Today we’d like to introduce you to Nora Gharib.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I studied interior design and architecture, and I’ve been working in the industry for nearly a decade. When the pandemic hit, the firm I was with at the time closed its doors, and I turned to social media and content creation as a creative outlet. That space unexpectedly opened new doors — I began getting to know a few brands, including Little Words Project. When the opportunity arose to design their retail store, it felt like a natural extension of both my design background and my growing work in digital content. I continued to take on select projects while still working full-time, until I fully committed to building Gharib Studio in 2024.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road —very few worthwhile paths are. I’ve always believed that every challenge comes with a lesson or a hidden opportunity, and that mindset has helped me stay grounded through the ups and downs. The transition into running my own studio felt like a natural next step, especially with my passion for retail and commercial design. That said, stepping into a leadership role brought its own learning curve. One thing I’ve definitely experienced is imposter syndrome — those quiet moments of self-doubt that come with doing something new. But over time, I’ve learned to put trust in my experience and vision. I’m also incredibly grateful for the amazing team around me — they’ve been such a steady and inspiring part of this journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Gharib Studio?
At Gharib Studio, we work with clients and brands to bring their physical spaces to life. We offer full architectural design services, guiding projects from concept all the way through construction. Whether it’s a hospitality concept or a retail brand, we specialize in translating 2D branding into immersive, 3D environments that tell a story.
In a world where almost everything is available online, we see brick-and-mortar spaces as something more — they’re not just places to shop, but places to gather, connect, and experience a brand in real life.
Our process is highly collaborative. We partner closely with our clients to create spaces that feel personal, thoughtful, and aligned with their brand identity. What sets us apart is our ability to blend architecture, storytelling, and design into spaces that are not only beautiful, but emotionally resonant true “third places” where people want to spend time.
We’re most proud of the way our work makes people feel — connected, inspired, and part of something bigger.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something people might not know about me is that I love to paint. Outside of Gharib Studio, I have a personal art practice called Estùdio Gharib, where I explore Arabic calligraphy through contemporary artwork. It’s a creative outlet that’s deeply personal and grounding for me — a space where I can merge my cultures and express both my Egyptian and Latina (Ecuadorian) roots. Art has always been therapeutic, and having different ways to express myself, whether through interiors or on canvas, keeps me inspired and connected to who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gharibstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gharibstudio/
Image Credits
Casey Woods Photography
Tato Gomez Photography
