Its not often I come across another peer who incorporates so many of the same principles as I do from sustainability to feng shui and environmental psychology- we even both use the term Holistic in our business. Introducing Anjie Cho, a talented architect and interior designer and founder of “Holistic Spaces” based out of New York and Los Angeles. Her work- much like the answers to my questions – is innovative, thoughtful and full of soul.
Can you tell me how you help your clients create a space that is holistically designed and what exactly that means to you?
A holistically designed space is one that incorporates the physical space, lifestyle and environmental impacts on the world around us. I work with clients at whatever level they feel comfortable. And not all my clients embrace holistic concepts! But first my job is to see what it is that they need and want, then I gently introduce and recommend lifestyle or space adjustments to improve their homes and lives. Ideally, I work with clients to incorporate feng shui and green living changes so that their homes and workspaces support and nurture them.
Do you have a favorite architecture project that you have worked
on? Why did you like it the most?
I love them all! Currently I’m the architect for the new Satya store
at the Time Warner Center, and I would say that’s my favorite project
because I adore Satya Jewelry. I wore one of their necklaces for 5
years straight. I appreciate jewelry with intention — it’s like feng
shui for jewelry. I also love all my projects because the wonderful
clients I have. .
Satya is my favorite jewelry store! That project seems like such a perfect fit for you. Do you find that like-minded clients often seek you out? How will you incorporate holistic concepts into this project?
As soon as I decided that I wanted like-minded clients, yes they
started seeking me out. The universe works that way! Energy
efficient LED lighting throughout was one of the ways we incorporated
holistic concepts.
What do you like best about your job?
I’m in this business because I love making and creating beautiful and
nourishing spaces for people! the best part is working with the
clients, and seeing them smile at the end. Also seeing how their
lives shift and improve.
That is my favorite part as well. How did you make the transition from strictly architect to incorporating beauty, green design and spirituality?
Ten years ago I was in Thailand, the land of many Buddhas, and had an
epiphany — I was stuck. When I got back to NYC, I started taking
yoga and meditation classes and incorporating spirituality in my life.
A few years into this spiritual path, I realized that I needed to
“follow my bliss”, as Joseph Campbell suggests. This lead me to
investigate and integrate holistic philosophies of feng
shui,environmental psychology and sustainable green design.. and here
I am! My path just unfolded in front of me. I became a certified BTB
Feng Shui practitioner from a three year program, and I also managed a
grant funded small business sustainability program for the Lower East
Side community in NYC.
Where do you see the future of this type of work?
Everyday our consciousness is shifting towards an awakening — that we
are powerful beings and can lead amazing lives. More and more people
are beginning to realize that we are connected to our environment and
spaces, so why not creating a holistic space to create the life that
you want?
