Howard Chu

Grew up in Texas, where his appreciation for design and craftsmanship began. After studying architecture at the University of Houston and earning his Master of Architecture from Columbia University in 1994, he moved to New York City to pursue his vision of creating poetic and meaningful spaces.

Howard’s passion for creating timeless, meaningful designs has shaped some of the most extraordinary projects for discerning clients worldwide. His career includes a decade as Director of Design at Masastudio and collaborations with Rick Joy, Thierry Despont, Kelly Wearstler, James Polshek, West Chin, and Stephan Jaklitsch, honing his ability to create designs that reflect clarity, material richness, and cultural resonance.

In 2023, Howard founded ATELIER X DESIGN with Lukas Peter to transform the design experience—guided by the principles of nature, culture, and joy—and build a studio from the ground up. Working with Aesop and private residential clients, the studio combines simplicity, materiality, and a sense of place to create enduring designs. At ATELIER X DESIGN, Howard continues to craft spaces where natural elements, cultural narratives, and joyful experiences converge to inspire and elevate.

Originally from Taiwan, Howard moved to Los Angeles to focus on elevating his craft through residential & hospitality architecture and interior designs. In 2014, he reconnected with his college sweetheart, and soon after, they married and settled in Montrose/La Crescenta. Embracing a lifestyle rooted in nature and balance, Howard finds inspiration in the quiet beauty of his surroundings, allowing his work to reflect a deeper connection between design, environment, and the human experience.

Selected work:

Aesop Larchmont
Aesop Beverly Drive
Upcoming Aesop Store
Bethlehem Stone House
Pebble Beach House
Country House
Sweet ADU
Market Place


Work At Previous Firms

Amangiri Villas, Amangiri Resort (at Masastudio)
UNESCO Tea Cultural Center, Yunnan, China (at Masastudio)
Brentwood House, Brentwood, CA (at Masastudio)
Mandeville Canyon House, Los Angeles, CA (at Masastudio)
Nichols Canyon House, Los Angeles, CA (at Masastudio)
Private House, Chatham Hill, TX (at Masastudio)
Rossoblu Restaurant, Los Angeles, CA (at Masastudio)
Hamasaku Restaurant, Los Angeles, CA (at Masastudio)

Sun Valley House, Sun Valley, Idaho (at Studio Rick Joy)
Ski House, Mountain Village, CO (at Studio Rick Joy)
C-Shell House Long Beach, NY (at West Chin Architect)
Primland Lodge, North Virginia, VA (at Thierry Despont)
Harbour House, Bahamas (at Thierry Despont)

Burgin Center for the Arts , Mercersberg Academy (at Ennead)
Paresky Center, Williams College (at Ennead)
DIA Beacon Museum Beacon, NY (at Open Office)
Stablie Hall, Pratt Institute Brooklyn, NY (at PKSB)
Williamsburg Community Center Brooklyn, NY (at PKSB)
Al Ghurair University, Dubai, UAE (at Masastudio)
West End Synagogue, New York, NY (at PKSB)
Bodhi Temple, Hempstead, TX (at CH2 studio)