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Design with intention. Guided by purpose.
We craft thoughtful brands, spaces, and experiences that leave a lasting impact.

who is numi?

  • NUMI is a Melbourne-based interior design and branding studio founded in 2023. We combine decades of design expertise, operational insight, and strategic thinking to create authentic interiors, brands, and experiences. Led by two female directors from different generations and supported by a global collective of specialists, we deliver thoughtful, human-centred design with lasting impact.

    NUMI Interior Design Studio was founded on connection, collaboration and growth. Our name combines NU (Nguyen) and MI (Mills), symbolising the idea of a "new me" — an evolution shaped with intention. The word “Collective” reflects our belief that exceptional design is achieved through collaboration, bringing together clients, designers, makers and builders in a shared creative journey.

  • We craft narrative-rich, immersive hospitality interiors by combining strategic branding, conceptual storytelling, and extensive F&B expertise. Each space is thoughtfully designed to captivate visually, enhance the guest experience, and create lasting emotional connections.

    Rooted in a heritage shaped by hospitality traditions, we approach every project with collaboration, service, and a commitment to tailored design solutions. Leveraging our expertise in interior design, product development and specification, and project to FF&E procurement management, we deliver efficient, flexible, and commercially considered outcomes aligned with your vision, timeline, and budget.

  • NUMI Collective is a women-led studio with a global team of diverse professionals united by collaboration, creativity and continuous learning. Through mentorship, real-world project experience and flexible working, we empower the next generation of designers while fostering sustainable careers.

  • At NUMI Collective, we believe great design extends beyond the spaces we create. Through our commitment to nurturing emerging talent, fostering global industry partnerships, facilitating meaningful industry dialogue, and supporting charitable initiatives, we strive to create lasting impact within our profession and the communities we serve.

    Whether through our internship and mentorship program, global network of suppliers and makers, the Hospitality Round Table, or our ongoing support of Mill's Kitchen and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, we are passionate about building connections, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a stronger, more connected future.

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NANCY NGUYEN
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Nancy Nguyen is a hospitality-driven design leader specialising in hotels, food and beverage venues, and complex guest-focused environments. With a deep understanding of hotel operations, customer experience, and bespoke design solutions, she excels at transforming ambitious concepts into highly considered spaces that are both commercially successful and operationally effective. Her expertise spans strategic planning, custom FF&E development, stakeholder engagement, and the coordination of complex project requirements, ensuring every detail contributes to a seamless and memorable guest experience.

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MELISSA CHEN
FOUNDER & DESIGN DIRECTOR

Melissa Chen is a globally experienced procurement and sourcing specialist with over 25 years of expertise delivering hospitality, residential, and commercial projects. Leveraging an extensive international network of manufacturers, artisans, and suppliers, she is recognised for her ability to bridge design vision with procurement strategy, manufacturing, and project delivery. Melissa's comprehensive understanding of global supply chains and FF&E procurement enables NUMI to deliver distinctive, high-quality outcomes with efficiency, precision, and commercial confidence.

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OUR COMMUNITY

  • Black and white photo of a furniture workshop with multiple workers engaged in crafting furniture, including sofas and chairs, in a large industrial space with high ceilings and large windows.

    GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN & EXPERTISE

    Through our worldwide network of manufacturers, artisans, and suppliers, we deliver bespoke furniture, lighting, carpets, stone, joinery and accessories tailored to each project's vision and budget.

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  • Black and white photo of a group of women sitting around a dining table with glasses of wine, in a high-rise apartment or restaurant with large windows showing a city skyline.

    HOSPITALITY ROUND TABLE EVENT

    Hospitality Round Table brings together industry leaders, operators, and creatives for meaningful conversations, shared insights, and a celebration of hospitality, innovation, and collaboration.

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  • A black and white photo of a business meeting inside a modern conference room with large windows. Four women are seated at a table, some with laptops, notebooks, and glasses of water. The background shows a building with multiple windows.

    INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

    At NUMI Collective, we are passionate about nurturing emerging talent through meaningful industry experience, mentorship, and opportunities for creative growth.

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  • Chef serving food to two women at a restaurant counter with plates of food displayed.

    MILL'S KITCHEN CHARITY

    Proud supporters of Melissa's Charity, Mills Kitchen, and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, helping create positive community impact.

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Why Clients Choose NUMI

We combine design expertise, procurement intelligence, and hands-on project leadership to create environments that are commercially successful, operationally efficient, and thoughtfully curated. Every project is personally guided by our directors, ensuring a seamless experience from concept to completion.

  • Director-led from briefing to installation

  • Integrated design, procurement and project delivery

  • Hospitality expertise with cross-sector capability

  • Commercially informed design decisions

  • Trusted by developers, operators and global brands

Two women sit at a table on which there are fabric samples, a laptop displaying a blueprint, and a color palette. They are discussing design options, with a decorative nature-inspired wall art behind them.