About
nmbello Studio is a commercial and artistic design studio founded and led by Nifemi Marcus-Bello. The practice is rooted in curiosity, humility, and a deep respect for both people and place.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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
2025: Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts2025: Special Mention at Loewe Craft Prize
2024: Dezeen Awards, Emerging Designer of the Year (Shortlist)
2023: Design Miami, Best of Show, 2023
2023: Design Miami, Curator’s Choice: Design for Good Award
2023: Monocle Design Awards, Emerging Designer of the Year
2022: Graham Foundation Grant
2022: HUBLOT LVMH Design Prize
2022: Wallpaper* Future Icons Award
2021: Wallpaper* Design Award, “Life-Enhancer of the Year”
Acquisitions
- The Museum of Modern Art, New York, New York, United States.- The Design Museum, London, United Kingdom.
- The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, United States.
- The Brooklyn Museum, New York.
- The Denver Art Museum, Denver.
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
Studio Team
Nifemi Marcus-Bello
Jaiyeola Osho
Emily Jessica Awino
Segun Balogun
Jaiyeola Osho
Emily Jessica Awino
Segun Balogun