Today we’d like to introduce you to Camila Borges Chiang.
Hi Camila, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story started way before I even realized it. My parents are both architects and their lifestyle is what shaped me and set the foundation for who I am today. I loved every bit of their world as I was growing up – always engaging in their conversations and curious about how their profession impacted our community.
Growing up I knew I wanted to be an interior designer. It was without a doubt how I wanted to spend my life. The way Architects and Interior Designers evoked emotion through their work was what I was seeking. When I went off to college at the University of Florida, I quickly switched to Architecture once my professor pulled me aside and explained to me that if I had my degree in Architecture, I could also practice interiors. So I did it. I pursued architecture, officially following in my parent’s footsteps.
I loved every sleepy minute of Architecture school. I, to this day, miss that energy in studio, the late nights creating, the conversations with colleagues at 3am, the coffee runs, the jitters before a presentation, … It is an experience like no other. When I graduated, I was so fortunate to land a job here in Miami at one of the best firms where I worked on high-end residential projects. That firm set the tone for my connections in Miami and my admiration for what my parents and other firm owners in Miami had to deal with – the ins and outs of running a firm.
I then went to FIU to pursue my Masters Degree in their 2-year program. It was a different experience for me to be in a more urban setting for school and also working at the firm. It was also nice to have my parents experience my projects and studio life. From FIU I went to work at a larger firm with national presence in their Hospitality department. I enjoyed understanding how a larger firm operates, making more connections, traveling for work, and expanding my experience. But soon enough, I joined my parents firm and worked for them for 8 years before starting my own interior design studio.
Working with my parents was the most special experience. We would have lunch together, collaborate, and live a dream we always had. Their trust and confidence in me was special because it validated my journey and bonded us on another level. I was working in the architecture and on the interiors which was getting me closer to the dream I had for myself. But ultimately when I started to grow my family I decided to open my own studio so that I could hone in on my dream of transforming spaces while being very present for my daughters at home.
Casa Chiang Interiors stems from the joy I felt when I got my first home and was able to renovate it. My studio is based on the idea of telling stories through the interior design of my clients home, at the scale that works for them, with their style purely evident. I loved how I was organically getting hired by people who trusted me and wanted me to help them. Today, I work on numerous projects all of varying scales. I focus on renovating homes and offices by marrying functionality, aesthetics, and the clients story. Every day I learn more, I understand more, and I carve more space for approachable design.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
At first, it was bumpy because of my fears of leaving my parent’s practice. That roller coaster of emotions was inevitable. I questioned myself for a very long time and felt selfish. But I learned, through their support and love for me, that I could be independent and still work together in other ways.
Another struggle, I would say, is juggling having young kids while your business is also like a baby who needs a lot of attention. Being a business owner means you cannot just shut down, log off, clock-out, etc. It is constant and I witnessed it from my dad every day but I somehow still found myself wanting to take on the challenge.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently specialize in interior renovations. Most of my projects require construction but I also have furniture and decor projects with minimal construction, if any.
I do take on projects of different scales. Some projects are a kitchen and master bathroom renovation, others are the full home, it just depends. I do not have a project minimum at the moment because I want to cater to those exact clients who want an interior designer and see the value that we bring to a project even if it is one room. Interior design is essential to living your best life and reflecting who you are through your space. So if it is so essential, then everyone should have access to an interior designer – not just ideas and links to purchase from social media.
I think the reason why I am referred by clients is that when we have chemistry and the clients trust my process, they see how far I will go to make their dreams for their home (or office) come to reality. I have a high standard for my consultants and I have built a team of reliable sources throughout my years working in Miami since I started at my first job in 2011. I am most proud of the connections I have made and the fact that I never stop learning.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Oh this is a great question. I have a hard time giving myself credit but as I reflect deeply, and look from the outside in, I think that my parents always taught me to be humble and that can be a hard characteristic to find in our professions. We live in a city that is in constant motion, constant competition, and very saturated so staying humble is key. One of my mentors has a saying for her firm – “No ego, Amigo!” And I love that. Our profession is complex, a lot happens even on a small project and there is a lot of emotion that goes into it from my end, end the clients, the vendors and consultant, so we all have to work as a team and be solution oriented. I am committed to that, every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.casachianginteriors.com
- Instagram: camilaborgeschiang
Image Credits
Image #1 by Yaya at the Interior Lens (@theinterior.lens), All other images by Yara Virreira at YSV Photo (@ysv_photo)
