Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Chung.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m an architect- and for the most part my story was pretty straightforward. I always wanted to be an architect- since I was 9 years old. I went to college and graduate school focused on architectural design. I did my Master’s degree at Harvard and this experience got me interested in teaching design. I did that for the next seven years teaching at Syracuse, Cornell and Yale among other schools. At a certain moment I yearned to start building, to practice what I head learned in school. I settled in Boston and began designing and building projects with design/development company called Urbanica. We built a lot of housing as Boston boomed and I gained immeasurably from the experience. If we fast forward a bit, the recession severely impacted the company and its prospects for the future. And so like a lot of other architects at the time, I was left searching for what to do next.
On a whim, I began an unlikely pursuit: to create a television show about architecture. Now this is a long story on its own- so I’ll skip ahead and mention that almost seven years later I launched a program called “Cool Spaces: The Best New Architecture” for PBS. (www.coolspaces.tv) This landmark series explored the most provocative contemporary public buildings in America. In the process, I visited and interacted with some of the best architects in the world. In way, I felt like I was getting an extra graduate degree in the process.
When the show came to an end, I launched Stephen Chung, Architect- a small design studio focused on residential and hospitality projects. (www.stephenchung.com) The idea was to stay very small and lean. Mostly, I did this so that I could personally design every project and stay involved with every aspect of its design and construction. I’m not sure if that is the right business decision or not- but it’s what I wanted to do. Ok, crazy analogy time, remember the movie “Jerry McGuire”- about the agent that leaves the big company so that he can offer a more personalized service? That’s me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve learned that when you want to try something a little different, there will be struggles. And there have been many and there will be more. Some clients, especially developers are focused on me not having a big staff and worrying if I can produce what they need. But once they give me a chance, they realize that this is not a problem.
A more recent challenge has to do with geography. Interestingly, my design style (modern with lots of glass) has attracted the attention of homeowners/developers in Florida. And I’ve been asked to design a few projects there. It’s been mostly very positive – but on occasion the distance- me being in Boston- has created some concern from clients that I don’t have the local working knowledge that can only come from years of experience in a particular place. In response, I’ve created strategic partnerships with a local team (builders and engineers). We’ll see how it goes as the first projects are currently in construction. So far so good.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Stephen Chung, Architect – what should we know?
I’m an architect focused on residential and hospitality design. I’m a modernist- but not strictly so. I enjoy working with clients to bring their interests- idiosyncrasies- into designs. I think what sets me apart from others is 1) I will be the designer on the project. I don’t pass it on to a younger colleague or a team. When you work with me, you will get me. And 2) I work closely with clients to find the right solutions. I see every project as a collaboration. That may sound like lip service- but it really is how I approach every project. It wasn’t always like this. Somewhere along the line, there was a philosophical shift to be more collaborative with clients.
Over time, I’ve found that the giving I can be as a professional, the more satisfaction I gain. Strange. huh? But along these lines, I created a podcast called “Design Your Dream Home”. The podcast helps homeowner’s with their own design projects. It’s a free resource. I don’t have any specific expectations from it. I just like sharing.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Kamran Zahedi, the founder of Urbanica Design+Development has probably had the most impact on my career. We’ve created a lot of projects together- and had some successes. But he never rests on laurels. He is always looking for the next thing and how to do something better. It’s surprisingly easy to shift in “auto mode” when designing. He doesn’t let me do that. And for that, I am very grateful!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stephenchung.com coolspaces.tv http://thedougandsteveshow.com/
- Phone: 6178182790
- Email: stephen@stephenchung.com
- Facebook: Stephen Chung, Architect
- Twitter: @coolspacestv
Image Credit:
Peter Vanderwalker
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
