Inspiring Conversations with Rima Nasser of TEW Design Studio

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Rima Nasser.

Hi Rima, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Rima Nasser, and I am incredibly passionate about design. I am the founder and principal designer of TEW Design Studio, an award-winning interior design firm located in Raleigh, where we focus on residential and commercial interior remodeling and interiors.

Studying interior design in the artistic city of Florence, Italy, was a transformative experience that culminated in a master’s degree in Interior Design. The exposure to different cultures and design philosophies during my time in Italy continues to influence my work to this day. My journey in the design world has been marked by significant recognitions, such as being honored with the 40 Under 40 title by both the Triangle Business Journal in 2020 and the Arab American Foundation in 2022.

The story of TEW Design Studio’s inception is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. As Palestinians, my family and I immigrated to the US when I was a teenager, and my cultural experience has created an artful and mindful approach to design. 14 years after that pivotal moment, in 2015, fueled by a commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering creativity, I established TEW Design Studio, starting from humble beginnings at my dining room table.

The essence of TEW Design Studio is encapsulated in its name, which stands for To Elevate Within. This philosophy guides my team and me in every project we undertake to bring a touch of distinction, elegance, and innovation to each client we work with.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The past several years have been a struggle for many small businesses, especially in the housing industry, from inflation to high interest rates to labor and material shortages.

We have had to shift some things to adapt to today’s economy and post-pandemic culture, we updated our procedures and policies, lead times, pricing, etc. to continue running a smooth business.

We’ve been impressed with TEW Design Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
As a team and a growing business, we place high value on relationships. Our belief is grounded in the idea that our relationships with industry partners and clients are more than just transactions; they are deeply personal and meant to last long-term.

This is particularly evident when working with homeowners and getting acquainted with their families. The satisfaction of designing spaces, like family rooms or playrooms, and witnessing the growth of the family over the years is truly rewarding. These families often return as repeat customers, seeking our expertise for projects such as kitchen or bathroom remodels.

The designer-client relationship we nurture can span months or even years, adapting to the changes in their lives, locations, and needs. Similarly, with commercial clients, we cherish seeing their businesses grow and are there to adjust the design to meet their needs as they change.

Our design approach is human-centered, bold, and outside the box. We believe that the space or design should fit the human and not the other way around. We believe that design can be life-changing if it’s done intentionally and mindfully. This approach has led us to win several design awards over the years, many of them being national awards.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
There’s no perfect recipe for finding a mentor (if you have one, please send it my way!), but look for someone with good expertise in what you lack and who is a straight shooter.

For example, if your weak point is finances, connect with someone with great financial sense who isn’t afraid to tell it how it is. It has helped me talk to mentors who see business as black and white, without emotions, without the what-ifs and doubts. Those conversations have helped me stay focused and choose what’s right for me, my employees, and my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: tewdesignstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tewdesignstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tewdesignstudio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tewdesignstudio/

Image Credits
Allie Mullin Photography and Cat Nguyen Photography.