An internationally acclaimed interior designer, architect and businesswoman, Dara Huang is a bolt of creativity, energy and business acumen all rolled into one. Speaking over Zoom, Dara is in the U.S. visiting family, yet already rearing to go, determined to give an honest, “not fluffy” account of who she is and her journey to date.
We go back to the start: her architecture studies at Harvard, the peer pressure, and the life lessons ingrained in her Taiwanese upbringing. “Working hard and believing in yourself,” are cornerstones of her success, she says. Indeed, Dara and Design Haus Liberty have become design go-tos for luxury brands, including Patek Philippe, LVMH, Cartier, Nihi Resorts and Four Seasons Hotels, as well as private clients such as Margot Robbie and Manolo Blahnik.
First and foremost, she tells me, she is an architect. After years at Herzog & de Meuron and Foster + Partners, launching her own studio in London was a natural next step. “My sister told me, ‘If you don’t market yourself, no one will do it for you,’ and that stuck with me.” Kate Spade became her first client. By her second year, she had 15 employees and Starwood Capital Group as a client.
We discuss life lessons, starting over and personal growth in what is often, in her words, “a man’s world in business. Women often undervalue themselves when dealing with men. I still struggle with that a lot. Every single day is a negotiation, and we fear what we think we don’t have.” Refreshingly, her three-strong management team is female. “We have created a system that doesn’t exist. If we had the confidence to understand our power, we could reinforce our energy to command a room,” she says. “That is so powerful and something I have developed over time.”
Described as a breath of fresh air by Patek Philippe, I don’t think Dara is having problems commanding rooms. “Women need to create opportunities for themselves,” she says.
Dara launched her first furniture and homeware line, Dara Maison, with Chris Burch, co-founder of Tory Burch, in December 2023. Built around accessible luxury, the brand works directly with artisans around the world to create practical, lasting statement pieces. Making a range with a more accessible price point was important.
We discuss her diversification with Dara Maison and her reasons for branching out. “Running service and product businesses is very different,” she says. “I have excellent intuition and understanding of people and what they want,” she explains. “Covid was a period when developers were nervous about spending money on interiors, so the business pivoted towards high-net-worth private clients and projects. Design Haus Liberty has become a one-stop shop, providing architecture, interiors, product design and branding across residential, commercial, hospitality and retail.
We move on to projects that have challenged her. Following investment in her business from Chris Burch, she embarked on the design and redevelopment of three of his houses – in New York, the Hamptons and Miami – each costing more than $50m (£37m). “He thrives off excelling. There are no excuses working with him. He never slows down, things must be done perfectly. It’s all about execution. He is also curious about people and he listens. Meeting him changed my life in terms of having a mentor,” Dara shares.
Left: This waterfront Miami mansion designed by Dara for Chris Burch balances sweeping wave-inspired architecture with earthy interiors and a dedicated wellness zone to create the ultimate natural oasis.
Right: Villa Mosca Bianca presents an organic, undulating design with curving, petal-like terraces that mimic wings extending into the landscape.
I ask if she has a favourite project and she admits her heart lies with Villa Mosca Bianca, a breathtaking house nestled on the shoreline of Lago Maggiore, Italy. This was an entire design mandate, inside and out. The direction of the sun, the trees and the water were all considered. Inside, unpolished natural stone contrasts with the minimal style and light palette used. Now, Ridley Scott reportedly wants to film a movie there, and luxury brands including Armani, Versace and Maserati plan to use it as a backdrop in photo shoots.
There is also the waterfront project she calls the Miami House, owned by Chris Burch. It was partly rebuilt from its 1930s history. “You feel as though you’re right on the water,” she says.
So, what’s next? Right now, Design Haus Liberty is working on major projects Dara never dreamed she would get, including a $200m (£148m) house in Indian Creek, Florida. “I am very involved in every project,” she shares. “I am the creative visionary of the group; it’s my job to understand the client’s needs.”
Unsurprisingly, Dara is excited about the future, adding: “I didn’t know anything about networking or business development when I started out. I do now, and that’s why I have survived.”
I am captivated by Dara’s energy and optimism. On parting, I ask for advice for someone wanting to embark on a design career. “Experiment,” she highlights. “Make mistakes, take time to grow. It’s good to be naïve. Do something small and do it really well to begin with. Being passionate is the only way to be the best in your field.” Her final piece of advice? “Don’t knock on front doors; knock on back doors.”
I’m looking forward to seeing what doors Dara knocks on next.
Author: Linda Hunting
This is a reduced version of the full interview with Dara Huang in the summer issue of I-M Inquisitive Minds. Get your copy, HERE.
Lead photo © Shiraz Cook
Show Comments +