Creative Director, CHANGO
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.
The studio is rooted in collaboration, with Susana leading a dynamic team of designers out of their Brooklyn studio. This collaborative approach to leadership and mentorship allows each designer the opportunity for exploration, innovation, and autonomy which translates to deeply thought out studio projects.
Photo: courtesy Max Burkhalter