5 Takeaways from Noz Nozawa & Mandy Cheng's Designer-to-Designer Interview

We sat down with Hudson Valley Lighting Group collaborators Noz Nozawa and Mandy Cheng for an authentic conversation about life and design. From their early projects to their love of natural materials, the California-based designers reveal inspirations and share how they’ve found success throughout their illustrious careers. Their styles may differ, but they connect on what matters: creativity and passion stemming from an instinctual drive for well-designed spaces.

1. Lighting is Adaptive: While light fixtures are quite literally fixed, Designer Noz Nozawa believes they are malleable in nature. Noz muses–you can have any style of room and install lights that are totally different in style from the rest of the room and it will work. Just like we mix furniture styles or finishes, getting playful with lighting can have an intriguing effect.

   

   Design: Noz Nozawa, Photography: Alanna Hale | Lariat Chandelier

2. Date Your Clients: Get to know them, learn who they are, and know what brings them to life. Designer Mandy Cheng digs deep–understanding their psyche is a cool process that allows you to cultivate the perfect design experience. Once you build trust with a client and they give you free creative agency, the possibilities are endless.

   

   Design: Mandy Cheng, Imagery: Ben Marshall Designs | Sheri Pendant

3. Dial it Up or Down: Lighting sets the tone for a space. Mandy says “if a client forces me to go more casual, I just get fancier lights and it elevates the room…if a room feels too cold, light fixtures can soften or make it funkier.” Decorative lighting like pendants, chandeliers, and wall sconces can be as dramatic or understated as the space calls for.

   

   Design: Mandy Cheng, Imagery: Ben Marshall Designs | Reyn Pendant

4. Spaces are Always Changing: Is a space truly ever finished? The best spaces are a reflection of how the homeowners live. As designers, it’s fun to step back into a room and see if anything has changed over time. Whether you're refreshing a dining room with upholstered chairs or accessories or still searching for the perfect piece of art to install under a picture light, curating a soulful space takes time.

   

   Design: Noz Nozawa, Photography: Alanna Hale | Daith Chandelier

5. Continue to Evolve: As designers, growth comes with time. Honor your unique design journey and continue to give yourself opportunities to hone your craft. Explore new techniques, materials, and partners who will elevate your practice.

Ready for more insider tips? Dive into our Designer-to-Designer series and catch the full conversation here.

Explore the Tastemakers Lighting Collection: Noz Nozawa for Corbett Lighting | Mandy Cheng for Mitzi