38. Details That Define Merivale: Secrets of Great Design with Nasim Köerting

From chasing design milestones to discovering what truly makes work meaningful, this episode takes you behind the scenes of large-scale hospitality design.In this episode of Behind the Design Podcast, I chat with Nasim Köerting, Design Director at Merivale, about the realities of leading some of Australia’s most recognised hospitality projects. From her early career in London to managing complex, high-profile designs today, Nasim shares what it really takes to succeed at this level.We also explore a turning point in her career: the moment she realized that achieving awards and hitting milestones brought only brief excitement. What matters most is the experience of the process: seeing her team thrive, collaborating effectively, and watching people genuinely enjoy the spaces she creates. For Nasim, the real reward is the human impact of design, not the accolades and keeping creativity and collaboration enjoyable.This conversation goes beyond the finished product and dives into the choices, pressures, and mindset behind exceptional design. From balancing creativity with leadership to designing environments that feel thoughtful and inclusive, this is an honest look at what happens behind the scenes.Topics covered in this conversation:• Nasim’s journey from London to Design Director at Merivale• Managing the responsibility and pressures of large-scale design• Leading teams while staying creatively involved• Moving past the fleeting thrill of milestones to find lasting fulfillment• How collaboration enhances design outcomes• Designing spaces that feel welcoming and considered• The subtle details that make a space memorableIf you want insight into what makes great design more than just a pretty photo, this conversation offers a candid view behind the scenes.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more conversations that go beyond aesthetics and into the real thinking behind design.Follow Nasim Köerting and Merivalehttps://www.instagram.com/nasimkoerting/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasim-k%C3%B6erting-78511a4a/https://www.instagram.com/merivale/https://merivale.com/ Follow Unfolded:https://www.unfolded.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/unfolded_Chapters01:07 – Meet Nassim: Design Director Behind Merivale’s Iconic Spaces02:09 – From Sydney to London: Building a Global Interior Design Career03:51 – Landing a Dream Role at Merivale (Hospitality Design Insights)04:46 – Leading Creative Teams in High-End Hospitality Projects07:30 – Why Hospitality Design is About Experience, Not Just Aesthetics10:21 – The Real Design Process: Collaboration, Ideas & Innovation13:26 – Designing with Old Buildings: Creating “Lived-In” Spaces15:12 – Diversity & Inclusion in Interior Design (Why It Matters)18:47 – Small Design Details27:32 – Redefining Success: Beyond Awards & Recognition in Design32:14 – The Future of DesignKeywordsMerivalehospitality designinterior design podcastinterior design processdesign leadershipcreative careersinterior designer interviewdesign directorhospitality interiorscommercial interior designdesign inspirationinterior design careerhospitality design processmanaging creative teamsdesign collaborationguest experience designexperiential designhuman-centered designinclusive designadaptive reuse designimposter syndrome creatives