From sunny Miami, we spoke with Vanessa Núñez, an interior design graduate from Universidad ORT Uruguay, who tells us about her education, what it’s like to succeed in Miami’s innovative interior design scene, and what some of her biggest challenges, achievements, and opportunities have been.
Vanessa Núñez, an interior designer based in Uruguay, working across the United States and around the world
Born to Uruguayan parents, Vanessa was born in Ontario, Canada, and returned to Uruguay when she was just one year old. She grew up in Punta del Este, where she lived until she finished high school and moved to Montevideo to study law, specializing in international relations.
After two years in college, he realized that what he was truly passionate about was design and architecture. It was a little too late to either drop out or start a degree in architecture, but ORT had just launched a promising degree program in Interior Design.
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“I was part of one of the first generations of interior designers in Uruguay, and I really loved it—I learned so much. Compared to Miami—and what I’ve seen being taught here in Florida—the training programs are worlds apart,” says Vanessa, who adds:
The education we receive at ORT is much more comprehensive, rigorous, and advanced than what students receive here in the United States.
- What were your early years like as an interior design entrepreneur in the United States after studying at ORT?
In terms of academic standards, ORT is a top-tier university, and I’m very grateful for everything it taught me. When I finished my degree in Interior Design, I came to Miami for the last month, finished my classes, and returned just to submit my final project.
Shortly after that, I started working here in the United States, focusing mainly on Italian kitchen design. At first, I had a bit of trouble with the measurements, because in the U.S. they use inches, and, to be honest, the beginning wasn't easy at all, since you have to shift your mindset when it comes to measurements.
- You might also be interested in reading: “Design vs. Interior Decoration: More Than Just Substantial Differences”
Inches were quite a challenge, and Italians, like us, use centimeters. When you have to make conversions, you sometimes lose track of things, and you have to be very careful to make sure everything turns out right: when designing a kitchen, for example, every measurement has to be perfect, and we ordered most of the parts from Italy.
After waiting five or six months for a kitchen to arrive from across the ocean, the measurements can’t be wrong—it’s quite a story… but it was a learning experience; it all helped me learn a lot.
I then worked for nearly two years with Walmer, a renowned Uruguayan furniture and interior design firm, until they closed their Miami office. At the time, through the company, I was working on a major project—the home of some very important clients in Nicaragua. When Walmer ceased operations here, those clients asked me to continue with the project. That’s when I took the plunge and started working on my own.
I started my own business—first with a partner, and then on my own—under my own name, and I’ve been working steadily ever since. I’ve done a lot of remodeling, construction, and interior design, and little by little, I’ve been making a name for myself, carving out my own path, moving forward, and thriving—something that college prepares you for.
Are you interested in the world of interior design?
Learn about the Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design
Featured Projects by Vanessa Núñez Interior
- What are some of the projects you're currently working on?
Well, there's always work here. A project can take anywhere from six months to a year, depending largely on what you're doing—for example, whether you're working on construction or just on furniture—but things are always changing.
In my case, I usually juggle between 6 and 10 projects that I work on consistently. As soon as I finish one, I’m already looking for the next one. Right now I’m working on a major spa project, and we’ve done a lot of work on apartments and residential spaces.
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- You might also be interested in reading: “Why Study Interior Design”
Miami is really booming, and we're working on a lot of luxury apartments: many people are moving to Miami, and there's a constant stream of people looking for interior design services to help them make their spaces their own.
The spa we're currently working on is for a prominent local doctor, but I usually work on luxury homes for famous people: basketball and baseball players, models, and other celebrities.
Are you interested in the world of interior design?
Learn about the Interior Design Technician program
- And which ones have been the most rewarding for you over the years—the ones where you felt you were able to bring your vision and creativity to life?
Usually, when you work on commercial projects, that’s when you have the most opportunities. When I was in Uruguay, there was one project in particular, in Montevideo, that I really enjoyed: a friend’s sushi restaurant in Parque Rodó.
It was my first project after graduating from Universidad ORT Uruguay just like with commercial projects in general, I really enjoyed it because in those situations you always have more freedom to be creative and push the boundaries.
- You might also be interested in reading: “5 Ways Interior Design Impacts Our Well-Being”
When working on residential projects, on the other hand, people tend to narrow down that range of possibilities much more: it’s all about what people want to have in their homes. That said, there’s a lot of creativity in Miami, and quite a few clients ask us for rather extravagant things.
