Who Is She?
Who is she? Nana is naturally – a creative!
Long before I ever called it such, “design” has always been a part of how I move through the world. I’ve always had a hands-on way of creating. Cooking, sewing, painting, and as I grew into my adult-life; building (yes, building). I like to call myself a black, Martha Stewart/Bob the Builder blend. While initially those were just things I loved to do, they also proved to be expressions of how I think: practical, creative, and deeply intentional. As a self-proclaimed DIYer, I found myself constantly reworking and upgrading my own spaces. A common sight is me pulling out my power tools to create something I want, or to improve not just how things look; but how they feel and function.
A University of Michigan grad (Go Blue…because that’s important!) having a long-term career in clinical research; I’ve always looked at my career as my “science-y” side. The “yang” to my creative-side. If you know anything about a Libra, we are going to find or create balance in our lives. Who knew my science-y side would be influential and shape my perspective in unexpected ways. Traveling to different cities, working in and around hospitals/clinics, and staying in a variety of hotels exposed me to a wide range of environments. I became especially drawn to how commercial and shared spaces guide movement, influence mood, and support people in subtle but impactful ways.
What started as subtle observations turned into intention.
I launched NAO By Design alongside my professional career, creating a space where my instinct for building, my eye for aesthetics, and my lived experiences could come together. My work focuses on creating spaces that are both functional and visually refined; with a strong interest in elevating wellness-driven and communal environments. Through my background in clinical settings and my personal connection to fitness and movement, I’m especially attuned to how design can support well-being, flow, and everyday experience.
Residential or commercial: I approach each project with the same level of intention, clarity, and care. Whether designing, refining, or reimagining a space, my goal is always the same: to create environments that not only look elevated, but feel aligned with how people live, move, and interact.
So again, who is she? The mind, behind your next design!
