Today we’d like to introduce you to Chinmaya Misra.
Hi Chinmaya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Looking back on my upbringing in India, I now recognize how deeply I was immersed in a rich, layered world of color, texture, and history—so much of it woven into daily life, yet often overlooked. It was a sensory environment I absorbed not through conscious study, but intuitively, almost.
The idea of pursuing architecture didn’t occur to me until a close friend applied to school. But once I began that journey myself, I uncovered a strong, instinctive pull—an urge to create order within what often felt like chaos. In many ways, this became a quiet act of resistance to the unpredictability I had come to associate with Indian life, expressed through a need to bring clarity and structure to even the smallest design gestures. What inspires me is the dialogue between opposites—the unexpected pairings, the imperfect details, the offbeat moments—and shaping them into a unified design language. That’s where I find both meaning and joy.
I founded my interior design studio, CHINCHIN, in the fall of 2022. My journey from India to Los Angeles—and my formal education at the Southern California Institute of Architecture—have been instrumental in shaping my design sensibility.
To me, interior design is a natural extension of my architectural training. At CHINCHIN, this translates into a cohesive and integrated design approach that encompasses architect-led interiors, site-specific furniture, custom textiles, and installation-driven art. I approach every project—regardless of scale—with an eye for uncovering latent potential, and I’m deeply committed to aligning my clients’ needs with thoughtful, expressive design. This collaborative spirit is at the heart of our studio’s process.
My work as a teacher and mentor at Cal Poly Pomona further reflects my dedication to fostering the next generation of designers and creating space for shared learning within the profession.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Before launching my interior design firm, I co-founded the award-winning architecture studio CHA:COL with my husband in 2010. Together—alongside inspiring clients—we earned accolades from the IIDA, Interior Design magazine, AIA Los Angeles, Shaw Contract, and other respected organizations. Our projects have been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Luxe, Dwell, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Architectural Record, Thames & Hudson titles, Australian Design Review, Dezeen, Design Milk, Modern Home, California Home + Design, ArchDaily, HGTV, and many others.
While we were fortunate to receive meaningful recognition and visibility within the design world, one of the ongoing challenges of running a small studio is the constant need for business development. Selling doesn’t come naturally to most designers—it’s often the last thing we’re inclined to focus on. After all, artists and designers aren’t typically trained in sales or entrepreneurship; it’s a skill we’re left to develop on the job, often through trial and error.
One of the greatest challenges of running a small studio is the sheer versatility it demands. You’re not just a designer—you must also be a skilled salesperson, an efficient project manager, a technical lead, a clear communicator, and above all, an attentive listener. The role requires constant adaptability and a willingness to wear many hats, often all at once.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about CHINCHIN Design LLC?
Based in Los Angeles, our interior design studio is dedicated to crafting livable, timeless, and contemporary spaces where function meets quiet elegance. We believe that great design begins with authenticity, which is why each of our projects is rooted in a deep understanding of our clients’ personalities and the rhythms of their daily lives.
At the core of our philosophy is a belief that design should first and foremost honor human emotion and connection. What distinguishes meaningful design from the forgettable isn’t simply aesthetics, but its ability to resonate—quietly or powerfully—with people on a personal level. We see design as more than a visual discipline; it’s a vehicle for shaping experience, evoking feeling, and building lasting connections. In every project, whether intimate or expansive, we are driven by the desire to bring that emotional depth to life.
Our portfolio spans a wide spectrum—from warm, inviting family homes to refined urban lofts—each approached with a fresh perspective and a tailored design narrative. While residential interiors remain at the heart of our practice, we also lend our expertise to distinctive retail and boutique office spaces, always aiming to create environments that spark connection, comfort, and character. We celebrate every design gesture, large or small—because in our view, it’s the thoughtful layers that bring a space to life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is a curious thing.
We tend to share Oprah Winfrey’s perspective—that luck isn’t random, but rather what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Like Oprah, we believe that every experience, even the most challenging, serves a purpose: shaping us, refining our instincts, and readying us for moments of possibility.
The key lies in staying open, attentive, and ready to step into opportunity when it arrives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chinchin.design/
- Instagram: @chin.chin_design
Image Credits
Photographers :
Amy Bartlam
Nico Marques
