When Daisy Hook and Amanda Swain founded Chimera Design, they knew they wanted to offer a new type of interior design studio through which they could navigate the process of designing in a way that “felt authentic to who we are and what we love doing.”
Having both grown up in artistic families, Hook and Swain knew they were destined to make a footprint in the design world. They both attended Rhode Island School of Design and, during their junior year, made a pact that they would one day open their own design studio. After graduating, they began separate careers in high-end residential and commercial design on opposite coasts.
In New York City, Hook worked in architecture and designed healthcare, retail, and co-working spaces. Swain – on the opposite coast in the Bay Area – founded Othrspace, an interior design studio whose work allowed her to explore custom fabrication and cultivate an expansive community of independent artisans, designers, peers, and advocates. The distance presented no issue, and Hook and Swain’s relationship quickly amplified from friends to collaborators and, finally, to business partners. In 2022, they took on a project together that “solidified and confirmed” that they were at the right point to open their own studio, and Chimera was officially born.
The significance of a name
What does “chimera” mean? The word has a variety of meanings, depending on the context. In today’s lexicon, chimera is “a thing that is hoped or wished for, but in fact is illusory or impossible to achieve;” in Greek mythology, Chimera is a fierce creature that is made up of disparate parts; and in science, it’s an organism with genetically distinct cells.
“The name ‘Chimera’ emerged from a deeply personal and shared journey between us,” Swain shares. “I first felt an inexplicable connection to the word, noticing it everywhere as if it were following me. One late night in Milan, after a day at design fairs, I shared this fascination with Daisy, describing how the word seemed to reveal a truth I couldn’t ignore. We spent hours exploring its layers of meaning, and Daisy, reconnecting with her own childhood fascination for the mystical, felt a similar pull.”
Months after this conversation, Swain got “Chimera” tattooed on her arm, symbolizing the word’s significance in her life. Around the same time, she and Hook were working on merging their independent studios and searching for a name that would capture their shared vision.
“During a hike in Joshua Tree, I said, ‘I think we are Chimera,’ a sentiment that Daisy had also been contemplating. This moment of alignment mirrored our collaborative decision-making process,” Swain says. “For us, it embodies the fusion of perspectives, material, and styles central to design – and our own creative partnership – a true symbiosis of individuality and collaboration.”
Building Chimera’s ethos and designing with authenticity
Building the brand’s ethos was easy. Rooted deeply in Hook and Swain’s own personal values, Chimera is a natural extension of them and their “rebellious nature to express a truth by peeling back layers.” At its core, Hook and Swain describe Chimera as “inquisitive, unconventional, and zealous.” They consider themselves stewards of a larger collaborative design process in which each decision – from who they bring on to a project to where they source from – is considered with immense intentionality.
“We love storytelling, hidden meanings in the details, and giving the user an opportunity to discover more by looking closer – which is an ethos represented by even how we hand-drew and assembled our Chimera logo,” Hook explains.
Their approach to the design process is equally as deliberate as it is intentional. They begin each project by gaining a thorough understanding of their client’s vision, goals, and budget. From there, they conduct in-depth research to gather insights that will inform the design direction.
“This is the exciting part where we deep dive into the how and why of a client’s vision,” Swain says. “With a collaborative and thorough approach, we explore various design possibilities until we solidify a cohesive concept that is reflected in every detail.”
Working with trusted collaborators, they then assemble a project-specific team that is capable of executing the design at the highest level, guided by Hook and Swain’s detailed plans and direction. From sourcing and procuring to installing furniture, accessories, and artwork, Hook and Swain oversee and manage the entire design process.
No task is too small, as the duo tackle everything from complete renovations with full construction documentation to small projects focused on furniture sourcing. “We tailor our services to meet the unique needs and budget of each client,” they explain.
A full-service interior design studio, Chimera takes on residential, hospitality, and commercial projects, regardless of their location and size. Whether their clients are looking for hourly design consultation, refreshes, or full-scale buildouts, Chimera has services tailored to meet their clients’ needs.
What sets Chimera apart from other design studios? “As queer women in design, our studio stands as both an expression and a rebellion against antiquated systems and mindsets,” Hook explains. “We take pride in pioneering the model of a modern, inclusive, bi-coastal design studio, and we bring a perspective to the industry rooted in our shared and individual experiences.”
Hook and Swain describe Chimera’s clients as “visionary individuals and organizations who seek more than just beautiful design.” They aim to create meaningful, personal, art-filled spaces and experiences that resonate with others.
“What makes us unique is our chimeric process of designing together, our ability to question everything without fear, and to build a whole new reality and way of seeing things for our clients that is based on pure authenticity and empathy,” Swain shares.
Making the move to the Hudson Valley
After living in New York City for nearly a decade, Hook moved upstate with her fiancée, Annie, and their dog, Bobo, in 2021. “Having spent my formative years in a rural village in Germany, I felt at home in the natural landscape and was drawn to the dense artistic communities that populate the region,” she says.
She had been making trips to the Hudson Valley for years, exploring the communities and searching for a place that she could envision herself living. Living in Hudson allowed her to engrain herself in the existing furniture and design market before making the move to the countryside.
“I fell in love with the softer way of living and the ability to step into nature daily,” she notes.
In August 2024, Hook purchased a house in Tivoli, and subsequently moved Chimera’s upstate headquarters along with her. In October, Chimera hosted its official launch party at Hook’s home, bringing together artists, creatives, and other community members to celebrate the space.
“With the additional space, Chimera plans to continue hosting gatherings of all kinds to create unique experiences for the community to enjoy,” she enthuses.
On the horizon
In their studios, both upstate and in Los Angeles, Hook and Swain are ensuring that they’re cultivating an environment in which they celebrate and grow their personal interests that influence not only their perspectives, but also their designs. Swain is studying wine and working towards her sommelier certification and Hook is personally fabricating most of her house. Together, they continue to express their perspectives through writing, are developing lighting and furniture, and are connecting with their roots in Germany and Nicaragua.
In their client work, they recently completed a concept and design direction for a Los Angeles-based furniture and skate brand that will be coming out in early 2025. Additionally, they are also working on a tattoo shop and creative space in Miami, as well as a queer wine bar in New York City.
As they look toward the new year, Hook and Swain are excited to continue participating and hosting events that “give the community access to Chimera’s world.” They are looking to host an “Ask Chimera” event in which they will offer the community an opportunity to do charette-style mini design sessions during which they can quickly navigate design solutions. In the next year, they’re also looking forward to participating in more design fairs, as well as continuing to partner with and support other brands and independent designers.
“We are excited to continue growing into and with the existing community here in the Hudson Valley, as well as continue to cultivate and support our community in Los Angeles,” Hook and Swain note. “Our books are open for 2025, and we are looking to work with new clients on both coasts. If you are interested in getting in touch or have a project or idea you’d like to discuss, let’s connect!”
Learn more about Chimera on its website and keep up with duo behind the design company on social media @chimera_design_.
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