Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Magon.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I had always been interested in fashion. Upon graduating from Southern Methodist University with a business degree in Economics and Finance, I knew she needed to work in a field that allowed for some creativity.
After launching a high-end lingerie store, I realized that she was more interested in the design of the store than the clothes inside. With this in mind, I then started working in commercial real estate for my dad. Ultimately, I was able to marry my interests in fashion and real estate into a career in interior design.
I attended the Art Institute of Houston for my post-graduate studies to gain the skills I needed before starting my own firm. I later started hiring teachers from the Institute to work for me to handle the things I didn’t know how to do and learned more along the way.
Shortly after my daughter was born in 2011, I decided to audition for HGTV’s Design Star. Although I didn’t make the cut for that show, I ended up on American Dream Builders within the next two years.
I describe the show as “The Apprentice meets Extreme Home Makeover.” Even though I was completely intimidated by the talent and experience of my competition, I made it to the semi-finals and was able to participate in the finale.
While on the show, my team back home continued to run the business with the help of my husband. I recall all of the design points of view on the show and learned more in those five months during the show competition than I had in the previous seven years!
Today, my design team consists of 12: In my role as the firm’s Creative Director and Principal, I lead the initial client meetings and concept design for every project. My supporting staff includes a Senior Design Manager, Senior + Lead Designers, Associate + Junior Designers, a Project Coordinator + Operations Manager, Design Interns and a Business Development Manager.
Through nine years of experience and trial and error, my team and I have implemented quite a few processes and systems. For instance, on average, each designer is responsible for about three projects every three months. My exposure to business through my education and experience working for my father gives me a great perspective from both a functional and financial point of view to balance with the creative side of the business.
As Creative Director of Contour Interior Design now with locations in Houston, TX and Miami, FL, my firm seeks to first create a vision and then execute it for each client, designing one-of-a-kind environments, each tailored to the client’s unique taste, with an emphasis on skillfully executed and flawless detail. Contour Interior Design + the Nina Magon brand is lauded in its industry for its integration of design innovation, construction expertise, and business acumen. Our luxury residential, commercial and hospitality interiors have won national acclaim and recognition as one of the top design firms in the country by Hospitality Design Magazine, Interior Design Magazine, NBC and BRAVO TV to name a few.
Currently, I split time between managing the offices and developing + designing new product collections for various license partnerships under the growing Nina Magon, Inc. brand.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Success never comes easy. There have been multiple challenges that have made me and my team stronger and more skilled designers.
Managing design projects and managing and growing a business are each their own full-time jobs, so learning how to balance those roles efficiently and then add on starting and growing my beautiful family has been extremely challenging and equally rewarding.
Nina Magon and Contour Interior Design – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We strive to be the industry’s leader for high-end, internationally-influenced design. A branded identity commissioned to provide each client with a unique design that is recognizable as a part of Nina Magon Inc.
Contour Interior Design was founded on the commitment to creating exceptionally high-level of contemporary design while paving the way for innovation and creativity for the modern-minded client. We strive to be the industry’s leader for luxury, internationally-influenced design. As a branded identity, Contour Interior Design is commissioned to provide each client with a unique design.
Contour Interior Design is a diverse, multi-award winning, full-service interior design firm with offices in Houston, Texas and Miami, Florida, specializing in luxury residential, as well as, boutique hospitality and commercial design. Established in 2007 by Principal Designer and Creative Director, Nina Magon, Contour Interior Design has since earned a reputation for exceptional high-level design worldwide.
Our mission is to display our integrity through design by creating life-changing, one-of-a-kind environments, reflective of the clients’ lifestyles that will allow them to not only live in improved functionality but encourage them to embrace their ability to live stylish daily.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
It only takes one person to believe in you and give you a chance. For me and my firm, this was Saks Fifth Avenue. Through friends of friends and a series of events, I was able to pitch my design ideas for a 9,000 sq. ft. restaurant as well as a bar/cafe in the new Saks Fifth Avenue in Houston.
This project took my career to a new level and allowed my work and designs to prove themselves in the hospitality sector. At this point in my career, we are able to be more selective about projects, which allow me the ability to be commissioned for my style and look working with the client to create and curate an unforgettable space.
I have had numerous moments of notable achievements since the 51-fifteen restaurant at Saks Fifth Ave., and each time they occur, the level of importance of that moment does not seem to fade.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1200 Blalock Rd, suite # 213
- Website: www.contourinteriordesign.com
- Phone: 713.722.0511
- Email: info@contourinteriordesign.com
- Instagram: @NINAMAGONOFFICIAL
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contourinterior/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NinaMagon
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/ninamagon/
Image Credit:
Laurie Perez
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