About
nmbello Studio is a commercial and artistic eponymous design studio by Nifemi Marcus-Bello.
We believe in understanding what is available, without trying to force an ego on to the process. Over the years, we have learnt to get rid of all pre-existing ideas and allow the process dictate the design. As a design studio, we embrace the newness and lack of a true design process as it frees us up for an opportunity to be reintroduced to the familiar with fresh eyes and a fresh perspective.
As a design studio based in Africa, we have learnt that a lot of humility is required to fully benefit from what the continent has to offer. It is deeply spiritual, in the sense that culturally, Africa is rooted in respect for people and places. There is a strong sense of what is sacred, and we have learnt the same applies for design on the continent. We get out what we put into the process. African design, much like African culture requires humility and respect - expect to learn and grow and not dictate what should be.
We believe in understanding what is available, without trying to force an ego on to the process. Over the years, we have learnt to get rid of all pre-existing ideas and allow the process dictate the design. As a design studio, we embrace the newness and lack of a true design process as it frees us up for an opportunity to be reintroduced to the familiar with fresh eyes and a fresh perspective.
As a design studio based in Africa, we have learnt that a lot of humility is required to fully benefit from what the continent has to offer. It is deeply spiritual, in the sense that culturally, Africa is rooted in respect for people and places. There is a strong sense of what is sacred, and we have learnt the same applies for design on the continent. We get out what we put into the process. African design, much like African culture requires humility and respect - expect to learn and grow and not dictate what should be.
Awards
2021: Wallpaper* Design Award, “Life-Enhancer of the Year” Award.2022: Wallpaper* Future Icons.
2022: HUBLOT LVMH Design Prize.
2023: Monocle Design Awards, Emerging Designer of the Year.
2023: Design Miami, Curator’s Choice: Design for Good Award.
PRESS
AMERICAN VOGUE
BRITISH VOGUE
WALLPAPER*
WALLPAPER DESIGN AWARDS
DAZED
DEZEEN
FRAME Magazine
DESIGN INDABA
HYPEBEAST
FAST COMPANY
FINANCIAL TIMES
LOS ANGELES TIMES
NEW YORK MAGAZINE
DOMUS MAGAZINE
GQ
Academia
2019: Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation - Building Cultures: Making in Nairobi, Lagos, Accra/Tema, and Johannesburg2022: Design Academy Eindhoven - DAE Lecture Series hosts → Nifemi Marcus-Bello
Acquisitions
The Design Museum, London, United Kingdom.The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, United States.
The Denver Art Museum, Denver, Colorado, United States.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, California, United States.
The Museum of Modern Art, New York, New York, United States.
Studio Team
Nifemi Marcus-Bello
Jaiyeola Oduyoye
Emily Jessica Awino
Jaiyeola Oduyoye
Emily Jessica Awino