Each December, CHIL Interior Design’s Vancouver office transforms into a holiday masterpiece. Part art installation, part holiday cheer, it’s become a tradition all CHILians and guests look forward to seeing each year. At the heart of these incredible installations is Associate Designer Marina Charters, whose creative vision has been shaping these installations since 2015. Drawing inspiration from nature, sustainability, and the joy of experimentation, Marina’s annual holiday installations are as much about storytelling as they are about design.

Marina recently sat down with Marketing & Brand Manager Kim Szeto to share her process, the magic of collaboration, and what it takes to turn an abstract idea into a tangible celebration of the season.

Holiday Installation 2024

KS: Hi Marina, thank you for sitting down with me. Let’s start with this year’s theme—what inspired it?
MC: Honestly, inspiration is always brewing in the back of my mind throughout the year. This time, I wanted to use the grass that I cut from my own front yard. Sustainability is huge for me, so I always aim for compostable or reusable elements. Pinterest helps, of course, but a lot comes from doodles in my sketchbook and just experimenting at home.


Grass cut from Marina’s front yard

KS: What does the design and build process look like? How long does it take?
MC: Oh, it’s a rollercoaster! I only have one day to execute it in the office, so the design has to be something I’ve tested and tweaked at home. Budget and capabilities are always a factor, but I love the challenge. Sometimes you plan for one thing, but the materials or space throw surprises at you. Problem-solving is half the fun.


Some of Marina’s concept sketches

 

KS: Speaking of surprises, do you have a favorite part of the installation?
MC: Honestly, when it all comes together! The process can be chaotic, like when the tree needed extra support from the ceiling last year. It wasn’t part of the plan, but those little pivots always lead to something better than I imagined.

 

 

KS: Sustainability plays a big role in your designs. Why is that important?
MC: It’s a reflection of who we are at CHIL. The care and detail we put into these installations mirror the effort we bring to our client projects. At home, I try to reuse and eliminate waste. It just makes sense to bring that mindset into the workplace. Plus, it’s cost-efficient and is the right thing to do.

The 2019 holiday installation was made with scrap paper around the studio.

KS: Do you ever feel pressured to top yourself each year?
MC: A little! One of my favorite installations was this woven piece I did in 2017. It took forever because I built the frame myself on our patio and started working on it in October. But it’s really less about outdoing myself and more about having fun and creating something magical.


The holiday weaving installation created in 2017

KS: How has the team contributed to these installations?
MC: Oh, it’s definitely a group effort. Not only does the team help with completing the installation in a short timeframe, but they also add ideas I never thought of. Last year, I had to elevate the tree with a crate, and someone went out to purchase accessories to hide the base of the tree, which ended up enhancing the whole design. Another person found the perfect placement, so the sunlight hits the disco balls just at the right spots. The magic happens when everyone adds their touch.


Collaboration is at the heart of these installations. Photos from the 2023 installation.

KS: Why is something like this important in the workplace?
MC: It’s always so fun when the elevator doors open and seeing the artwork everyone pitched in to create together, it just brings an instant smile to your face. And it’s something that brings the people together, even those outside the office. Every year, suppliers and former coworkers reach out to ask what my plans are for the installation.

Photos from the 2024 installation.

KS: Lastly, what’s your dream installation?
MC: Lights. Something with lights.