KATHERINE CHIA
Desai Chia Architecture
SAY IT LOUD - NOW Exhibitor
New York Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
In my work, I always strive to express the site, our clients’ aspirations, and the cultural influences that clients bring to a project. The art world has been a source of design inspiration for me, both conceptually and in material experimentation.
KATHERINE CHIA
Bio:
The great designer, Katherine Chia FAIA earned her MArch degree from M.I.T. and her B.A. from Amherst College. Prior to founding Desai Chia Architecture with her partner, Arjun Desai, she worked for Maya Lin on numerous art and architecture commissions. Chia has taught architecture at Parsons The New School of Design and served as the Co-Chair of the Van Alen Institute’s Program Leadership Council. She is currently Treasurer of the AIA New York & the Center for Architecture and Trustee Emerita of Amherst College.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I grew up in a house designed by Edgar Tafel, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright, and my family traveled extensively when I was young. Those experiences had a tremendous influence on my decision to pursue architecture.
What do you do?
In conjunction with my partner Arjun Desai, I help to develop a creative vision for every project from conception through construction. Our work integrates architecture, interior design, lighting and landscape design as an engaged, holistic process.
What excites you in the work you do?
I am passionate about creating social and humane architecture, and iconic projects that benefit from our sustainable technical strategies, extensive knowledge of materials, and our hallmark approach of integrating light as a unifying theme.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
In my work, I always strive to express the site, our clients’ aspirations, and the cultural influences that clients bring to a project. The art world has been a source of design inspiration for me, both conceptually and in material experimentation.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Over the years, we have been honored to receive numerous awards for our work. But our proudest moment is when clients tells me how much our design has inspired them and improved their lives in truly meaningful ways. That’s incredibly gratifying.
Featured Project Name:
Ledge House
Featured Project Location:
Cornwall, CT
Featured Project Completion Date:
2019
Role in Featured Project:
Principal-in-Charge
Featured Project Description:
The Ledge House resonates with the history of the Connecticut Valley and blends with the challenging site on a large rock ledge, strategically positioned to take advantage of the views to the valley, the uphill cross-ventilating breezes, and an existing glacial boulder that becomes a rugged companion to the house. The lofted, communal living areas connect across the ledge to a forest terrace and a valley terrace. Indoor and outdoor living flow seamlessly through.
