Nisa is a Los Angeles native currently based in Brooklyn. She majored in Studio Art at a small liberal arts school in California and continued to create work outside of school, focusing on immersive installations and video projects, before making her way east.
Since moving to New York, she has worked in various art department positions in film and television, ultimately gravitating to the role of Set Decorator, as it married her interests in design, visual storytelling, and fascination with the everyday details that make up our worlds. She received her membership card from Local 52 just in time for the global shutdown in spring of 2020.
She has contributed to a variety of film, television and commercial projects; most notably she recently received a News & Documentary Emmy for Outstanding Lighting and Scenic Design for the HBO documentary film “Alabama Snake.”
Upcoming projects include “Fire Island,” from Searchlight Pictures, a remake of the Austrian horror film “Goodnight Mommy” from Amazon Studios, and “She Came to Me,” from writer/director Rebecca Miller.
Nisa Schoonhoven's Project Showcase
Q&A with Nisa Schoonhoven
Q.
First investment piece of furniture you purchased?
A.
I recently purchased the Hay Design Mags Low Sofa, and it’s the first and only custom piece of furniture I have purchased. It has a very bold shape, which I love the look of, but is also extremely comfortable. It’s important to me to have a couch that I can comfortably fall asleep on while watching a movie…
Q.
What was the first project you worked on?
A.
My first ever art department job was on a show for Adult Swim called “The Heart She Holler.” It was a totally perverse and absurd dark comedy starring Amy Sedaris and Patton Oswalt, among many others, which of course meant it was incredibly creative and fun. It was non-union, so as an art department PA I was able to do a little bit of everything, from helping the scenics mix the perfect consistency and color excrement to smear on the walls of a bathroom set, to crafting “pube vines” out of hundreds of hair extensions to entangle Amy Sedaris in. I met so many people on that job whom I’ve maintained relationships with both professionally and personally, and couldn’t have asked for a more fun and collaborative entry into the industry.
Q.
What is your most memorable career moment so far?
A.
Spending three summer months in rural Alabama recreating the world of a snake handling preacher convicted of attempted murder by snake bite was definitely a transformative experience. The challenges of the climate, the insects, and shall I say “cultural differences,” were real, but there are certain magical things that happen in places like that, that just wouldn’t in New York. I do often reminisce on the thrifting I did there, how every random roadside junk shop was a goldmine, how often I would miraculously stumble upon exactly what I was looking for. It’s also so much fun working with local people who are eager to get involved and help in any way they can – I think this allows a level of authenticity that is very hard to fake.
Q.
How do you define beauty?
A.
Imperfection
Q.
What modern design trend makes you cringe?
A.
There are so many….I think the way I see terrazzo being interpreted these days is often upsetting, and I generally don’t like splayed legs on contemporary furniture. I’m also tired of seeing rattan and macrame everywhere…ok I’ll stop there….
Q.
What are three things you can’t live without?
A.
Tea, cheese, eucalyptus oil
Q.
How would you define your work in three words?
A.
Playful, layered, bold
Q.
Favorite city to recharge?
A.
My hometown, Los Angeles
Q.
Pick one food to eat forever without getting tired of
it
A.
Broccoli rabe…and pasta, preferably together
Q.
What’s one thing that’s always in your refrigerator?
A.
Lemons
