We recently connected with Rima Nasser and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rima thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?

Great things never come from comfort zones. I remind myself of this often. We cherish our team’s diversity and celebrate the beauty of our mixed cultures. Traveling far and wide brings different perspectives, and certainly unique design textures, fabrics, styles and patterns. We take comfort in knowing that whatever obstacles arise, our studio is proudly a creative, safe space for any and all.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Rima Nasser, and I am the owner and principal designer of TEW Design Studio in Raleigh, NC. The main element that distinguishes our interior design firm is our diversity. Having worked in the design industry for 15 years across multiple different states, one of the key things I have noticed is the amount of sameness and lack of diversity in our field. Once I had the opportunity to become an employer and a creator of career opportunities, I felt that I had a responsibility as a Palestinian and as an immigrant to create a more inclusive work environment for designers from all sorts of backgrounds. When we speak to potential clients, most mention that they have noticed the diversity our team brings when compared to other design firms in the area, and that that’s why they chose to call us. Many of our clients want to see a wide band of culture represented in the interior design of their homes and work spaces. I’m proud of the fact that our unique backgrounds help fuel what we’ve accomplished as a team and as a company.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

As a team, we believe in the value of relationships. We operate under the principle that our relationships with our vendors and our clients are not simple transactions but long-term and personal in nature. Especially when we’re working with residential clients and getting to know their families. It’s especially rewarding to be able to design a nursery or playroom, for example, and then to see those children grow. The family becomes a repeat customer when we do a kitchen or bath remodel and so forth. A designer-client relationship can be years long, because lives change, locations change, and new ideas percolate all the time.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As interior designers, we come across many common misconceptions, one being that we are “decorators” who “love to pick out paint colors and pillows.” First, let me say that there’s nothing wrong with the decorating profession. Yet, interior design is much more than that and has more to do with space planning. It’s the marriage between functionality, personality, style and materials, and their impact to changes within a space.

Also, gender can play a role in misconceptions. It’s probably no surprise that we’ve had times in our careers where a male peer talked down to each of us, whether intentional or not. In fact, a male builder mentioned that women make better kitchen designers because, “women spend a lot of time in the kitchen.”

Design as a whole is bigger than any one of us. I transcend these types of misconceptions, because interior design is about reflecting your personality in the space you occupy, whether it’s a workplace or residence. Not everyone can interpret another person’s personality into the design of their most personal space. Let alone interpret the multiple personalities of a family and all their wants and needs. That’s what we do for families and organizations. We interpret their vision and needs, elevating their space to be as bold and interesting as they are!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tewdesignstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tewdesignstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tewdesignstudio/?ref=pages_you_manage
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rimanasser/

Image Credits
Photos by Allie Mullin Photography