The Art of Intentional Space with Nora Gharib of Gharib Studio

The Hamptons Edit sat down with Nora Gharib, an architectural designer and creative director of Gharib Studio, to discuss her inspired approach to designing spaces that merge science, wellness, and creativity. Gharib is known for her work on the Zoe pop-up installations across New York City and the East End, Gharib is redefining how we experience public, branded environments by blending intention with soul.

Nora, let’s begin with Zoe. What was your inspiration behind the design of New York pop-ups, and what did you hope the spaces would convey?

The inspiration was rooted in the concept of a classic New York City neighborhood bodega but reimagined through the lens of science-backed wellness. I wanted to marry nostalgia with optimism, infusing the spaces with cheerful, approachable details while anchoring them in the scientific foundation of the Zoe brand. That came through in design choices such as bright yellow palettes, striped awnings, and even yellow milk crates — a playful nod to New York.

You’ve often been described as creating intentional, soulful “third spaces.” Can you elaborate on what that means to you, and why this concept is central to your work?

For me, it’s about sparking curiosity. I wanted the pop-ups — and really all of my projects to be more than functional. They needed to feel memorable, Instagrammable even, without losing sight of the product and purpose. With Zoe, that meant creating an environment where the design didn’t just decorate the space, but brought the brand’s food and science into scale — making the pop-up an extension of the larger mission, not just a temporary installation.

As a founder and creative director, what is your process when beginning a new space from scratch — especially with pop-ups?

There is always a process. First, we meet with the brand to understand their identity and ensure I know exactly what they want, both aesthetically and functionally. For instance, is the space retail-focused? Interactive? From there, we determine the colors, mood, and overall atmosphere, before creating a 3D rendering to help them visualize the final product. Once that’s approved, we move on to construction and formal approvals. Throughout the process, I make sure to check in regularly to confirm we’re staying aligned with the client’s vision.

With clients such as Little Words Project and Olfactory, there seems to be a poetic femininity to the brands you collaborate with. Do you find yourself naturally drawn to companies that evoke emotion or sensory connection?

Yes, absolutely. I’m naturally drawn to building things that allow for creativity — it’s an extension of my profession. Take Little Words Project: they offers the opportunity to create a bracelet that’s uniquely yours. Or Olfactory: they give you the ability to design a fragrance completely tailored to you. I love working with brands that offer people this type of personal, sensory connection. With Zoe, the goal was to excite wellness enthusiasts — and it worked. The success of those pop-ups means we’re now expanding to Miami and Los Angeles, which is incredibly exciting.

Where is your personal studio based?

My studio is based in Miami — that’s where you can find Gharib Studio.

And finally, for the readers to get to know you a little better, can you share a few personal details?

Of course. I’m Egyptian and Ecuadorian, and I live in Miami with my husband. My background is in multifamily residential architecture, but over time I’ve pivoted into the creative businesses I lead today.

Through her thoughtful approach, Nora Gharib reminds us that architecture is more than structure it is experience. Her ability to weave science, nostalgia, and creativity into spaces that feel intentional and soulful offers a vision of design that goes far beyond aesthetics. Whether reimagining a neighborhood bodega into a wellness hub or collaborating with brands that invite personal expression, Gharib’s work stands as a testament to the power of design to inspire connection.