MY NEW YORK STORY

Charli Hendler, Founder of August Black

By Stacy Brown | Photography by Margaret Rose

August Black launched in 2008 as the only interior design firm catering exclusively to men. It was met with great acclaim, and women and couples began to knock on the door. Due to the growing demand for high-end residential projects, August Black proudly launched August Black Home. This led to August Black Baby, accommodating busy parents and growing families by creating custom, one-of-a-kind baby rooms.

Following the successful completion of numerous hotel, office, and restaurant projects, August Black Commercial and Hospitality entered the mix. Last but certainly not least, August Black is proud of its exceptional Staging division. New York City-based August Black provides full-service interior design and project management services for residential, commercial, hospitality, restaurant, and lounge projects in Manhattan.

August Black owner Charli (Hantman) Hendler aims to achieve timeless spaces with distinction and functionality. Charli has designed and managed several large-scale hospitality projects at the Ritz Carlton Hotels and the Ritz Carlton Private Residences. Known for creating unique interiors that reimagine the possibilities of mixing modern and traditional, her classic and edgy designs are inspired by fashion, art, and travel. She has designed several celebrity-client homes, and her work has been featured in Curbed NY, Core NYC, and numerous publications.

We met with Charli recently to find out more about August Black. Here’s what we found.

Share a childhood memory that sparked your interest in interior design. 
I grew up in a house that was constantly changing in design. My parents always saw new ways to make our house more functional or visually attractive, so they would add or knock down walls depending on their preferences. I always felt drawn to the process. I would join them in design meetings or walkthroughs with the architect and frequent showrooms while selecting fabrics, wallpaper, and furnishings.

Can you describe your process of understanding a client’s vision and translating it into a design? I always survey clients to get a substantial sense of what they like and dislike. I share photos, color ideas, fabrics, and links to get immediate reactions and feedback, which is always very telling. Then I put together an inspirational document based on these findings to propose an overall visual direction for each room, creating a “flow” throughout the entirety of the space. When people realize custom ideas are being made just for them, they are often blown away and cannot wait to see them come to life.  

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
The challenges I encounter daily are often related to elements beyond my control. This includes item delays, damages, and poor communication from industry vendors. We have established excellent relationships with our trades sector, and together, we collaborate on how to circumvent these uncontrollable issues that arise creatively. We take all necessary steps to work with the vendor or manufacturer to rectify any problems, small or large, on time with the best outcome wherever possible.

However, I’ve found that managing my client’s expectations is the best way to handle these issues. I am very communicative with my clients. When issues that need to be shared with clients arise, I find providing them with relevant information upfront is the best way to avoid any miscommunication, most importantly with solutions at hand. 

Describe a project that best represents the August Black Interior Design signature style.
My “Manhattan Cheeky” project at 36 Sutton Place South perfectly exemplifies the fun and sophisticated nature of August Black’s signature style. By transforming furniture and closets that turn into home offices or stroller closets, we created an apartment with tons of hidden layers and valuable features to help these busy Upper East Side parents maintain a clutter-free home that they can also work in happily. Balancing color, pattern, and texture, this design brings a young yet decade-less vibe to the once-considered “older” neighborhood.

Conversely, my “Anything But Boring Beige” project at 147 Waverly Place symbolizes August Black’s more subdued tonal signature, incorporating tons of texture, layers, and unique silhouettes. A breath of fresh air in the center of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, this design aimed at maximizing all this space has to offer while layering thoughtful [as well as durable] details and ambient lighting throughout to create an elevated and inviting environment, while keeping a calming feel in contrast to the busy city outside.  

How do you go from initial concept to final execution?  
Brainstorming based on this feedback is where I begin to put concepts to paper. I outline these ideas briefly with visuals and present them to the client. It is intended to inspire and excite them to decide on high-level details. I then move on to the fundamentals. We see what is logistically possible, starting with scaled floor plans and elevation drawings. Then comes the actual design process, based on the budget and fundamental components we have put in place. Once furnishings and materials are approved, we provide purchase proposals. With all timeframes solidified, we provide a seamless installation schedule with all trades involved to be scheduled accordingly.

The right medium, colors, shape, and scale all contribute to bringing a room to life. Art should enhance the other elements in a room and can truly create strong visual interest in sparking conversation.  

What’s next for August Black? Are there any new ventures or design territories you’re excited to explore?
August Black has exciting collaborations and partnerships that we can’t wait to share! I love collaborating with various trades in the industry, customizing capsule collections that speak directly to our clientele and beyond to capitalize on their functional and aesthetic needs. No one knows better than designers what clients are looking for first-hand. We can curate something distinctive by working with artisans and trades in the industry.

For more information on August Black, visit augustblack.com