Today we’d like to introduce you to Faten Baassiri.
Hi Faten, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always been a creative person, naturally drawn to art, design and the way environments can shape how we feel and experience everyday life. I started my design journey studying Interior Architecture at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, then later earned my Master’s degree in Design from Domus Academy in Milan, which greatly expanded my perspective on design as both an emotional and functional experience.
Over the past 15+ years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects across different countries and cultures, which has deeply influenced the way I approach interiors today. I moved to New York 10 years ago and spent a few years settling in and focusing on raising my young family. At the same time, I continued working on creative projects on the side while pursuing and eventually obtaining my NCIDQ certification.
In 2024, I officially established Studio 1820 in New York, where we focus primarily on contemporary residential interiors. Our work is rooted in creating spaces that feel warm, layered, timeless and deeply personal rather than trend-driven. I’m especially passionate about designing homes that feel elevated while still being livable and authentic to the people in them. We also work on select small commercial projects and bespoke furniture pieces.
I am also a member of the ASID NY Metro chapter and recently joined the Board. I’m looking forward to becoming even more involved in supporting and contributing to our design community. Alongside running the studio, I’ve also been involved in teaching and mentoring within the design field at Parsons, which has been incredibly rewarding.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road, but I think those challenges are what shaped me both personally and professionally.
One of the biggest transitions was moving to New York and essentially rebuilding my career and network from the ground up while also adapting to a completely new design culture and industry. At the same time, I was raising a young family, which naturally shifted priorities for a few years. Balancing motherhood, personal growth and professional ambitions was not always easy, especially in a fast-paced city like New York.
It was also very challenging to break into the workforce here. Before deciding to start my own design studio, I worked very hard applying to many well-established and renowned architecture and interior design firms throughout the city. However, I found myself stuck in a frustrating cycle between not having “New York experience” and being considered overqualified for entry-level positions. It often felt like nobody was willing to give me the opportunity to truly demonstrate my skills and experience.
I quickly realized how competitive New York is, particularly within the design world where there is so much remarkable talent. Having thick skin is essential, and rejection and challenges should motivate you to keep moving forward.
Earning my NCIDQ certification gave me a much stronger sense of confidence and credibility within the field. As someone rebuilding a career in a new country and industry, having a professional recognition that not every designer pursues became an important milestone for me. It helped validate my background, my experience and reaffirmed that I truly belonged in this field.
Looking back, all of these experiences pushed me to become more intentional in the way I work and lead. More than anything, they reinforced my resilience and sharpened my adaptability and confidence in my own perspective and expertise, especially when others did not immediately recognize it, or tried to make me doubt it. Trust me, I faced plenty of those moments, and I still do, particularly with English being neither my first nor my second language.
We’ve been impressed with Studio 1820, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Studio 1820 is a New York-based boutique interior design studio focused primarily on modern and contemporary residential interiors, with select commercial and bespoke furniture projects as well. Our work is rooted in creating spaces that feel warm, timeless, layered and deeply personal rather than overly trend-driven or “showroom perfect.”
What sets us apart is our approach to design as both an emotional and functional experience. We believe beautiful spaces should not only look elevated, but also genuinely support the way people live, gather and feel within them. A lot of our work focuses on finding that balance between refined aesthetics and real-life livability.
Because of my background in interior architecture, which is my actual degree and foundation, we approach projects holistically, not just through decoration or styling, but through spatial planning, functionality, detailing, materials, custom furniture and the overall experience of the space. We are very involved in both the creative and technical sides of design, maintaining a collaborative and approachable relationship with our clients throughout the process, as well as with the engineers, architects, contractors and other professionals involved.
We describe our design style as warm contemporary: clean lines layered with texture, thoughtful materials and details, and curated furniture. We draw inspiration from different cultures, travel, art, architecture and the everyday life experiences of our clients, which gives our projects a very personal and collected feel. We care deeply about designing spaces that truly reflect the people living in them, rather than imposing a signature look on every project.
I also want to add that we value the human side of the process just as much as the final outcome. Creating or transforming a home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times, whether it’s a renovation, a remodel or simply adapting to a new space. Since every client experiences that journey differently, we try to make the process feel as supportive and seamless as possible from beginning to end.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the importance of trusting your own voice, even when the path feels uncertain. It also took me time to realize that being “different,” and being an immigrant, is not a weakness but a strength that shapes your perspective in meaningful ways. The moment you stop trying to fit into what others expect and begin embracing the experiences and perspective that make you unique, everything starts to align more naturally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://studio1820.com/
- Instagram: @studio1820_ny
- Facebook: Studio 1820
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatenbaassiri/
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/fatenwb
