Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kris Chang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Kris with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Growing up in a family of passionate entrepreneurs, I learned the value of working with purpose and dedication. My parents built their business from the ground up, and my father often sacrificed family time for work. I remember how my sisters and I would get so excited when my father returned from his trips with European chocolates and gifts—tokens of his hard work for our family. Their motto was, “If you’ve given your all and tried your best, there’s no regret—just acceptance of whatever comes.” That mindset has greatly influenced how I approach my own work.
My grandparents were also a huge inspiration, embodying a strong work ethic and a spirit of community. They started with very little, running a small grocery store in Taiwan that became a cornerstone of the neighborhood. Despite their modest means, they always gave back, lending money to neighbors in need—whether for school tuition or to make holidays a little brighter—knowing some of it might never be repaid. They felt a responsibility to help those who had less, and this purpose fueled their commitment to their work. For me, it’s important that I work not only to support myself but also to uplift the people and values I care about.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I grew up in Taiwan, where, like many kids, I was enrolled in every afterschool program my parents could find. Most didn’t stick, but I begged to stay in art classes—that was where I truly felt at home. My passion for creativity grew with me, eventually leading me to study at the Rhode Island School of Design, where I immersed myself in the world of art. Studying in Sweden later on further shaped my perspective, helping me realize that design is more than aesthetics—it’s a way to enhance people’s lives.
Flamegold started from my desire to create a meaningful impact and connect with people through design. After over a decade in the fashion industry, I felt a pivotal shift after the pandemic. The lockdowns amplified my drive to use my skills to help people, and I realized that by transforming spaces, I could also transform the emotional well-being of those living in them. I’ll never forget one of my earliest projects: helping a client who had struggled to feel at home in her apartment and felt constantly low. Watching her mood and body language shift as her space came to life was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.
Since then, Flamegold has worked on a variety of design-build projects in New York City, primarily focusing on residencials. We are now extending our expertise to collaborate with real estate developers on new condo developments. We’re excited to explore more opportunities to bring our values into practice, creating thoughtful designs that make a lasting impact on people’s everyday lives.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Empathy, paired with analytical skills, is key in design and understanding the target audiences. Whether it is designing a space or developing a product, balancing emotional and functional aspects is imporant—and often challenging—to create solutions that not only look beautiful but also add value and maximize returns. The outcome has to serve a purpose and resonate deeply with clients.
Resilience has also been a quality that I remind myself to practice daily. As an immigrant, constantly adapting to cultural differences and the pressure to fit in can be daunting. But it was through these challenges, that I’ve learned to stay focused on what truly matters—my purpose and values—is what keeps me grounded. It’s important to stay aligned with what drives you, no matter how tough the journey may get.
Embrace each challenge, give it your all, and learn from it. Everything happens for a reason—and it’s a good one!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
While interior design-build and project manageemnt remain our core service, we are now exploring the intersection of design and lifestyle by collaborating with brands that share our belief in the transformative power of art and design. Through a series of intimate events—whether it’s a curated wine tasting, flower arrangement class, or wellness gathering—we aim to create environments where people feel inspired and supported through a shared love of creativity. These events are as much about fostering community as they are about promoting a sustainable, well-crafted lifestyle.
We’re always open to collaborations with brands and individuals driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact through design. If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out through Flamegold’s website or Instagram!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.flamegoldinteriors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flamegold.interiors/
Image Credits
instagram:
@jjohn.kellyy
@cindy_yen
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
