Designer insights with Emile Azan

Founder of Chameleon Design Interiors, Emile Azan, pursued his life – long love of interiors and architecture and retrained in Interior Design, graduating from KLC School of Design, where he obtained an Honours distinction. Having worked in the industry he set up the practice in 2005. A multi-disciplinary studio, covering the areas of London, Kent, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, encompassing, interior designers, architects and professional trades. We produce individual solutions for residential and commercial environments, and by listening to, and anticipating your needs, our creativity will be balanced with a realistic approach. They aim to create dynamic interiors, skillfully combining architecture and interior design to produce individual and timeless interiors and know how to add genuine value.

Designer Insights with Emile Azan

Image Credit: 1) Cork Floor Tiles 2) Anne Kyyro Quinn 3) Original BTC 4) Ercol  5) Moons

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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

My philosophy is to always work with clients, listen to what they are trying to achieve with the space and to not always think of the obvious solution. Sometimes doing something a little different can bring huge rewards. We focus on the creation of sustainable and long term design solutions by working closely with our clients and discussing their needs in detail.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

I have some amazing projects at the moment but for us the client is more important than the project. It is a journey with them we all embark on and we want to make it fun and exciting – life is simply too short not to enjoy it. When I worked on my own home project it was a challenge at the time, but the space is small and perfectly formed and I love living in south east London. The whole experience gave me the opportunity to see the process through my client's eyes.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

Interior designers are influenced and inspired by many people they have not personally worked with.  Karim Rashid for his relentless drive; Rebecca Weir for her passion for lighting and her ability to harness and maximise the creative potential of light. Zeev Aram, who opened a small furniture showroom on Kings Road, and in so doing introduced the British public to modern design. My BIID colleagues for establishing and bringing professional interior design to the forefront in the UK.

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

I think back to what I’ve seen in my travels that may be relevant to this client.  Or visit an art gallery or museum, or inspiring buildings or landscapes for inspiration; trade shows give me lots of new ideas too. I prefer a cleaner aesthetic, as I believe that promotes a calmer and happier life.  I personalize each design to the client’s lifestyle and the architecture of the space.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

I continue to be excited with each new project.  Listening to clients is SO important.  Understand their priorities and then create a design plan to make their space better than they imagined.  It is our job to introduce them to new ideas while still allowing their voice to be heard. Get some experience, not necessarily in Interiors; running a practice needs lots of skills and many hats.