& Co.
Interview with
Hallie
Chen
Hallie
Chen
Hallie Chen, designer at CAHA Designs, was born and raised in San Francisco. With a background in urban planning and architecture, Hallie combines her expertise in commercial interiors and office developments to “create thoughtful contemporary spaces by integrating diverse backgrounds in design, construction, community development, art, and ecology.”
What’s your Eastern Zodiac Sign? And your Western? Which one resonates more with you?
Ox and Gemini. Both resonate but probably because I’m both stubborn and a people pleasing attention seeker?
Can you share about your ethnic and generational background?
My parents are from Santou and Hunan provinces but raised in Taiwan after the cultural revolution. They immigrated to the United States for graduate school and my dad wanted to be a hell’s angel.
Superstition from your childhood that you still believe in today.
If you run a yellow lights without kissing your hand and tapping the ceiling you’ll have bad luck.
What pivotal experiences guided you toward your current path? Was there a specific moment or individual that influenced you?
I think seeing my father’s entrepreneurial spirit and my mother’s constant ability to predict the needs of others have made me the boss and designer I am today. Without those values and feeling undaunted by institutions and people before me I never would have started a company.
What dish from your childhood, lovingly prepared at home, holds a special place in your heart?
My Ahma used to make French fries in the wok for us after school. They were soggy, salty and absolutely perfect.
It’s often said that our parents’ express emotions through food. What’s your go-to meal when you want to convey your feelings?
I make my family soup. With lots of Napa cabbage daikon fermented beans tofu and glass noodles to warm them and comfort them.
As you came of legal drinking age, what was your inaugural drink? And what’s your beverage of choice now?
I loved Fernet Branco when I was young and now I love anything with some salinity. I had a kombu gin and spirulina cocktail the other night at Commis that changed my life!
Who serves as your guiding light? Why?
Emily Pilloton-Lam- a leader and designer who creates worlds and environments for marginalized folks in the building industry to thrive.
Who are your ultimate dream collaborators?
I would love to work with commune design, terremoto, and more communities and young people.
Which restaurant holds the title of your favorite at the moment?
Lion Dance Cafe in Oakland the Progress in San Francisco.