I kind of barged into Chad McPhail’s office as if I were the police or a secret agent, and he didn’t flinch. In fact, he waved to an empty chair while smiling as if we were old friends. A few Macintosh desktops lined the corners of the space while interns and assistant types eagerly banged away on keyboards and notepads paying me not the slightest bit of attention. I might as well have been invisible. Then Chad started politely nodding his head waiting for me to speak first all the while making me feel as comfortable as a person could… given my than current situation.
Take a seat and stay awhile
Modern Jungle
Concrete and wood
“Inspiration comes from everywhere,” Says McPhail.
Bright space and green life everywhere
Earth tones simple and clean
Built-in furniture
Working with light
Working with light
Timeless architectural & design
Genius in the simplicity
Why the Eastside of Los Angeles for your studio?
The Eastside is where I live, where my clients are for the most part, and where my life is. It’s my favorite part of LA.
I understand you’re a native Angelino?
Actually I grew up in San Clemente, then lived in New York for almost 15 years before moving to LA four years ago.
What are your thoughts on how the Eastside neighborhoods are changing?
I think new businesses and neighbors can be great, and bring new opportunities for both new and older residents of the area. It is great to see an old craftsman house fixed up beautifully. I do hope the city, and the community itself, take steps to help preserve older local businesses here as well as helping keep older residents in their homes. Part of what makes the Eastside great is that it is not homogenous. I hope it can stay that way, but gentrification marches on…
Where do you live?
The eastern edge of Silver Lake, near Atwater Village.
Do you own or rent your home?
Rent
What are some of your favorite local L.A. spots for dining and relaxing?
I love All’Acqua in Atwater, Ostrich Farm on Sunset, Guisados of course… and the delicious variety of taco trucks in Echo Park cannot be beat.
What got you into interior design?
I’ve been obsessed since I was a child. There is nothing else for me.
Tell me about when you first knew this career path was for you.
When I was 7 or 8, I would draw floor plans in crayon. My grandmother gave me a subscription to Architectural Digest when I was 11. My education and everything else has been oriented to work in this field.
What inspires you and your collections?
It really depends on the client and their needs, but inspiration comes from everywhere… travel, history, literature, photography, sculpture…
Tell me about a memorable project or work experience. I love your design direction and variety of periods and styles… Just saying.
Thank you! As I say it is really about client relationships. Every project is different because every client is different. The best clients are people who know what they love and how they live, but also understand that, as a professional designer, I have the ability and experience to see beyond that in order for the whole picture to make sense. I love residential design because the fun (and tension) of the client relationship informs the design and is a learning experience… for the client for sure, but also for me.
I understand you worked closely with renowned designer Laura Kirar?
Yes, Laura was hugely influential in my career and is a dear friend. Everything I know about furniture detailing and proportions I learned working for her. Not to mention the challenges of owning a small business!
What should we anticipate from Chad McPhail in the future?
We have a couple of longer-term projects wrapping up this year in the Hollywood Hills… a 1963 post-and-beam with a fantastic view and a gorgeous Spanish colonial on a double lot in Beachwood Canyon. Both have been great clients and I’m very excited to share these two.
What advice would you give to the aspiring interior designer?
Never stop learning. There is always more to know, and knowing as much as you can about design history can inform the decisions you make as a designer today. If you know the context of your influences, it will be clear in your work that you know what you are doing.
Chad McPhail Design
1282 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90026
[email protected]
213-221-7853
Chad McPhail and Ed Droste at GQ Men of the Year Los Angeles Event:
Silver Lake Neighborhood
I’m a local real estate agent with The Shelhamer Real Estate Group, and it would be my pleasure to help you find the perfect property to call home in Downtown Los Angeles, or if you’re thinking about selling a house, condo, or multi-family building in, Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Glassell Park, Mount Washington, or Downtown Los Angeles, it would be a privilege to help you get top dollar for the sale of your property.
Let’s chat sometime. 310-913-9477 or contact me.
