Nwachukwu: How We are Breaking Down Barriers in Nigeria’s Interior Design Industry

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, innovation and creativity are key to standing out. For Miracle Nwachukwu, Creative Director and Founder of MIMZ INTERIORS and MIMZ HOMES, his passion for design has driven him to build a successful business that is redefining the interior design landscape in Nigeria. In this exclusive interview with MARY NNAH, Nwachukwu shares his insights on his journey into interior design, the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, and his vision for the future of design in Nigeria. Excerpts

What sparked your interest in interior design, and how did you transition from computer science to design?

Growing up, I always had an eye for unique and beautiful things. I loved making spaces look different and arranging them in a particular way, even without realizing it at the time. It wasn’t until I started MIMZ INTERIORS that I looked back and connected those dots—those little things I enjoyed doing back then were actually shaping my path. Although I studied Computer Science, my passion for aesthetics and design naturally guided me into interior design. It was this innate love for creating beautiful, functional spaces that sparked my transition and ultimately fueled my journey into founding MIMZ INTERIORS.

I studied Computer Science at the University of Port Harcourt for four years, but even while pursuing the degree, I knew it wasn’t the path I wanted to follow. Initially, I thought I’d go into fashion design because I’ve always had an eye for creativity and style. However, after graduating, I found myself drawn to the interior design space. The transition felt natural because I’ve always been a creative at heart. I knew I belonged in the art world, where I could express my passion for designing and creating beautiful things, and interior design became the perfect outlet for that.

Can you share memorable experience of your childhood that influenced your design Aesthetics?

From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to style and detail. I loved dressing a certain way, and I often received compliments for my sense of fashion and how I carried myself even back in school. I was very particular about how things looked, whether it was my outfit or my personal space. A standout memory was during my university days when I would redecorate my room almost every year. My roommates often teased me, wondering why I was so fixated on changing things, but for me, it was about creating a space that felt just right. I’d add wallpaper, rearrange furniture, or make little tweaks to enhance the vibe.

Looking back, those seemingly small actions were a reflection of my innate love for design and detail, and they played a significant role in shaping my journey into interior design.

How did your background in modeling, acting and fashion impact your approach to interior design?

My background in modeling, acting, and fashion played a significant role in shaping my approach to interior design. While in school, I modeled for brands like DSTV and MTN, acted for a bit, and even attended film school. Growing up, I was always very fashion-forward, with a keen eye for style and detail.These experiences helped sharpen my creativity, attention to aesthetics, and the ability to tell a story visually qualities that seamlessly translate into interior design. They unknowingly guided me toward this path, helping me develop the confidence, discipline, and artistic flair that now define my work in creating unique and timeless spaces.

What drives your design philosophy, and how do you incorporate your clients’ personalities into your work?

My design philosophy is rooted in creating contemporary, simple, yet highly functional spaces. I’m drawn to unique designs that stand out while maintaining practicality.

When working with clients, I prioritize understanding their personalities and lifestyles. During our initial meetings, I ask detailed questions about their preferences, favorite colors, and how they live day-to-day. This helps me tailor each space to reflect their individuality and needs. At the end of the day, it’s their home, not mine, so every design is customized to resonate with their personality and vision, ensuring a beautiful and personal outcome.

Who or what inspires the designs? How do you stay up to date with latest trends?

Traveling is my biggest source of inspiration. Exploring new countries and staying in well-designed hotels opens my mind to endless possibilities and innovative ideas. Experiencing different cultures, architecture, and design styles helps me stay creative and refreshed. It’s through these experiences that I draw inspiration and keep up with global trends, ensuring my work remains fresh and forward-thinking.

Can you walk us through your design process, from conceptualization to completion?

Our design process begins when a client reaches out. First, we schedule an inspection to visit the space and discuss their vision and preferences. During this meeting, we take the time to understand the client’s lifestyle, personality, and specific needs.

Next, we create a mood board and 3D renderings to give the client a clear visual of what the final space will look like. Alongside this, we prepare a detailed quotation. Once the client approves the design and makes a payment, we move into the implementation phase, bringing the vision to life with precision and attention to detail.

What motivated you to start MIMZ INTERIORS, and how has the company evolved over the years?

What motivated me to start MIMZ INTERIORS was my deep love for unique and beautiful things. Over the years, the journey has been amazing. Most of our projects come through referrals, which speaks to the trust and satisfaction our clients have in our work. We also focus on continually innovating and creating fresh designs to ensure that each project is unique. Our goal is to never replicate; we want every space we design to have its own character and individuality.

Can you tell us about the launch of MIMZ HOMES and how it complements your interior design services?

We launched MIMZ HOMES in December 2023 as the sister company to MIMZ INTERIORS. The inspiration behind it came from the frequent requests we received from clients asking where they could purchase the furniture, lighting, and accessories we used in our designs. As an interior design firm, we wanted to make these items more accessible to our clients without them having to engage us for full design services.

MIMZ HOMES provides our clients with direct access to the furniture, lighting, planters, and accessories we use in our designs. It also allows us to source these items for our own projects, creating a seamless connection between the two businesses. This complementary approach helps us deliver a complete experience, where clients can purchase high-quality pieces for their spaces while we continue to offer our expert design services.

