Hi, Lucia! Today, we’re out of Yerevan and in this nice place. Can you tell us where we are?

Yeah. So, this is my mum’s house in Ptghni, in the village. It’s kind of a recent addition to our family, but a lot of love and care and a lot of time has gone into it. My mum bought it when it was a kind of derelict building, like it was crumbling and falling apart. It’s taken a couple of years to get it to where it is, but it’s definitely a labor of love. So, yeah, it’s a really special place to us and to me.

Do you often come here?

Yeah, when I’m in Armenia, I try to spend at least half my time here. It’s definitely a solace for me when I want to get away from the busy life in the city, whether in Yerevan, London, or just escaping the real world. I’m always like, “Please, can we go to Ptghni?” It just grounds me, helps me chill out, and brings me closer to nature. There’s a river nearby, just a two-minute walk away, so if I need to relax, I go sit by the river and read.

But you’re based in London, right?

Yes, based in London.

Were you born there?

I was, yeah. I was born in London and spent a lot of time there. I’ve actually only started coming back to Yerevan and Armenia in the past four years. Before that, I hadn’t been back... I’m 25 now, so the last time I was here before that was when I was nine. Every time I come back now, it feels new again.

What do you do?

I’m a set designer.

Have you always wanted to be a set designer?

Gosh, no, I haven’t always been one. I actually used to run a refugee charity in the UK and worked in politics. Then, when I was around 19 or 20, I decided I wanted to go into set design, so I started doing that. Now, I also do gallery curation and run a creative arts charity for young people in London and the UK.

You mentioned buying this house recently and renovating it. Did you do any of the work yourself?

Everything! I actually can’t even list it all. When we first got it, it was flooding. About five years ago, I remember coming to Armenia and we had to deal with fixing the flood by repairing the pipes. We’d carry everything down the hill, including the pipes and cement, because the path is so broken that cars can’t go down. It was a lot of work!

I was expecting you to say something like choosing the colors.

Ha-ha. No, I didn’t even do much of that. My mom wouldn’t let me choose the colors! But I did help with the design of the stairs because they looked pretty bad, so I insisted we change them.

Can you tell us about that little donkey figure?

Oh, my mom’s favorite animal is the donkey! We have a lot of donkey things around the house in London. When we were in Armenia a couple of years ago, we were looking for things for the house, and I spotted this donkey figurine. My mom absolutely loved it, so we got it though later, I realized it’s actually a zebra!

I've noticed some thrifted items around the house, do you like it and if so  what is it you find interesting in thrifting?

Yes, 100%. My mom is always shopping at places like ‘’Qrchi bazar”, bringing back items with stories. I love that about thrifted stuff; it comes with a history, and you’re adding your own story to it.

Tell us about the chairs you’re designing.

Ah, those chairs! The frames were in terrible shape. My mom’s friend gave them to us because they knew I like working with old things. So, every summer, I do a little more to restore them. Last year, I worked on the metal frames, and this year, I planned to add fabric, but I ran out of time. It’s been a nice project for me and my mom to work on together.

They’re bringing in a specialist from London, right?

Ha-ha Oh, I’m the specialist! Maybe once I finish them, I can call myself that.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about this place or your work?

I guess I’d just say I hope people love their homes, as they’re sanctuaries and reflections of themselves. This house is like a piece of art for me and my mom. We want to make it our own, adding little projects and DIY touches. And since Armenia is such a special place, it just makes this house even more meaningful.