Story & Lesson Highlights with Tuan Nguyen

We recently had the chance to connect with Tuan Nguyen and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tuan , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I think what is most misunderstood about interior designers is that we just pick pretty things all day. Sounds super easy. Though that is partially true with the goal of creating a thoughtful beautiful space, the journey to get to that point is much more complex. I always say design, in any form, is more about problem solving and strategy. Identifying what the issues are to see the full potential of the space. I would say that design itself is only 40% of the job, with 60% percent of the job being project management and mediation between all parties involved. A lot of creatives fall short on the project management part. You can pull together pretty design schemes all day but if you can’t execute the rest, you are not successful.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tuan Nguyen and I am the founder and principal of Nouveau Design House. We are known for creating bespoke luxury environments for clients who want to live boldly, Nouveau Design House designs for individuals who are passionate about life, travel, art and design. We create elevated spaces that reflect a curated world and lifestyle that is unique and authentic to each client, effortlessly merging form and function.

Based in Chicago with projects worldwide, Nouveau Design House was founded in 2018. I am a classically trained architect and started my design career in luxury architecture and construction firms. As my career evolved, I realized I had a passion for the nuances and details of interior design. I approach design through an architects lens with an interior designer’s sensibilities, which helps me see the design process in a more holistic way.

Along with working on design projects across the US, we also partner with Jared Allen’s Home for Wounded Warriors (JAH4WW), a nonprofit commited to building custom fully handicap accessible homes for veterans wounded in combat. As the interior designer for all of their projects, we are very proud and humbled to give back to those who have given so much for our country.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Looking back at my career and journey, the one person who has made the most impact on my work ethic was my first boss post graduate school, Tom Young. Tom was old school and taught me the ropes on how to project manage a succussful construction project from start to finish. He taught me the importance of building strong relationships, staying accountable and push for quality in all aspects of the process. He lead with kindness and patience and showed me that collaboration was the biggest strength of any project. I think of him often as I try navigate through my business and how I work with trades, vendors and other designers.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
The one thing I would say to my younger self is to be proud of your immigrant heritage. That it is okay that your parents didn’t speak english clearly, that the food you ate at home was wonderful and that being asian was a beautiful part of who you are. As a first generation Vietnamese American, I ran from my heritage for most of my entire life. It wasn’t until I turned 40 that I felt the need to reconnect with my culture and to be boldly proud of it. What I realized was that I went through my entire young adult life trying to prove myself, to fit in and sadly I made myself small so other could feel comfortable.

My world view now is completely different now in my 40’s. I live unapologetically. It’s been a very cathartic journey being 100 authentically me. Though I wish this was something I did sooner, I am glad I am finally here.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say that there is a public version of the real me. It is definitely still something I am working on, but I realized that I have mastered the art of code switching pretty well since I was young. Growing up a child of immigrants and trying to fit into caucasian spaces was my first version of myself. Being gay and the journey of coming out is the other layer to that as well.

As an adult in my 40s, I am very much comfortable about who I am and where I come from. I live much more unapologetically and boldly. However, I would say that my “public” persona is more about the energy I have to exude to be “on” for work. As an extrovert who is also an introvert, it takes alot of energy for me to turn on the extrovert in me to be at work events, net working and sometimes even client meetings. Sometimes I feel I do have to put on a show to exude a level of confidence in new environments.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I can honestly say that I am doing what I was born to do. I am grateful that I was able to figure out my passion for design and carved a career path that fulfilled my need to create beautiful spaces. I feel that all aspects of my journey has led me to growth and opportunities at the right space and time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nouveaudesignhouse.com
• Instagram: @nouveaudesignhouse
• Facebook: @nouveaudesignhouse

Image Credits
Jeffrey Johnson Photography
Jenn Verrier Photography
Miranda Estes Photography