Hidden Gems: Meet Nina Magon of Nina Magon Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Magon.

Hi Nina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey has always been driven by a desire to create something meaningful at the intersection of design, culture, and business. I was born in Canada, raised in Houston, and come from a family with Indian roots, which gave me an early appreciation for global perspectives and cultural nuance. That multicultural foundation shaped how I see design, not as surface-level aesthetics, but as a form of authorship that reflects identity, intention, and experience.

I began my professional path studying economics and finance, which instilled a strong analytical mindset and an understanding of how vision must be supported by strategy. Early on, I explored entrepreneurship through luxury retail, an experience that sharpened my understanding of branding, consumer behavior, and scale. At the same time, I found myself increasingly drawn to interior design, initially taking on private projects that allowed me to explore creativity in a more personal way. That passion led me to pursue postgraduate studies in architecture and design, recognizing that true innovation comes from understanding both creative and technical disciplines.

Founding Nina Magon Studio was a natural evolution of those experiences. From the outset, my goal was to build a design-led platform that transcended traditional boundaries, one that seamlessly integrates architecture, interiors, construction, and development. Our work is defined by a bold yet refined sensibility, combining architectural clarity, sculptural form, confident use of color, and cultural depth. Each project, whether residential, commercial, or hospitality, is approached with intention and an uncompromising commitment to quality.

As the studio has grown, so has its scope. Today, I operate not only as a designer but as a business leader overseeing large-scale construction and development projects globally. We collaborate with leading brands, create proprietary product lines, and have now expanded into branded real estate, all while maintaining a deeply personal, bespoke approach. This evolution reflects my belief that design and business are intrinsically linked, and that lasting impact comes from aligning creative vision with disciplined execution.

Serving as the United States Ambassador to Maison & Objet has been a meaningful chapter in this journey, allowing me to contribute to global design and advocate for women breaking barriers in both creative and business spaces. Philanthropy and mentorship are equally important to me, and through my families nonprofit, The Sita Ram Foundation, I remain committed to creating opportunities that extend beyond design itself.

I don’t view my career as a series of milestones, but as an ongoing process of building ideas, spaces, businesses, and legacy. At its core, my work is about shaping environments that feel elevated, enduring, and deeply connected to the people who experience them. And I see this moment not as an endpoint, but as the foundation for what’s still ahead.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No meaningful journey is ever entirely smooth, and mine has certainly been no exception. Building a design-led business at a global scale requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to take risks long before the results are visible. Early on, one of the greatest challenges was being taken seriously not only as a designer but also as a business woman capable of managing complex, high-value projects. In industries traditionally shaped by established players and conventional thinking, earning trust required consistently demonstrating credibility beyond the creative.

Another challenge was navigating growth without compromising integrity. As opportunities expanded, it became essential to be selective and to protect the studio’s long-term vision rather than pursuing more projects. Scaling thoughtfully while maintaining a hands-on approach required discipline and difficult decisions.

There were also moments of uncertainty. Investing in yourself, building teams, entering new markets, and navigating economic shifts all demand a balance of confidence and humility, creativity and strategy. I have learned that setbacks are not failures, but lessons that inform stronger decisions moving forward.

Ultimately, these challenges have shaped both the business and my leadership. They have reinforced the importance of clarity, perseverance, and staying deeply connected to purpose. Looking back, those moments of difficulty were essential, strengthening my resolve, and laying the foundation for the scale and impact we have today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Nina Magon Studio?
Nina Magon Studio is a design-led luxury firm that operates at the intersection of architecture, interiors, construction, and development. What began as a boutique design practice has evolved into a global platform creating highly authored environments across private residences, hospitality, commercial spaces, branded real estate, and bespoke commissions. Our work is rooted in intention, precision, and cultural depth, with every project approached as a narrative rather than a collection of individual elements.

We are known for a signature aesthetic that balances bold expression with refined modernity. Confident use of color, sculptural forms, architectural clarity, and layered materiality define our work, but what truly sets us apart is how those elements are deployed. Every decision is purposeful and deeply tied to how a space will be experienced. We design for emotion, and identity.

The studio specializes in delivering complex, high-value projects that require both creative vision and disciplined execution. Because we oversee projects from concept through construction and development, we are uniquely positioned to control quality, timelines, and outcome at a level many firms cannot. This integrated approach allows us to serve ultra-high net worth clients, developers, global brands, and hospitality partners with consistency and discretion.

What I am most proud of is the evolution of the brand itself. Nina Magon Studio is not simply a service provider, but a design authority and creative partner. Our recent rebranding reflects that shift, positioning the studio as a design-led business with global reach and long term vision. We are expanding into branded residential developments, proprietary product lines, and new verticals such as luxury aviation and yachting, all while maintaining the bespoke nature that defines our work.

What I want readers to understand is that our studio is built on authorship and accountability. We stand behind every project fully, creatively and operationally. Our goal is not just to design beautiful spaces, but to create environments and experiences that endure, resonate, and reflect the people who inhabit them. At its core, Nina Magon Studio is about building a legacy of design excellence, leadership, and cultural relevance that extends far beyond aesthetics.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as building something that is meaningful, enduring, and aligned with purpose. It is not measured solely by scale, recognition, or financial achievement, but by the integrity of the work and the impact it creates over time. Success means having clarity of vision and the discipline to stay true to it, even as the business grows and evolves.

For me, success is also about responsibility. It is the ability to lead with intention, to create opportunities for others, and to use influence in a way that contributes positively to culture, community, and industry. It is knowing that the work we put into the world reflects our values and stands the test of time.

On a more personal level, success means balance. Being present, continuing to grow, and staying curious while maintaining a sense of fulfillment beyond the work itself. When creative ambition, business discipline, and personal purpose are in alignment, that is when I feel most successful.

Ultimately, success is legacy. It is leaving behind work that matters, relationships built on trust, and a brand that continues to inspire long after individual projects are complete.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ninamagon.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninamagonstudio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nina-magon-studio-inc/
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ninamagon/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ninamagonstudio

Image Credits
Credits can be found within the file name but listing below as well Headshot – Alikhan Photography NMS 1 – Julie Soefer NMS 2-6 – Par Bengtsson