Can you share your thoughts on receiving various awards and recognition, including the Luxury Lifestyle Award, Future Awards, and Nelson Mandela Leadership Award? And how these awards impact your work and motivation?

Receiving awards like the Luxury Lifestyle Award, Future Awards, and the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award has been incredibly motivating. There are days when I feel overwhelmed and don’t want to push forward, but when we were nominated and won these awards, it served as a reminder that our hard work is being recognized also It affirms that we are on the right path and doing something impactful.

These accolades not only boost our confidence but also push us to do even better. It shows that people, including international bodies, are watching our progress. It’s a great motivation for me and the entire team to continue striving for excellence. Every award is a reflection of the collective effort of the entire team, reminding us that our work is making a difference.

What are some of the most significant lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

Throughout my career, I’ve learned countless lessons. Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new, whether it’s handling clients, managing a team, or dealing with artisans. One of the most significant lessons has been patience—especially when working with people. Patience in dealing with clients, staff, and artisans is crucial for a smooth workflow and successful outcomes.

What are your plans for expanding MIMZ INTERIORS and MIMZ HOMES in the next five years?

In the next five years, we plan to expand both MIMZ INTERIORS and MIMZ HOMES by enhancing our presence not only within Nigeria but also internationally. For MIMZ INTERIORS, we aim to take on larger, more complex projects, including commercial spaces and international ventures. We will continue to innovate with unique, sustainable designs that set us apart in the market.

For MIMZ HOMES, our goal is offering our clients a wider range of furniture and décor items, sourced locally and globally, making it easier for them to access the high-quality products we use in our designs. We also plan to open showrooms in key international cities and build strategic partnerships with suppliers to offer more bespoke options for our clients.

Ultimately, the vision is to scale our operations, create more job opportunities, and become a global brand known for excellence in both interior design and home furnishings,It’s been a constant journey of personal growth, where I’ve learned how to manage different personalities, build relationships, and adapt to challenges. These experiences have taught me to be flexible, empathetic, and more skilled in managing people and situations. It’s a non-stop learning process, and I embrace it every day.

Can you share any advice for aspiring designers or entrepreneurs who want to make a meaningful impact?

My advice to aspiring designers and entrepreneurs is simple, focus on yourself and your unique journey. Don’t get caught up in what others in your field are doing. It’s easy to compare, but what truly matters is putting your best foot forward and dedicating yourself to your own path. By staying true to your vision and consistently delivering your best, you’ll attract the right opportunities and success. This approach has worked for me, and I believe it can work for anyone willing to stay focused, work hard, and believe in their own potential.

In what ways has MIMZ INTERIORS supported local businesses and artisans in Nigeria, and how do you see this contributing to the country’s economic development?

At MIMZ INTERIORS, we are strong advocates for supporting local businesses and artisans in Nigeria. Over 60% of the products we use in our projects are locally made. We pride ourselves on sourcing locally crafted items, such as beds and chairs, and we work closely with artisans to ensure that these pieces meet the highest quality standards.

By prioritizing locally made products, we help empower local artisans and contribute to the economic development of the country. This reduces reliance on imports and stimulates local craftsmanship. While we do import some furniture, the majority of our materials and products are sourced within Nigeria, supporting local businesses and driving economic growth.

As a successful entrepreneur in Nigeria, what advice would you give to policymakers and stakeholders on how to create a more supportive environment for businesses like yours to thrive?

My advice to policymakers and stakeholders would be to focus on creating a more conducive environment for small businesses to thrive. This includes offering favorable tax policies and incentives for entrepreneurs, especially in industries like interior design, where creativity and innovation are key. There should also be easy access to financing, such as low-interest loans and grants for small businesses to scale. Additionally, streamlining processes like customs and logistics, making it easier to import and export goods, would help businesses grow. Supporting local production and fostering collaborations between the public and private sectors will also ensure that small businesses have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Can you share any plans or initiatives that MIMZ INTERIORS has to expand its operations and create more jobs in Nigeria, and how do you see this contributing to the country’s economic growth?

To truly expand operations and create more jobs in Nigeria, I believe that policymakers need to put in place a favorable tax structure for small businesses, especially in the creative sectors like interior design. Small businesses should also have access to loan grants, making it easier for them to scale.

Additionally, there are challenges when it comes to exporting products,The complexities of customs and shipping make it difficult for local businesses to tap into international markets. If the government could streamline these processes and offer support for local businesses looking to expand globally, it would create more opportunities for growth. By supporting the business environment in these ways, the government could significantly contribute to the overall economic development of the country.

How do you hope to be remembered in the design industry, and what legacy do you want to leave behind?

One of my greatest goals is for MIMZ INTERIORS to outlive me. I don’t just want the business to stop when I decide to step away; I want it to continue thriving. The vision is to build a team of highly skilled interior designers who can carry on the legacy and ensure the business keeps growing, even without my presence, I want people to remember me as one of the best interior designers to come out of Nigeria, known for creating unique, timeless designs that make an impact. I want my work to be recognized for its excellence and to inspire future generations of designers. Ultimately, I hope to leave behind a legacy that continues to elevate the industry and push boundaries.