Top 40 Under 40: Q&A – Inside the Mind of a Designer

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The ideation and execution of design is only one facet of the total picture - these talented interior artists share their process, why they love what they love, and how Southern California influences design everywhere.

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Q: What are the major design trends you’re seeing in Southern California heading into 2024, and what’s catching on nationally, especially anything that took hold regionally first?

Socias: SoCal has a very unique lifestyle, influenced by the beaches, the mountains, the desert or the forests; it can be home but also feel like a vacation place, and bringing a more natural feel to your home can help it feel like a more calm and welcoming place. I’m a big advocate of the use of natural materials and letting them shine for themselves. I like the contrast of natural elements in a design. It makes it feel lighter and more welcoming - almost peaceful. I’m starting to see an increase in the use of more natural and softer-looking materials across more designs every day, like white oaks, travertine stone, clay tiles, wool fabrics or plaster walls. Some of the elements are crossing the borders of California and expanding across the country, like Roman clay and travertine stones.

Q: How does SoCal affect your design acumen, both in its geography, culture and natural features?

Socias: Southern California has large Spanish and European influences, which makes me feel at home. From the architecture to the landscapes, there are many resemblances with the places I grew up in, allowing me to bring my personal experiences into my designs, creating a unique combination of styles.

Q: What is the biggest advantage of having a design shop in the region?

Socias: There is a lot of inspiration that can be drawn from walking around design stores in the region - you start seeing materials, textures, finished pieces that could work in your space or inspire new approaches. From exploring stone yards to see the patterns and textures of natural stones, to fabric shops to see the colors in real life and feel the fabrics, nothing compares to being able to physically experience the things you will be working with and being able to show it to your clients. L.A. is a truly diverse cosmopolitan city with a vast variety of influences, and it’s a city that breathes creativity. To me, art and design go hand in hand and it’s a big part of my work, so having access to great artists that live in the same city is invaluable.

Angie Socias, the visionary founder and creative director of Coppel Design, brings a rich European heritage to her luxury interior designs, adorning prestigious projects worldwide.

With degrees in interior architecture from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and Central Saint Martins in London, Socias started her career in London, honing her craft at Candy & Candy, a renowned interior design firm. Her journey led her to Los Angeles, where she established Coppel Design, which is devoted to luxury interior architecture and design.

Meticulous and professional, Socias integrates exquisite furniture, fixtures, and materials into her designs. Her philosophy centers on crafting bespoke environments that transcend the ordinary, tailored to her clients’ visions.

Beyond design, Socias is a seasoned traveler, exploring diverse cultures and landscapes, infusing her work with timeless elegance and a dynamic flair.

Her community engagement includes supporting L.A. Housing, empowering women through the Living Beauty Foundation, and addressing homelessness issues in London.

The Holmby Hills Residence, a hallmark of her portfolio, redefines opulence with art deco-inspired grandeur. This 10,000 sq. ft. masterpiece boasts soaring ceilings, Italian finishes, and bespoke lighting fixtures from 1st Dibs. Bathrooms and kitchens blend classic and contemporary, while special features like a massage room, fitness studio, tennis court, and grand pavilion create a luxurious living experience.

Socias led the Coppel Design team, collaborating with Candy London to craft this living, breathing work of art that transcends architecture. This project is a testament to her dedication to creating spaces that evoke emotions and stand as a testament to her artistic prowess.