NYC Architect West Chin Says the Home Has Become the Nucleus of the Family – Mansion Global

West Chin is the founder of West Chin Architects & Interior Designers, a high-end architecture, interior design, and decorating firm with locations in New York City, East Hampton, and now Westport, Connecticut. Mr. Chin and his team are also set to open their New York City showroom in 2021.

Mr. Chin, 52, founded a design/build firm in 1992, which later became the foundation for WCA. His work includes high-end commercial spaces and residential projects across New York City and the Hamptons, from Tribeca to Montauk.

We caught up with Mr. Chin to discuss changing client demands, which Covid-related trends are here to stay, and more.

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Mansion Global: How have things changed for your business since Covid-19 started?

West Chin: The home has become the nucleus of the family, its no longer just a rest stop on the highway. With that, weve noticed people take a lot more interest in the home, whether theyre entertaining or theyre in solitude.

We design a lot of kitchens, and we see more people spending time there actually cooking. Now clients are sincerely answering questions about how they shop, cook and entertain so that their home suits their lifestyles.

Early Covid was scary, but Id say mid-lockdown, around May, we started to see some sparks in the fire. People started to feel antsy, realizing that homes were feeling small and it could be going on for a while. By June, as things opened up, we were in a good place. We had a location in the Hamptons, and now have one in Westport, Connecticut, too.

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MG: What made you want to open a space in Connecticut amid the pandemic?

WC: I had been looking at Connecticut for about two years. Wed almost pulled the trigger before, but we decided to do it now. Similarly to the Hamptons, in Connecticut, modern wasnt always part of the vocabulary, but its changed, as New Yorkers go there and want that aestheticit gets more of a downtown vibe.

MG: What has been your biggest surprise when it comes to Covid and your clients' demands?

WC: Its an interesting dichotomy of family integration and family separation. They want a dining room where they can be together, but at the same time when they have three Zoom meetings at the same time, and theres a separation thats needed for that. Its a really interesting mix of doing both.

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MG: Do you expect current trends to stick around post-Covid?

WC: Home offices with technology will still be important, especially with 5G becoming active. Will work-from-home be here to stay seven days a week? Probably not. There will probably be some combination. The desire for indoor-outdoor living was here before, but Covid made it even more desirable. I am fortunate enough to have a terrace, and I was on Amazon all the time getting plants and vegetables for it. People will continue with that, but might not be harvesting their own vegetables as much.

The reintroduction of the kitchen as the center of the house is here to stay. Now, the heart of the house is coming back as being a major focus. And the dining room will likely continue to be used for its original purpose againto eat all together.

I think home cooking, private chefs and entertaining at home is here to stay, though people will return to restaurants, too.

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MG: Do you expect city living to change drastically?

WC: From a developers point of view, I think theyre going to reconsideror consider for the first timemore outdoor space. You want enough communal space. People who can afford it are going to want larger apartments.

MG: How can a home create a sense of calm?

WC: For me, its about being surrounded by nature, whether thats plants, or even just fruits in a basket, that can feel more nurturing. Its about having places in your home where you feel safe and comfortable. To make all those things better, we really focus on lighting.

MG: What's your idea of luxury?

WC: I dont like to be alone. For me, its having a home thats big enough to entertain friends and family, both indoors and outdoors. I also want room to cook.

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MG: How would you describe your dream home?

WC: Itcould be in the south of Spain, St. Barths, in the south of France, in the Hamptons, New York, or Connecticut. It could be anywhere.

Outdoor space to me is most important. Im the person who likes to harvest their own vegetables. I like a place where I can harvest vegetables, cook and entertain. If I could be near the ocean and catch my own fish, that would be even better.

Ideally, I want lots of glass so I could see the inside/outside. I really dont love [air conditioning]A/C, so I like something with lots of cross ventilation. A fireplace or many would be nice. I prefer clean, simple features.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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NYC Architect West Chin Says the Home Has Become the Nucleus of the Family - Mansion Global