Innovation, technology, and automation are always present, with a focus on LED lighting, giant screens, and virtual assistants.
Miami is a very special place, with a mix of people from all over the world and very unique tastes. I have many Argentine and European clients here, especially Italians.
Are you interested in the world of interior design?
Learn about the Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design
Interior design in Miami
And, in that sense, given the diversity, pace, and lifestyle of a city like Miami, it’s no surprise that it’s often considered a hub for interior design trends. What is it like to work as an interior designer in Miami and reach a global audience from there? How does Vanessa Núñez Interior make a difference?
We really like modern and avant-garde (vanguard), and we’re always on the lookout for the best technologies and luxury. We pay close attention to design, detail, and everything related to lighting.
One of the most valuable things I learned at ORT was how to work with lighting design. From my experience, students here aren’t trained in this crucial technique, and there are many things that professionals here weren’t taught but that I learned at ORT—such as lighting, which is absolutely essential in interior design.
In fact, I’m often invited to meetings and events organized by companies that specialize in lighting, and they try to explain concepts to me that I already learned at ORT years ago.
- You might also find this article interesting: “Main objectives and subjects of interior design degree programs and courses”
On the other hand, construction projects in the rest of the United States differ greatly from those in Miami, which is at the cutting edge of innovation, technology, and comfort.
The use of virtual assistants, smart homes, and automation, for example, is extremely widespread.
There is still no integration of artificial intelligence; I think it’s something that will come this year, but I’ve used it as an assistant on some designs, and the possibilities it offers are really great.
As for materials, we work a lot with sheetrock or drywall (gypsum board), which offers us great convenience and excellent workability—for example, when installing lighting—since it’s very flexible to work with.
- You might also be interested in reading: “How to Choose Colors for Home Interiors: Inspiration and Psychology in Interior Design”
- And beyond Miami, given that your firm operates globally and you’ve worked with so many clients, is something similar happening in other parts of the world? Could we say that these trends are spreading to interior design in other parts of the world?
Currently, the situation is different elsewhere—for example, in Europe, where there are stricter restrictions regarding building materials and regulations. The situation there is perhaps more similar to Uruguay, where regulations prohibit certain practices.
We recently worked on an apartment in Paris, and there, for example, parts of the air conditioning system aren’t allowed to be visible or make noise. The goal is to better protect the surroundings, preserve the architectural heritage, and safeguard the environment. Here in Miami, on the other hand, the focus is always on luxury and opulence—more and more of it.
Are you interested in the world of interior design?
Learn about the Interior Design Technician program
Women in Leadership in Interior Design
- Just as these characteristics regarding the connection between Miami and interior design trends are often highlighted, it is also common to draw a connection between the field and female leadership. Today, in the context of March 8, how do you perceive the unique contribution that women make to this field, and what has been your personal experience as a female leader?
I spend a lot of time on-site and in day-to-day operations; I visit every construction site regularly and am always present at our projects—I’m right there with our team. They know me and understand who I am, the experience I have, what I know, and how I’ve developed professionally: they respect me. That said, it’s true that—at first—it was tough.
At first, it was difficult to take my first steps in the industry as a woman in the construction sector. Sometimes it takes a little longer to earn respect, given the nature of this environment. Knowing what you’re doing is important; learning, studying, and getting professional training in your field is key.
- You might also be interested in our article: “8 Women Who Transformed Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture”
- You might also be interested in reading: “From Uruguay to Finland and Germany: An Interview with Architect Josefina Pallas, Specialist in New Construction Technologies”
I believe it’s true that interior design is a field where women excel; we are multifaceted and highly capable of understanding and mastering all the many facets of interior design—and there are so many of them: interior design involves managing a vast number of variables in every project.
In this regard, women make an enormous contribution, both within the field and at the helm of companies.
In the past, the construction industry was a predominantly male field, but today women are entering these spaces and holding our own based on what we know and what we’re doing.
- Looking back on your formative years, when you acquired many of the tools you mentioned that have enabled you to thrive in these fields, is there anything you wish you had known during your time as a student, as you were preparing for where you are today? Is there anything you’d like to share with those considering a career in interior design?
It’s important to remember that experience is always the best teacher. It’s also essential to have a strong command of technology and design software, such as AutoCAD, which is the tool you’ll use to communicate with both clients and your team.
Thank you so much for your time and kindness, Vanessa. Congratulations on your great work!
Are you interested in the world of interior design?