Nina Magon, the five stars icon of design

Nina Magon's career is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. Born in Canada and raised in Houston, Texas, she hails from a family with Indian roots. Armed with a degree in economics and finance, she embarked on a journey of design and interior architecture. Today, her studio stands tall in the luxury design landscape, with bases in Houston and San Francisco. Her team has crafted stunning designs for private residences, boutiques, hotels, and restaurants, with projects that have reached budgets of up to two hundred million dollars. This year, she added another feather to her cap with the publication of 'Evoke ', a monograph that encapsulates her philosophy of glamour.

What path took you from finance to interior design?

When studying economics, I didn't even know interior design existed. I was passionate about fashion. After my diploma, I opened a costly, very exclusive lingerie store. I wanted to compete with Victoria’s Secret! I quickly realised that what I preferred was setting up my shop. This is how I turned to interior design. My economics studies helped me a great deal in developing my business.

Which cultures influence your work the most?

I have travelled worldwide: London, Dubai, Europe, Turkey, Hong Kong, etc. But the country that touches me the most is India, where my roots are. The culture there is so deep, so different, and so colourful. I love the opulence of fashion and architecture, even in the way of getting married. Even the cuisine is exuberant.

What about Houston, Texas?

Everything here is excessive!

Is your team also very international?

They come from Korea, China, Colombia, and Africa. Everyone brings a different vision of what luxury can be in each culture, a different taste for colours, and a different sense of what seems modern. This diversity allows us to adapt to each of our clients and always offer different things.

Which big names in design do you admire?

I admire Zaha Hadid. She was able to establish herself as a woman in this profession. She made waves. Not only because nothing is angular in her design but also because she has designed architectures that no one could have believed possible. There is also Peter Marino. His work stimulates me. He handles opulence as well as simplicity.

What is luxury today?

It’s the customer experience. It’s not just about designing beautiful, functional decor. We focus on the sensations one can have when entering a lobby or restaurant, its scent, lighting, and the way of welcoming. We study customers' sociology and then materialise it in our design.

How do you reconcile your passion for fashion with your job?

I want to create bridges between the two industries. In my book “Evoke”, I pose at the start of each chapter in the outfit of a designer: Versace, Dolce&Gabbana, or Christian Siriano. The book launch took place in New York during fashion week. I contacted Balmain so that they could come with their models. Subsequently, in Los Angeles, I designed the penthouse of the Mandarin Oriental Résidences in Beverly Hills, where they presented their collection.

What is your experience with Maison&Objet?

I visited the show for the first time last January. I admit that I was very, very impressed. The choice is unique. It’s an artists’ salon. Everything is made by craftsmen: the tables, the plates, the lighting. I went to town to the Invisible Collection exhibition at Féau Boiseries. I could not believe my eyes. I will come back in September for more details. As a Maison&Objet ambassador for my country, I will tell other designers how incredible this show is.