Nina Magon: Where Bold Design Meets Cultural Heritage
people • DESIGNERS
In this exclusive interview, Nina Magon shares the journey that led her from finance to the forefront of interior design. Known for her fearless use of form and material, Magon’s work reflects a harmonious blend of cultural heritage and sculptural design.
From early influences shaped by her Indian-Canadian upbringing to her global design language today, she speaks candidly about crafting timeless spaces that push creative boundaries. Expect thoughtful insights into her design process, her views on legacy, and the bold philosophy behind her signature aesthetic.
WEBSITE: ninamagon.COM INSTAGRAM: @ninamagonstudio
Words: designeers
MARCH 2025
DESIGNEERS
Growing up in Canada with Indian heritage and now making waves in Houston and beyond, how do these diverse cultural influences shape the narrative of your work?
Nina Magon
My diverse upbringing has given me a deep appreciation for blending cultures, materials, and perspectives. Growing up in Canada with Indian heritage and later establishing myself in Houston, I’ve been constantly surrounded by a fusion of traditions and styles. This global perspective allows me to create designs that are not just modern and bold, but also deeply rooted in a rich, layered aesthetic that reflects a cosmopolitan lifestyle. I love infusing my work with an unexpected mix of textures, materials, and influences, ensuring that every project is unique yet timeless.
DESIGNEERS
Your journey into the world of interiors wasn’t conventional—you transitioned from finance and fashion retail into design. Looking back, was there a defining moment when you knew this was your true calling?
Nina Magon
Design has always been an intrinsic part of who I am, but the defining moment came when I realized that my passion for creating spaces extended far beyond my initial career paths. While finance provided structure and strategy, and fashion retail gave me a deep understanding of luxury and aesthetics, neither fulfilled my innate desire to craft environments that evoke emotion and transform the way people experience the world around them.
The turning point was when I designed my first interior space—it was electrifying. I saw firsthand how design could shape a mood, a lifestyle, and even a person’s aspirations. At that moment, I knew I had found my true calling. From then on, I immersed myself in mastering the art of interiors, pushing boundaries, and developing a distinct design language that fuses modern elegance with bold sophistication.
DESIGNEERS
Your work is synonymous with bold luxury and a refined modern aesthetic. If you had to distill your design philosophy into three words, what would they be?
Nina Magon
Innovative. Daring. Timeless.
DESIGNEERS
In a world saturated with trends, how do you ensure your designs are not just visually striking but also personal and timeless?
Nina Magon
For me, design goes beyond trends—it’s about crafting an experience. I focus on materials, proportions, and sculptural details that stand the test of time while ensuring that every project feels deeply personal to the client. I believe in designing spaces that exude modernity yet retain warmth and character, incorporating bespoke elements that make them unique. I always ask: Will this design still feel relevant and impactful in 10, 20, or 50 years? That’s the ultimate test of timelessness.
“I firmly believe that great design should not only be visually compelling but should also enhance the way we feel in our environments.”
Nina Magon
DESIGNEERS
From residential to commercial, hospitality, and now real estate development, how have you navigated scaling your firm while maintaining a signature aesthetic?
Nina Magon
Scaling while maintaining a strong brand identity has been a deliberate process. My approach has been to build a team that shares my vision and values, ensuring that every project reflects the bold sophistication that defines Nina Magon Studio. We have developed a signature language that is adaptable across industries, whether it’s a private residence, a hospitality concept, or a large-scale development. The key has been collaboration, curation, and an obsessive attention to detail, no matter the scale.
DESIGNEERS
If you could collaborate with any designer, artist, or architect—past or present—who would it be and why?
Nina Magon
Peter Marino. His ability to merge architecture, art, and luxury in an utterly fearless way is something I deeply admire. His work exemplifies sculptural design—evocative, architectural, and seamlessly blending bold materiality with impeccable craftsmanship. He has an incredible talent for creating spaces that feel both monumental and intimate, and his collaborations with luxury brands have redefined what experiential design can be. A partnership with him would be an inspiring fusion of modern sophistication, edgy opulence, and artistic expression.
DESIGNEERS
If we stepped inside your home, what would we be most surprised to find?
Nina Magon
Stepping into my home, you might be surprised by the display of traditional architecture and how I paired it with sleek modern elements. While my designs are often known for their dramatic and statement-making aesthetic, my personal space reflects a more harmonious, European-inspired refinement.
Another unexpected detail is my home’s connection to Vastu Shastra principles, which ensure an optimal flow of energy throughout the space. I firmly believe that great design should not only be visually compelling but should also enhance the way we feel in our environments.
DESIGNEERS
Design Hero?
Nina Magon
Zaha Hadid. Her ability to challenge conventions and redefine architectural forms was truly visionary. She didn’t just design buildings—she created fluid, sculptural masterpieces that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in design. I deeply admire her fearless approach, her ability to seamlessly blend architecture with art, and her commitment to innovation. Her work has been a major inspiration in my own design philosophy—bold, forward-thinking, and always pushing beyond the expected.
DESIGNEERS
Favourite hotel in the world?
Nina Magon
Jumeirah Al Naseem. This hotel perfectly embodies the essence of modern luxury while staying deeply connected to its surroundings. The design is effortlessly sophisticated—a harmonious blend of contemporary elegance, soft natural textures, and influences from traditional Middle Eastern architecture. Every space is meticulously curated, from the serene, light-filled interiors to the breathtaking beachfront views.
What I love most is how Jumeirah Al Naseem creates an immersive sensory experience—refined yet inviting, opulent yet understated. It’s a place that not only inspires aesthetically but also captures the essence of effortless, elevated living.
