Chanae Richards turned a creative outlet into a thriving design practice that spans New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and beyond. In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Alyssa Olson sits down with the CEO and Principal Designer of ọlọrọ Interiors to explore how intentional design, deep listening, and community investment create spaces that truly enrich people's lives.

Chanae's path to design was anything but linear. Her first designed space was an art gallery in New York City, and from there, opportunities grew organically. From set design for brands like Unilever to curating the space where then-Senator Kamala Harris announced her vice presidential candidacy, Chanae's career has been shaped by bold pivots and the willingness to follow where the work leads.

The conversation digs into what makes Chanae's approach distinctive. Her firm name, ọlọrọ, means "rich" in the West African language of Yoruba, and that philosophy runs through everything she does: visually rich, layered with intention, rich in how clients feel when a project is complete. She discusses her thorough client survey process that uncovers deeply personal associations with color and material, her commitment to sourcing locally, and her decision to work exclusively with returning clients for the past two years. Chanae also opens up about the real pressures facing designers today, from global supply chain disruptions and rising fuel costs to the role of AI in a relationship-driven profession.

For designers, builders, and entrepreneurs, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on building a sustainable creative business without sacrificing authenticity. Chanae's four years leading an entrepreneurial resource center at a housing authority, her art practice born during the pandemic, and her philosophy that the best design starts at home all point to a designer whose impact extends far beyond any single project.

Chapters:

00:00 The Meaning Behind ọlọrọ Interiors

01:20 From Criminology to Design: A Nonlinear Path

04:09 Key Projects: Set Design, Airbnbs, and a Vice Presidential Stage

06:32 Plants, Wellbeing, and Designing for How People Actually Live

09:28 The Importance of Seeing What You Can Become

13:04 Community, Local Sourcing, and Giving Back

16:30 Getting Clients: The Bold Move to Work Only with Returning Clients

18:11 Leading an Entrepreneurial Resource Center

22:12 Supply Chain Disruptions and Designing Through Uncertainty

27:02 AI, Analog Process, and What Technology Cannot Replace

30:37 Current Projects and the Sacred Nature of Home

36:48 Advice: Listen First, Build Relationships, Provide Solutions

Whether you are rethinking your own career path, looking for ways to deepen client relationships, or searching for inspiration on how design can serve communities beyond the project scope, Chanae's story is one you will want to hear. 

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You can connect with Chanae at:

https://www.olorointeriors.com/

https://www.instagram.com/olorointeriors/