Sue S. Chan’s PROFILE kitchen creates calm through minimalist design

Collection: PROFILE / Variant: PROFILE Natural Oak / Countertop: Dekton

WHO: Sue S. Chan, founder of Care of Chan
LOCATION: Echo Park, Los Angeles
KITCHEN: PROFILE collection

Sue S. Chan is the founder of Care of Chan, a New York City-based creative marketing and event production agency whose clients include some of the most recognized names in culinary, film, fashion, and design, such as A24, The New York Times, MillerKnoll, and J.Crew. Splitting her time between Los Angeles and New York City, Sue's bi-coastal lifestyle has significantly shaped her philosophy on what it means to feel "at home." "LA feels like the suburbs compared to New York," she reflects. "Spending more time here has helped me re-prioritize my life, focusing more on being rather than constantly chasing." This shift in perspective has influenced how she views her home as a space for recharging and reflection. Her Los Angeles home embodies this ethos with a minimalist design approach emphasizing functionality. Carefully selected art and design pieces contribute to a sense of calm throughout her space.

In her kitchen, Sue chose the PROFILE collection in Natural Oak, designed by Norm Architects—adding warmth with its natural materials and subtle horizontal lines. The cabinets, designed for ample storage, are paired with PROFILE shelving on the walls, providing a display space for glassware and favorite platters. "If you entertain a lot, you need a few essentials to ensure you're always ready for a gathering. A water carbonator (I love my Aarke!), a well-stocked pantry, and an array of salts and seasonings that can elevate any meal." These provide a solid foundation for preparing simple yet elevated meals, even for last-minute guests.

While Sue's kitchen is practical, it's also deeply personal—a curated collection of objects that hold memories from her travels. "My kitchen is an archive of the places I've been to," she explains. "I try to live a pretty minimal life, but home goods (and condiments) are one area where I can't help myself. Whenever I travel, I always hit up local home goods stores. It's the best way to bring a piece of your travels home."

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"My kitchen is an archive of the places I've been to. I try to live a pretty minimal life, but home goods (and condiments) are one area where I can't help myself."

Sue S. Chan, founder of Care of Chan

Sue's background in the food world is extensive. With years of experience studying, working in, and appreciating the culinary arts, she has a keen eye for quality and detail. "It's ruined me," she jokes. "I'm totally jaded. But in all seriousness, it's made me more focused on quality. I never want to waste a meal." This dedication informs her approach to both cooking and entertaining, making her gatherings unique and intentional.

For Sue, hosting is about more than just serving food and drinks; it's a ritual that fosters deeper connections. "Sure, you need good food, drinks, and decor," she acknowledges, "but it's really about the company you bring together and setting an intention for the evening." Whether hosting an intimate dinner or a larger event, her focus is always on creating meaningful moments of connection.

At the heart of Sue's work lies a mission that extends beyond memorable meals. She's driven by a desire to bring people together. "The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, has declared loneliness an epidemic in America. As an only child with parents who worked a lot, that really resonated with me. My company's mission is to help bring people closer together over food and to help people gather with greater ease." Whether it's a formal dinner party or a casual get-together, Sue hopes her work inspires others to create their own communities around the table. "Not everyone can attend every event we host," she explains, "but I hope that people are inspired to host their own gathering so they can find community and purpose."

Ultimately, Sue's commitment to creating spaces where people can connect, share, and create lasting memories defines her unique approach. Through food, conversation, and the act of gathering, she embodies the essence of hospitality: bringing people closer, fostering intimacy, and celebrating the joy of shared experiences.

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"Sure, you need good food, good drinks, and good decor. But it’s really about the company you bring together and setting an intention for the night, whether for each person individually or for the whole group."