationally, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Do you think there has been a defining moment in your career?

The defining moment in my career was when I truly trusted my instincts— and started collaborating with people who share a mutual appreciation and respect for the craft and one another.

Your Gusto collection of lighting sculptures is beautiful. Could you tell us about how the idea of that collection came about? Was lighting design something you that intrigued you for a long time?

I believe lighting is as crucial as any other design element in shaping a home. Finding the perfect lighting for my projects brings me immense satisfaction; I persist until I discover lighting that harmonizes perfectly with each project.

The Gusto collection was born out of inspiration from my work on 1859 Bel Air Rd. The avant-garde architecture of that project initially sparked the concept as I searched for the ideal lighting solutions.

Consequently, I decided to create bespoke lighting pieces tailored specifically for that project.

You live and work in LA. How does the energy of this city affect you and the work you do?

I have a profound love for LA; it has been instrumental in nurturing my creative growth, and I deeply value its vibrant design community. The energy here is incredibly inspiring. Throughout history, many creatives have been drawn to Los Angeles in search of inspiration, and I understand why. It’s a city that embraces the arts and offers endless opportunities for personal and professional reinvention. Surrounded by the diverse beauty of nature—mountains and ocean—the sensory experiences here are incomparable.

What was one of the hardest learned lessons in your journey?

Sacrificing design over budget.

You mention how nature and especially mountains inspire you, and how your best ideas come to you when you are among mountains. Do you have a favorite mountain? And if so, what makes it special?

I have a very special mountain that holds a dear place in my heart and soul, a place I visit daily. It’s a secret I prefer to keep, as it’s a sacred ritual of mine. I first connected with this mountain when I moved here. Everything about it fills me with inspiration—the lush landscape, the changing natural colors with each season, and the way sunlight plays across its slopes. It’s where I find solace and clarity in life. My presence there feels strong and natural, and I’m always greeted by birds circling above my head.

How would you define your signature style? Do you have “a mantra” that encapsulates your taste in design?

Let the design process embrace the unexpected.

How do you think the interior design industry changed over the last decades?

I really appreciate this question, as I’m personally experiencing these changes that reflect the industry’s response to technological advancements, and an increasing awareness of environmental and social issues. There’s a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable design, which includes using recycled materials, energy-efficient lighting, and sustainable sourcing practices.

The integration of technology in design has increased. Smart homes with automated systems for lighting, heating, and security are becoming more common.

The importance of health and wellness in design has risen significantly. This includes creating spaces that promote well-being through natural light, good ventilation, and the use of non-toxic materials. Lastly, there’s a stronger focus on personalized and bespoke design. Clients are looking for spaces that reflect their individual tastes and lifestyles, leading to more customized solutions.

What would be your advice to beginner interior designers?

Love what you do. Be fearless. Be kind to others.

Finally, what are your upcoming projects? Anything you’d like to share or add to the interview?

We are finishing a boutique hotel in Medellín, Colombia, and we are currently working on a dream project in Florida: a beautiful chateau with an amazing client. Additionally, we will be designing a penthouse in Mumbai. We also have several exciting design collaborations in the works, including a tableware collection with Hering Berlin that I’m very excited about.