Exosonic, Inc. have been shortlisted for Private Jet Design – Concept Award in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards. Read more about Principal Aircraft Interior Designer, Stephanie Chahan, below:

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Name: Stephanie Chahan

Company: Exosonic

Position within company: Principal Aircraft Interior Designer

Website: https://www.exosonic.com/

Tell us a little about your background in design:
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design with a business minor and a Master of Arts in Interior Design from Washington State University in the U.S. I started out as an intern supporting designers at Gulfstream in Savannah, GA, moved into a full-time designer role working on widebody aircraft, and am now a principal designer working on supersonic start up, Exosonic. In between my roles in aviation, I have also spent time exploring high end hospitality design and workplace design.

How would you describe your personal design style?
My personal design style is feminine and leans towards transitional.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
My design inspiration comes from everyday life and nature. The world is rich with beauty for us to absorb if we are willing to take the time to pause and observe it.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
The world is gravitating towards more biophilia design that brings in elements from nature. Biophilia is a concept that has been acknowledged for decades and as our world becomes more digitally connected and “plugged in” 24/7, people are yearning for opportunities to de-load whether consciously or subconsciously.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.

Ergonomic, functional, and comfortable design.

Natural material and lines.

Bold colours and patterns as forms of personal expression.

Lots of natural light.

And sustainably conscious materials and products.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to go big and bold – you can always scale back. This includes pattern size, colour, and texture.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
My favourite project to work on was a head-of-state widebody business jet for a confidential customer. I enjoyed this project because it gave me an opportunity to educate the customer on material and fabrication advancements that would allow the program to fly with more efficient, lighter, and more environmentally sustainable options than were available for the customer’s current vehicle which was outfitted multiple decades ago. It was a challenge to get buy-in on new materials and methods, but it was worthwhile to ensure the program was moving forward with the latest and more suitable options. Additionally, this program had a lot of fun opportunities for discussion with our customer through our design methods which included virtual reality, full scale mock-ups, and a very collaborative design effort.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
My most challenging project to work on is the same as my favourite project above. This project was a challenge because there were several decision makers with varying opinions involved at every stage – which can make moving forward difficult at times. Though challenging, it was also my most rewarding project to date!

Which products/services could you not live without when designing? Today, I think it would be challenging to design without virtual reality. Short of a full-scale model, virtual reality offers a great opportunity to understand the architecture, function, and scale of the design as all phases of design.

How important are The International Yacht & Aviation Awards?
The International Yacht & Aviation Awards are important to distinguish the best in class and challenge the industry to continue innovating and pushing the envelope. It is a great opportunity for designers and owners alike to understand the current and leading edge work across and yacht and aviation landscape.

What projects are you currently working on?
Currently, I am working on both an executive transport and commercial airliner designs for our Mach 1.8 low boom supersonic jet.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
My aims and goals for the next twelve months include exploring new aircraft materials and products that are environmentally friendly and support passenger experience and well-being.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?
Notes and postcards from around the world.

Your favourite holiday destination?
Lake houses and cabins around Washington state.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Favourite hotel is citizenM Amsterdam. Favourite restaurant is Uchi in Dallas, TX.

Your favourite book, film & song?
Favourite book is The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch & Jeffrey Zaslow.
Favourite films are Inception and Rocketman.
Favourite song is “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest.

Your favourite food and drink?
My ultimate favourite food is fried chicken. My favourite drink is coffee.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Spending time with my partner and our dogs around our property enjoying time outside.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A sociologist or economist – I love understanding patterns and behaviours and their impact. 

Exosonic, Inc. have been shortlisted for Private Jet Design – Concept Award in The International Yacht & Aviation Awards.

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