Meet Brian Chaaban

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Chaaban.

Hi Brian, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from Cal Poly studying business administration and finance. After college, I moved to West Hollywood and started working with what I now know would be the most inspiring job of my life. I worked for the prestigious showroom, Jean de Merry, and slowly worked up the ranks to the position of Showroom Director. During my time in the showroom, I was inspired by the worldly artisans we represented and decided to contribute to the world of design in my own way. From then on, I started designing and prototyping my own collection of premium bronze-wares and home accessories.

It was from there that my collection, “Chaaban Designs” was born. While still working at the showroom, I spent two years expanding my collection’s offerings and finding representation. Once I had a proof of concept through my company earnings and I felt confident enough to branch off, I left my position at the showroom to focus solely on my collection. Today, Chaaban Designs offers over 60 unique designs varying from lighting, upholstery, tables and of course, accessories. I am proud to say that my collection is represented through galleries in all major territories across the United States and in international markets such as Australia, Dubai, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Singapore.

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?
Generally, I would say I have had a smooth road while founding Chaaban Designs but of course as with anything worth fighting for, struggles are bound to present themselves. For example, looking back I can recall a few failed attempts to find bronze foundry workrooms to collaborate with to help create my collection. The workrooms were either too far, too busy to assist or did not provide a quality that I was looking for. With patience, determination and through the recommendations of a few industry friends, I have been fortunate enough to now have a network of valuable workroom teams to help assist achieve the vision for my collection.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I like to think that juxtaposing forms of beauty is at the heart of Chaaban Designs. Whether it is organic forms blended with references to brutalism or nature-inspired silhouettes in their softest and hardest forms — these influences make an impression on my line of premium bronze-wares and home furnishings. My work is all handmade in Los Angeles and with every piece made to order, I can offer custom sizes, finishes and commissions on request.

After years of primarily using the lost wax casting method for developing bronze forms, my work has now expanded to include brass, cast glass, marble, upholstery and lighting elements. I have really enjoyed experimenting with this new range of materials and I look forward to the growth of concepts within the work I produce.

How do you define success?
I equivalate success with freedom – having the freedom to create your own schedule, having the freedom to make decisions for yourself and having the freedom to express yourself is success to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chaaban-designs.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/chaaban_designs/?hl=en