Telling stories
Anna Moldenhauer: What was your approach when you founded Child Studio in 2017?
Alexy Kos and Che Huang: We started Child Studio to explore a more holistic approach to design, where we can look at all aspects of a project to tell a unique story. Before setting up the studio, we had been working for various agencies in London, designing interiors & furniture for international fashion brands, hotels and restaurants. It was an amazing experience, but we felt that there was an opportunity for a more nuanced approach to spatial design, with a deeper focus on the narrative and craftsmanship.
Your designs, from interior to object design, create an aesthetic balance between nostalgia and the present. You find a lot of your inspiration in art history and design history – which movements fascinate you the most?
Alexy Kos and Che Huang: Being based in London we find ourselves surrounded by history – this city provides us with endless inspiration and continues to spark our curiosity every day. Once you start exploring, every neighbourhood, street and building have a unique personality and a compelling tale to share. The balance between nostalgia and the present comes from our aspiration to find a fresh and unexpected angle to the past, developing a story that feels relevant for today. At the moment we are researching the Early American design for a project in New York, and we are absolutely fascinated with the imaginative furniture pieces from the Arts & Crafts Movement and the purity of the Shaker Style.
You have a sharp sense for details. When is a project perfect for you?
Alexy Kos and Che Huang: The details truly matter to us when they have a meaning and help to tell the story. The craftsmanship and authenticity are incredibly important in creating the fine detailing and we enjoy collaborating with artists and craftsmen on bespoke design elements. The perfect project for us is when it is a creative collaboration with the client. The best ideas are born in dialogue and working with people who are passionate about their project is particularly rewarding.
Your interior designs sometimes seem like film sets, they already tell a story without the need for protagonists. How would you describe your style?
Alexy Kos and Che Huang: Our work is always rooted in local history and we start each project with extensive research, as we believe that the context is the key to creating something timeless and authentic. The cinematic quality of our interiors reflects the layered narrative that we develop, as this process can be compared to writing a film script.
How can I imagine your distribution of tasks and approach to a project?
Alexy Kos and Che Huang: We've assembled a design team with a very diverse background, including architecture, art history, furniture design and fashion. We lead the creative direction on the projects, but each person on the team contributes their unique expertise, adding a fresh perspective and enriching the design.
On your website there is a quote by Isamu Noguchi: "If an artist stops being a child, he would stop being an artist." What childlike perspective is important to you in your artistic work?
Alexy Kos and Che Huang: The studio's name 'Child' is a celebration of curiosity and openness to the world. This optimism and energy drive our team to explore the ideas across art, design and architecture.
What project are you working on at the moment?
Alexy Kos and Che Huang: The studio specialises in creating bespoke one-of-a-kind interiors. Our current projects include a fashion boutique, a bar, a residence in London's Belgravia and a hotel in the US.
