For its creator, Chuch Estudio is a “baby” of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The woman behind this rising star in the world of interior design, Mérida architect Aranza García, says she developed the firm in 2020 following personal reflections on the profound importance of the spaces we inhabit. The name “chuch” is a Mayan word meaning “tenderness” or “adorableness.”
What the COVID-19 pandemic taught her
The pandemic highlighted how essential it is to be in harmony with our homes, and how every object in them plays a role in this regard. For these reasons, García says that the everyday items she designs tell a story and go beyond mere functionality.
García says she draws inspiration from Mexican traditions and biocultural diversity, the country’s vibrant colors and the variety of its materials and objects. Everyday items and food, such as children’s cereals or flowers she encounters on her daily walks, also inspire her.
“It is fun, playful, emotional, absurd, colorful and occasionally pretends to be serious,” according to its description for LAK Gallery.
However, Garcia also sees Chuch Estudio’s role as social: She tries to bring joy and tenderness to spaces and is committed to the environment.
“Our social responsibility goes far beyond creating spaces that are merely aesthetically pleasing or functional. We must consider the impact of our designs on our surroundings; our decisions affect everyone, not just those who can afford our services,” García says.
For instance, Chuch Estudio recently participated in an auction to raise funds for community beach cleanups in areas affected by oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico.
Iconic pieces
With a variety of textures and materials, ranging from natural wood to glossy plastics and textured fabrics, the pieces from Chuch Estudio are extravagant and unexpected; they exude energy and humor.
For example, its design line includes a small stool in the shape of a butt, inspired by a previous wooden sculpture. After a daily walk through Mérida’s gorgeous ceiba trees, García created a series of beautiful lamps inspired by this species. However, her imagination knows no bounds, and she has also crafted pieces inspired by the gum brand Canel’s, which can be found in every Mexican candy shop.
Another of Chuch’s most iconic works is a magnificent wool rug, made using traditional foot-powered looms in Oaxaca. Its playful shapes resemble happy cells and were inspired by the shape of the children’s cereal, Froot Loops.
The most famous, however, of García’s chairs is the Sol Chair, made of solid cedar with a silhouette inspired by a traditional Mexican biscuit.
Global presence
Six years after its inception, Chuch Estudio has been featured in interior design publications such as Architectural Digest France, Elle Décor France and Dwell Magazine. It has also participated in international events like Milan Design Week and Zona MACO Design in Mexico City. Chuch’s designs can be found in the interior design stores of international luxury brands, including Tory Burch in Paris and the Rossana Orlandi Art Gallery in Italy. Chuch Estudio also has pieces featured in hotels in southeastern Mexico and the Caribbean.
The key to this studio’s originality lies in its authentic inspiration. García invites us all to open our eyes to our surroundings with curiosity, transforming shapes and colors that are normally blurred by everyday routine into objects that actually increase our quality of life.
Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and collaborator for various outlets, including Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.
