Chango – Susana Simonpietri
Susana Simonpietri is the creative force behind Chango, crafting her own blend of easy going luxury, alongside her tight-knit design team. Her interiors are light, airy, polished, and artfully layered, with a commitment to creating homes and spaces that are beautiful, comfortable, and a joy to live in.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Susana’s aesthetic sensibility was formed by the coastal setting of her island childhood, which she credits for its influence on the relaxed and approachable interiors she creates. Her studies brought her to Europe, where she followed her love of design to England and then Paris before finally landing in New York. There, Susana earned her Master’s in Interior Design and Interior Architecture from the Pratt Institute before going on to work across both residential and hospitality design.
In 2009, Susana launched Chango. Named for the gregarious blackbirds found in her native Puerto Rico, the unusual choice of name for a design studio hints at Susana’s penchant for the playful and unexpected, something she tucks into each of her designs. Chango is rooted in collaboration, with Susana leading a dynamic team of designers out of their Brooklyn studio. Her collaborative approach to leadership and mentorship allows each designer the opportunity for exploration, innovation, and autonomy which translates to deeply thought-out studio projects. Drawing on a profound appreciation for beauty, practicality, and comfort, Chango designs spaces and homes that are refined, livable, welcoming, and personal to each and every client they work with.
1. Could you tell us how your journey into interior design started?
I began my undergraduate studies in comparative literature and modern languages. During my final year, I spent time in Paris and discovered a passion for design. When it came time to choose a master’s program, I realized I no longer wanted to pursue literature—I was burnt out from reading what was assigned rather than exploring my own interests. Inspired by my love for design, which began in Paris, I decided to pivot in that direction. At the time, master’s programs in interior design were rare, but Pratt Institute offered one, so I enrolled. From there, my journey into design truly took off.
2. Do you think there has been a defining moment in your career?
When I first started, I set goals for myself, like doubling the business from the previous year. Eventually, I stopped setting those kinds of goals because the scale of the business grew beyond that point. However, setting those goals early on created a need for a team, and that shift was transformative. It wasn’t a single moment but rather a deliberate decision that changed everything for me.
3. What do you think is the key to a successful interior design? And in your business in general?
I don’t believe there’s a single key to success—it’s about working hard. The main difference between success and failure is that successful people keep trying and failing until they succeed. They’re not afraid to persevere. That’s really the only thing I’ve done differently from those who haven’t made it.
4. How do you start your interior design projects? Do you usually start with a certain element of design or a keyword? And how do they develop?
We usually begin our interior design projects with a series of inspiration images that range from images of landscapes or a still life to images of spaces. We always begin the projects having a conversation with the client on the location and their desired design direction and then we narrow down our vision from keywords from the meeting. We usually begin with concepting color direction and then start focusing on large furniture items and then working our way down.
5. How would you define your signature style? Do you have “a mantra” that encapsulates your taste in design?
I like to remind myself, ‘Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.’ If you have a lot of money doesn’t mean you need to show it off. You don’t have to create something overly complicated just because the budget allows for it. Sometimes, simplicity is more beautiful, easier to live with, and more cost-effective—and that’s perfectly okay. I always try to keep that perspective in mind.
6. Could you tell us about one of the favorite projects that you worked on?
My favorite projects are always the next ones. By the time a project is completed, I love the result and feel proud of it, but I don’t dwell on the outcome or spend much time looking at the photos. Instead, I focus on the future, knowing that each project helps me learn and grow, making the next one even better.
7. What was one of the hardest learned lessons in your journey?
The hardest thing I’ve had to learn is how to be a good leader—and I’m still learning. It’s about stepping back, staying humble with my team, and finding the balance between embracing success and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. Building a team that thrives and produces their best work because they’re in a supportive, positive environment is a challenge, but it’s something I constantly strive to achieve.
8. What was the best advice you have received in your path?
I’ve received so much great advice over the years, but recently, a very wise person told me, ‘Try to do more with less.’ That’s my focus for 2025. It’s about not growing just for the sake of growth. Instead, I’m working on maximizing what I already have, and only taking the next step when it’s absolutely necessary.
9. What would be your advice to beginner interior designers?
Do as much as you can on your own before hiring anyone. When you do bring someone on board, understand that it’s rare to find someone who will excel exactly as you expect. Instead, focus on identifying their strengths, observing their abilities, and being flexible with their role. By adapting to what they’re naturally good at, rather than forcing them into a predefined box, you’ll achieve the best results.
10. What are your 3 favorite pieces from the Philia Collection?
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Poulie, Sculpted Lighting by Jérôme Pereira
€45,221Neolithic Thinker Stool by Panorammma
€3,30011. Are there any books/podcasts you would like to recommend to our readers?
- Podcast: Wiser Than Me – Julia Louis-Dreyfus
- Book: Be Ready When The Luck Happens – Ina Garten
- Book: Thrive – Arinana Huffington
12. Finally, what are your upcoming projects? Anything you’d like to share or add to the interview?
We’re working on some incredibly exciting projects right now. We’ve delved deeper into complex architectural work and have several remarkable projects in the city (NYC). For example, we’re designing a full-floor penthouse in the West Village overlooking the water and combining two townhouses—a highly intricate project due to the historic district filings in New York City. We have so much happening, and I’m thrilled to keep taking on fascinating projects across the country.