Chango – Susana Simonpietri
Susana Simonpietri is the founder and creative director of Chango, a studio recognized for its refined yet relaxed approach to interiors. Her work balances polished sophistication with warmth and livability, creating spaces that feel layered, inviting, and deeply personal.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Simonpietri developed an early sensitivity to light, color, and the effortless atmosphere of coastal living—qualities that continue to shape her aesthetic today. After studying in Europe, she moved to New York, where she earned a Master’s degree in Interior Design and Interior Architecture from Pratt Institute before working across residential and hospitality design.
Founded in 2009, Chango reflects Simonpietri’s collaborative and thoughtful design philosophy. Working alongside her Brooklyn-based team, she creates interiors that combine beauty, comfort, and practicality, with an emphasis on spaces that feel timeless, welcoming, and tailored to each client.
“Sometimes, simplicity is more beautiful, easier to live with, and more cost-effective—and that’s perfectly okay.”
INTERVIEW
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.
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.
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.
We usually begin our interior design projects with a series of inspiration images that range from images of landscapes or still life to images of spaces. We always begin the projects by 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 work our way down.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Podcast: Wiser Than Me – Julia Louis-Dreyfus
- Book: Be Ready When The Luck Happens – Ina Garten
- Book: Thrive – Arianna Huffington
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.
Thank you so much Susana, for this lovely interview!
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