INTERNATIONAL DESIGN POWERHOUSE

Matteo Scaiola brings a wide variety of experience designing and managing interior projects of various sizes ranging from corporate to hospitality and retail projects all over the country. Matteo is able to take a client’s vision from inception and develop it with ease. His ability to design and execute projects efficiently is matched by his proven ability at hearing and responding to the clients’ needs throughout the scope of the project ensuring that his team does the same. Matteo is relentless in taking on new challenges to create resolution and is always striving to deliver results above expectations. He is enthusiastic to develop relationships with his clients and following through to ensure their ideas become a reality. Well-traveled and curious by nature, Matteo pulls from a vast background of visual experiences and material research to create unique design solutions. Matteo, a graduate in Architecture at Politecnico of Milan, moved to Houston in 2015, and has accomplished notable projects as the new Mastro’s and Willie G’s restaurants.

Originally from Colombia, Nataly Montoya, is a fashion-forward designer with a passion for creating spaces that mix elements of contemporary and minimalistic design. She loves to design new spaces to fit a client’s taste, need and personality. As a teenager, she moved to the United States to be closer to her immediate family. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from The Art Institute of Houston. Additionally, she attended the Istituto Europeo di Design in Barcelona to obtain an IED certification in contemporary spaces. Multi-faceted in her skills, Nataly leads various projects from concept to completion by drafting floor plans, developing project schedules and everything in between. In her free time, she loves traveling around the world, exploring new cultures, biking, wine tasting and volunteering her time to help underprivileged children in villages in Colombia.

Andres Vanegas is an exceptionally talented designer who began his design career 20 years ago in his native country of Colombia. There he received honors and recognition for his commitment to excellence in academics and obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture at Pontificia Bolivariana University. Upon completion, Andres’ multifaceted background and global perspective developed while holding positions as an architect, estimator and project manager over the years. His passion for creating a better style of living for others would lead him to the United States where he obtained his second degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design at the Art Institute of Houston Downtown. As one of the Senior designers at Nina Magon Studio, he works closely with clients to bring their visions to life while enhancing their daily living. Andres prides himself in teamwork and the integration of honesty, integrity, dedication and passion in all of his work. He is a member of ASID, IIDA, NEWH, and ARCH Houston. When not working, Andres can be found enjoying a walk in the park, in the disco dancing or spending time with his friends and dogs Michaela, Antonia + Cumbia.

Zhun has been an enthusiastic interior designer who earned his Bachelors degree from the Art Institute of Houston where he graduated with honors in interior design. Born in China and completed his primary education in the U.S. has provided Zhun with the unique ability to design cross-culturally and has enabled him to create one of a kind designs for his clientele. Zhun believes that in order for a designer to be successful, the space he or she creates should contain harmony between the architecture and nature of the design. The key to great designing is to capture the spirit of the client and the life of the space. Working in his family business enabled him to understand the importance of being customer centric, creative and envision details outside of defined lines. Due to his unique skill set, Zhun was awarded an opportunity to intern and is now a level 2 Associate Designer at Nina Magon Studio. In his down time, Zhun likes to explore nature, sing karaoke, travel, exercise and go for wine tastings. You may even simply find him walking his German shepherd “WyWy” in the park.

Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, Rebeca is particularly influenced by the European exposure from the neoclassical architecture to the most modern and avant-garde design combinations. Since she was a child, she has always loved architecture and design, so her career path came naturally to her. Upon receiving her Bachelor in Architectural Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, she decided to follow her passion and attended the Imadde Design School of Madrid and in 2015, moved to Houston where she graduated with honors in the Interior Design program at Houston Community College. Rebeca loves the challenges that present themselves in design projects because she believes she can effectively overcome them to present a finished product that the customer will love. One of her great passions is exploring the outdoors. She enjoys traveling worldwide which has certainly given her a lot of inspiration when it comes to design.

Paulina was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. She is very passionate about art and design and her detail-oriented personality has always made her excel in what she does. Her drive for design accentuated after living in Paris and being exposed to French architecture, design, art, and culture. After graduating with honors from a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) with additional certification from L’IPAG Business School in Paris, Paulina moved to Houston and started her Interior Design career. She graduated from an AAS in Interior Design at the Houston Community College and has plans to continue her studies to graduate from her second bachelor’s degree in Interior Design at Stephen F. Austin University. Paulina is inclined to modern and contemporary design and believes every design must be two things: functional and aesthetically pleasing. She also believes simplicity is elegant and timeless. Aside from design, she enjoys traveling, photography, cooking, painting and running.

Passion has always been a word that best describes Paola. Born in Veracruz, Mexico, Paola developed an interest in art and design at an early age. This devotion to the arts led Paola to pursue and complete her first degree with high honors in Architecture in 2016. Architecture created an outlet to which Paola could express her passion for art and design while learning from diverse cultures. However, architecture alone could not fulfill the longing she had to gain more knowledge of design. Paola moved to Houston, Texas in the same year to pursue a second degree in Interior Design where she graduated with the highest honors and received the Critics’ Choice Medallion Award for having the best portfolio at the graduation ceremony. Paola's passion for art and design has developed her into a distinguished designer with a keen eye for design details. Her creativity and originality makes her a valuable team member at Nina Magon Studio.

Mamerhi was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. She was always fascinated with design and art and the many forms it comes in. However, first she pursued a legal career. At 17, she moved to England and studied Law, next an MSC in International Management. Only then did she set out to fulfill her design dreams and enrolled in KLC School of Design. There she was mentored by wonderful interior designers. After KLC, she obtained an MA in Interior Design at Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture, & Design. She then moved back home to Lagos. She loves learning, and she had an African and European sense of design but was always fascinated with other cultures' design languages. In Houston on holiday, she enrolled in HCC's Interior Design Program. She graduated with honors and “Best in Show” at the Portfolio Show. In her off time, you can find Mamerhi either designing jewelry, looking at real​ ​estate, planning trips to architecturally stunning locations or spending time with family. She is an avid knowledge seeker and believes you should constantly be learning and doing.

Tanner is a born and raised Texan who found a love for interior design at an early age. Growing up, he constantly found himself rearranging, space planning and decorating his family’s home. He realized his passion and knew then, that interior design was the career path he would take. After high school, he moved to Houston to pursue his interior design degree. Taking a break for a few years to work, he found himself missing the creative outlet he had in design. Tanner returned to school and is currently finishing his interior design degree with a Bachelors of Interior Design from Stephen F. Austin. Tanner feels fortunate he has been given the opportunity to join Nina Magon Studio and become Nina Magon’s Executive Assistant due to his vast experience in managing and multitasking daily tasks. His detail oriented personality and organization landed him a seat next to the CEO. Outside of the office, Tanner enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, watching movies and traveling.