Paul Chan Studio operates across LA's diverse architectural landscape - from residential space, Days of Being to retail project, Elorea. Managing multiple projects simultaneously means tracking thousands of products, coordinating dozens of suppliers, and keeping clients aligned on every decision.
Paul Chan
Made with Programa
Los Angeles, USA2025-09-08
“The issue with the spreadsheet is that there is no institutional knowledge - it doesn't carry from one project to another.”
Paul ChanFounder
The knowledge transfer problem
For years, Paul watched valuable project data disappear. Every new project meant rebuilding schedules from memory, recreating product lists, reformatting approval processes. "The issue with the spreadsheet is that there is no institutional knowledge - it doesn't carry from one project to another."
Now, Paul takes his Finishes Schedule format from Elorea LA and applies it directly to Days of Being. Same structure. Same categories. Same supplier relationships. Setup time dropped from days to minutes.
Schedule architecture that scales
Paul's schedules run deep. His latest project tracks 30+ furniture pieces across custom and retail categories. Each item carries specifications, lead times, supplier details, and approval status. His team monitors which items need 8-10 week lead times versus what's in stock. No scrambling when a client approves that custom dining table - everyone knows it needs ordering immediately.
The Finishes Schedule alone manages hundreds of selections: specialty finishes, trim details, paint specifications, wood veneers, flooring, stone, glass, ceramic tile. Each category branches into specific products with attached quotes, delivery windows, and installation sequences.
“I send a link to a client and they literally have to go in and just say, approve, approve, approve. We don't like that. Can we change that?”
Paul ChanFounder
Real-time client decisions
Paul's clients see exactly what needs approval. For example, the ENCORE FOSSEY Golden Oak wallpaper for his latest project, client reviews the product details, sees the MDC Interior Solutions specification, checks the lead time status, and approves - all in one place. No PDF attachments. No "which email had the latest version?" confusion.
Days of Being Silver Lake
Los Angeles
Cross-project intelligence
When Paul's team starts a new hospitality project, they pull from their retail and residential work. That lighting schedule perfected for one project, becomes the foundation for the next restaurant. The approval workflow refined through three residential projects? Now standard practice across all project types.
His Project Files show consistent schedule types across every project: Hardware, Appliances, Windows, Electronics, Door, Finishes, Accessories, Lighting, Furniture, Technology, Display Hardware, Plumbing. Each schedule maintains the same information architecture regardless of project scale or type.
“It's about organizing information in a pre-thought-out way that Programa has already done for us.”
Paul ChanFounder
Supplier relationships that build
Paul's Product Library grows with each project. The GL Veneer relationships from Ewing House carry into future projects. The Schuller supplier delivering to multiple sites gets consistent documentation. Lead times become predictable. Pricing stays current. Reorder information stays accessible.
“Having a vision in the beginning and being able to carry through the design and construction phase... having a steady handle on that is the key to success.”
Paul ChanFounder
The proof is in the practice
Paul's projects now share DNA. Information compounds instead of disappearing. Client approvals happen in days, not weeks. Project managers onboard faster because formats stay consistent.
“Having a vision in the beginning and being able to carry through... having a steady handle on that is the key to success.”
Paul ChanFounder
“Using Programa is proof.”
Paul ChanFounder
