Meet Nara Munro of The Munro Project

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nara Munro.

Hi Nara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Nara Munro—award winning interior designer, engineer, and founder of The Munro Project. After years working as a product engineer at Ford Motor Company and Sears Holdings, I shifted my path to follow my passion for interior design.

While living in Chicago, I left engineering to build a design career grounded in both technical know-how and creative ambition. I love bringing a blend of simple + clean lines, mixed with patterns, colors, and beautiful lighting. Having my clients think ‘Outside The Box’ is one of my professional goals.

Now back in my hometown of Northville, Michigan, I bring personalized, stylish, and functional designs to homes throughout the Metro Detroit area. My work reflects a unique blend of sophistication + functionality — always putting your lifestyle at the center of the design.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s definitely been a path of learning. When I first started I had no idea of all of the crazy details needed to start a successful interior design firm / company. First of all, I feel like there area a lot of different aspects of design. I think that a lot of people are good at putting things together and ‘decorating’ Making spaces look pretty with the right decor is great, but I feel like Interior Design is so much more technical. It’s scaling properly and being able to see the space beyond what it is. Moving walls, opening spaces, re-configuring and spacial planning.

I also think the hardest part is articulating to people the difference between a decorator and interior designer. I have a technical background in engineering. I love remodeling and renovating and I don’t think a lot of people think that interior designers do that. People might think that you have to be an architect or builder, but some interior designers can see beyond what some architects and builders can do. It’s a very creative process both technically and visually.

One of the hardest things, I think, is having people trust in what you do. Obviously, you’re working with people’s homes (which is super personal) and their money, so you want to make sure that everything goes well. You want your client’s to trust you but you also can’t make big mistakes. The only way for people to trust you too is to build a reputable portfolio, but how can that be done if you don’t get exposed to the right projects?

We’ve been impressed with The Munro Project, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m an Interior Design firm that focuses on beautiful and functional spaces. My main focus is full service design, where we take your whole space to design bliss. My passion is Remodeling + Renovation projects. I can gut bathrooms, remodel fireplaces, and redesign kitchens. I can also finish any of your living spaces with custom furniture, lighting, wallpaper, you name it!

I really pride myself on getting to know my clients and making sure that I design a space THEY love!
Fresh + Sophisticated + You is my motto. I think I have a fresh perspective on design and design elements. I love incorporating clean lines, but also adding fun patterns and lighting with whimsical style.
I love to push my client’s to think outside their design box. What I’ve realized is what makes my client’s the most nervous to purchase in their design scope, is absolutely the most rewarding and what they get the most compliments on.

Spacial planning is key, so I make sure that everything will fit perfectly in your space (that’s my engineering brain 🙂
I’m also proud to introduce my new cabinetry line, The Cabinet Project, where I can now design cabinetry specific to my client’s needs and wants. I realized I was limited on what I could give my client’s regarding door styles and I really wasn’t happy with the quality of some of the cabinet products. Now I can supply my clients with a custom design, quality materials and it’s all manufactured in the midwest!

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I honestly just love to create beautiful spaces where my clients are comfortable in, but also very proud to show off.
I want to make sure that my clients also have a fun time in the process when working with me and have the best experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.themunroproject.com
• Instagram: @themunroproject