Khorkhe Younes
When we first started chatting with Lebanese designer Khorkhe Younes, we immediately noticed his warm energy and kind spirit. It’s no surprise he specializes in lighting, making spaces more intimate through the elusive medium. Originally on a path as an interior designer in Lebanon, Khorkhe moved to New York City and fell in love with lighting. Meet Khorkhe.
DS: Hi Khorkhe! We are so excited to hear and share your story. Tell us, what was your professional journey like?
KY: Thank you! I am from Beirut, and I started my design career in Lebanon where I was a student in the Academie Libanaise des Beaux Arts studying to be an interior designer. After that program and working for a bit as an Interior Designer, a friend lured me to New York City to pursue a Masters in Lighting design at Parsons, The New school where I found my calling.
DS: We love when those intuitive friends tug us in a different direction. How has your career path looked since completing your lighting education?
KY: It seems like a whirlwind, but ten years later I am proud to say that New York became a second home and I truly fell in love with lighting. I’ve since started my dream studio with my friends from school and we affect emotions through lighting. It’s such a dream to do work that you love.
Lighting at Hudson Commons, New York City by Khorkhe's Studio Emy
DS: No doubt! What do you love the most about your job?
KY: Lighting is so impactful, but also so hard to grasp. I love having the ability to alter someone’s emotions. I also love feeling free to express my creativity through different mediums with light to create ceremonial spaces.
DS: Your work requires a steady flow and variety of inspiration sources. Where do you find your inspiration?
KY: I find inspiration in a few places, but most frequently from cinema, scenes in nature, and moments in introspection.
DS: Yes! Sometimes we forget about the inspiration within ourselves, that’s great you are tuned into it. What about other people, who are some creative individuals that you find interesting?
KY: Gaspard Noé, Ziad El Rahbani, Oscar Niemeyer
DS: What project of yours are you the most proud of?
KY: 3.1 Philip Lim worldwide.
Lighting at the 3.1 Philip Lim Miami boutique by Khorke's Studio Emy
DS: What is your favorite material to work with?
KY: Plaster. It allows me to mold scenes from nature and the urban scape allowing light to filter through the spaces, it is very ceremonial.
DS: What advice would you give to aspiring designers and artisans?
KY: Listen to your gut, it is always right and has no boundaries.
DS: You’ve been involved with a variety of different projects of distinct styles. What is the design style that resonates the most with you?
KY: Post war, Brutalism. It is so connected to and inspired by the cityscape of my childhood in Beirut. To me, Brutalist architecture and design holds so much nostalgia.
DS: I love that connection. Brutalism has such an interesting history and is one of my favorite styles, too. What cities do you enjoy or feel the most tuned into?
KY: Probably no surprise to say Beirut, because it is home. I also really enjoy Berlin, the openness of the city is alluring to me. No one cares about the mundane things. And, of course, after being here for so many years, New York feels like home.
Khorkhe Younes, photographed by Anthony Daoud
