Founded by Armenian architect and designer Shushana Khachatrian in 2017, STUDIO SHOO has become a name synonymous with "vivid minimalism", a bold, expressive, and purpose-driven design language that bridges cultures and disciplines. InteriorDaily spoke with the studio's founder, Shushana, about the journey from Yerevan to Milan, the philosophy behind her practice, and how she envisions the future of design.
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Shushana Khachatrian, founder of STUDIO SHOO.
From creative beginnings to founding a studio
Shushana's journey into architecture began long before establishing her own studio. "I've harboured ambitions of starting my own business since I was young," Shushana recalls. Encouraged by her father, she pursued art school, immersing herself in painting, sculpture, and art history before studying architecture. "Those six years shaped my way of thinking, from manual drafting to designing everything from playgrounds to hotels. That combination of creativity and structure is still central to how we work today."
After several years of professional experience, Shushana founded STUDIO SHOO in 2017. "I wanted a practice that merges creative expression with clear communication," she explains. "Architecture taught me how to think systematically, but art taught me to see emotionally, and STUDIO SHOO exists where those two worlds meet."
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Abu Gosh Restaurant designed by STUDIO SHOO.
Defining "vivid minimalism"
If minimalism often suggests restraint, Shushana's work gives it colour, rhythm, and emotion. "Vivid minimalism captures our desire to create spaces that are both striking and thoughtfully restrained," she says. "It's about distilling ideas to their essence while still allowing personality and vibrancy to come through."
This philosophy is evident across the studio's projects, interiors and objects that balance clarity with boldness, geometry with warmth, and precision with playfulness.
Rooted in Armenia, refined in Milan
Shushana's Armenian heritage continues to inform her aesthetic and values. "The monumental yet balanced forms of Armenian architecture have deeply influenced my work," Shushana notes, referencing projects like the Cheese Farm in Yerevan, where she reinterpreted traditional materials and proportions for a contemporary context.
Her time in Milan added a different layer of sophistication. "Living in Milan, a city where design is part of everyday life, shaped my understanding of craftsmanship and aesthetic excellence. It taught me how to harmonise the emotional depth of Armenian culture with the refined precision of Italian design."
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Cheese Farm designed by STUDIO SHOO.
Projects that tell stories
From boutique hotels to restaurants, STUDIO SHOO's portfolio is as diverse as it is coherent. The ibis Styles Hotel in Old Tbilisi, one of the studio's recent projects, reflects this balance between narrative and brand identity. "We wanted the design to feel authentic to Tbilisi's spirit," Shushana says. "Stained glass became our central motif, a symbol of the city's layered history and colourful architecture."
Working within a historic building brought its own challenges. "We had to respect the original features while integrating the ibis brand elements," Shushana explains. "The result is a hotel that not only aligns with the brand but also tells a story of place and heritage."
Sustainability through craftsmanship
For STUDIO SHOO, sustainability is more than a checklist, it's a mindset. The studio prioritises locally sourced, natural, and recycled materials while supporting regional artisans. "We design for longevity," Shushana emphasises. "That means choosing durable materials, reusing existing structures, and embedding energy efficiency into the design from the start."
This ethos extends to product design too. The TUFF Pencil Cabinet, inspired by Armenia's volcanic tuff stone, translates cultural memory into material form. "It's about reinterpreting local identity through texture, colour, and tactility," she says. "Each object should invite interaction and tell a story."
Expanding globally, growing meaningfully
With projects across Europe and beyond, STUDIO SHOO's international growth has been guided by collaboration rather than expansion for its own sake. "We work with artisans, suppliers, and designers around the world, building relationships based on shared values," Shushana explains. "Our aim is meaningful growth, projects that resonate culturally and creatively."
Economic volatility and shifting trade landscapes have added new challenges for the design industry. "Rising costs and changing tariffs mean we must stay agile," she says. "Clients now expect more flexibility and long-term value. That pushes us to design adaptable, multifunctional spaces that endure."
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TUFF Cabinet by STUDIO SHOO.
Looking ahead
Shushana's vision for the studio is one of thoughtful innovation. "We're exploring recycled materials and emerging technologies, including AI, to open new creative possibilities," she reveals. "But the goal remains the same, to create designs that are socially valuable, culturally rooted, and emotionally engaging."
Her advice to young designers is simple but powerful:
"Stay curious, stay individual, and don't let doubt hold you back. The most meaningful work comes from authenticity, from embracing who you are and where you come from."
More information:
STUDIO SHOO
Yerevan, Armenia
+374 55 664 651
Milan, Italy
+39 351 591 5960
[email protected]
www.studioshoo.com
