Name: Tatiana Sheveleva 
Company: Chapi Chapo Design Inc.
Position within company: co-CEO/ Partner
Website: www.chapichapodesign.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc)
Originally, I am from Kazakhstan. My initial education is International Economics Relations where I met my husband. Soon through my creativity I found my way to the Interior Design profession. I graduated with honours from the International Academy of Design in Toronto, Canada, and received the ARIDO Award for Design Excellence. My ambitions and hard work brought me to the Hotel industry through experience in a very well-known international Interior Design Company. After almost 8 years of hard work
I decided to continue my professional journey with my business partner and open Chapi Chapo Design company. Chapi Chapo Design to me is more than just a job, it is an unforgettable “Roller Coaster Machine” with ups and downs. This company makes me feel alive and essential. To date, we have had multiple experiences with Five-star International hotels like Ritz Carlton, St. Regis, Intercontinental, Hyatt, Kimpton, W Hotel, and so on.
How would you describe your personal interior design style?
I do not believe in personal interior design style. For me Interior design style should be more about timeless comfort than trend, cultivating a unique style that was adopted from brand, location and culture to become charismatic and confident beauty.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I think the verb “to design” expresses the process of hard work, an inspirational journey and often an emotionally wrenching story. Sometimes music makes me want to dance, and sometimes it makes me want to create. Albert Einstein told once: “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I think technology nowadays dictates a big change to the Hospitality industry including design as well. Technology is improvement of productivity. Currently, people can perform certain things with ease and faster than ever before. This affects the design of the check-in desk, for example, and how fast and much easier the guest can move from the airport to the lobby and to the room. Movement is straightforward, action is fast, interaction has speeded up. And this is just one example. The entire guest experience inside the room is changing/improving as well. Keyless Entry Check-in via tablets or phones Texting Concierge Smart Thermostats Hospitality Design is definitely in the process of a big and smart change.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
I think the core design elements are still the same whether it is 2012 or 2020:
1. Find Elegance Vibe….
2. Arm yourself with a fundamental competency….
3. Define and embrace of what you truly believe in design…
4. Add extraordinary…
5. When you see the world through designer eyes, you generate beauty whatever you do.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to interior design schemes, what would it be?
To me design is an absolutely beautiful sensation. You do not want to be foolish not to experience the joys of every single thing it has to offer. Everyone (or almost everyone) is moved by Interior design in some way.
How important are The International Hotel & Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Very important. It will definitely bring confidence in international arena for every designer. Most importantly it will give recognition for extraordinary hard work.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are very blessed to work on many interesting projects around the world.
There are just a few of them:
1. St. Regis Hotel, Kanai, Playa del Carmen
2. Ritz Carlton Hotel, Mexico City
3. St. Regis Hotel, Toronto
4. St. Regis Hotel, Dominican Republic
5. The Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas
6. The Luxury Collection, Dominican Republic
7. Intercontinental Hotel, Toronto
8. W Hotel, Dominican Republic
9. Luxury Condominium, Warsaw, Poland
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
I am hoping to get a chance to create many beautiful memories through my projects. Just knowing that my design inspires people and brings joy is wonderful and I find it very heartwarming.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:
Your most treasured possession? Living my life, getting my biggest dreams and hand on the bravery wheel
Your favourite holiday destination? Any destination that brings my family together.
Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar? It is coming… not built yet…
Your favourite book, film & song? My favourite book and film is The Pursuit of Happyness. It is a 2006 American autobiographical drama film based on entrepreneur Chris Gardner & nearly one-year
struggle being homeless. The book and the movie The Pursuit of Happyness is a great example of someone who has little to nothing but chooses to be happy and not let the circumstances of his life slow him down.
Your favourite food and drink?
My favorite drink is Tea. I am from Kazakhstan where a respectful attitude to guests has
contributed to the traditional Kazakh ceremony of tea. Kazakh tea represents strong
black tea with milk or cream. Hospitality has always been a main character of my house. Even if you have just a minute to pop into my house, I will still ask you to sit down and offer a fragrant tea with sweets. Almost every meal is followed by tea in Kazakh families. When I am celebrating something, it is of course tequila)
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
To be with my thoughts and make plans for bigger dreams. And of course, enjoy the sun touch and my family.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
If I would not be a designer, I would be a Creator. Most importantly I would become a man of value.
Anything else interesting?
I think everyone should remember whenever you see a successful Interior design,
someone once made courageous and brilliant decisions.
Chapi Chapo Design have been shortlisted for Hotel Suite – Global Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2020.
design et al only work with the world’s leading designers.
If you think you have what it takes to complete in The International Hotel & Property Awards, submit your application by clicking here.