OUR STORY

We founded NUMI Collective in 2023 in Melbourne, driven by the shared passion and vision of Nancy Nguyen and Melissa Chen. Drawing on our years of combined experience in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and bars, NUMI blends operational excellence with personalised service to create unforgettable guest experiences. Our commitment to innovation and authenticity empowers us to continuously refine the art of hotel & hospitality design.

WHO IS
NUMI COLLECTIVE?

  • We are two female directors with a 20-year age gap, bringing diverse perspectives and a wealth of experience to the table. Our global presence is powered by a remote team of specialised professionals, enabling us to tackle complex projects with agility.

  • With over 35 + years of combined design expertise, we have honed our craft at renowned firms such as Avroko, Bates Smart, EDG Design and Elenberg Fraser. This depth of experience underpins our ability to deliver innovative, high-quality outcomes for hospitality ventures worldwide.

  • We craft narrative-rich, immersive interiors by combining meticulous brand strategy, conceptual storytelling, and world-class F&B expertise. Each project is designed to captivate visually, resonate emotionally, and leave a lasting impression on guests.

  • Rooted in a heritage steeped in hospitality traditions, we operate with courtesy, service-mindedness, and an unwavering commitment to curated solutions. By leveraging our product expertise and project management skills, we ensure efficiency, flexibility, and results aligned with your vision and budget.

“NUMI Collective is a sum of all our parts bringing together the best of our cultural backgrounds, experience and skill.”

- Melissa Chen

MELISSA CHEN design director

As a Co-founding Director, Melissa draws on 25 years of expertise in hospitality concept direction, interior design, philanthropy, and community engagement. Her conceptual leadership seamlessly integrates design and guest experience, creating environments that enrich and connect people.

Having worked in London, Singapore, New York, and Melbourne, Melissa has collaborated with top architects, led Australia’s largest hotel refurbishment, and forged relationships with leading owners and operators. She now focuses on building a legacy of exceptional projects that support Australian manufacturing and design, backed by a global network of designers, artisans, and suppliers.

Raised in an entrepreneurial family of exceptional cooks and hosts, Melissa learned resilience, dedication to clients, and the importance of shared creative vision. She believes that great hospitality comes from generosity, quality, community, care, and skill—values she strives to embody in every project.

Since 2012, Melissa has also pursued her passion for philanthropy through Mill’s Kitchen, a charity supporting the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Her pro bono design initiatives, such as renovating the ICU Waiting Room and Boyne Russell House, showcase how her love for food, entertaining, and design can drive positive change.

For more information or interest in supporting Mills Kitchen, see www.mills-kitchen.raisely.com

NANCY NGUYEN design director

As a Co-founding Director, Nancy draws on 13 years of experience in hotel and hospitality interior design, offering conceptual leadership, technical expertise, and global project coordination. Her well-rounded approach and meticulous attention to detail ensure exceptional results, delivered promptly and efficiently.

Having lived and worked in Australia, London, Singapore, and Thailand, Nancy’s exposure to diverse cultures shapes her distinctive, brand-focused design philosophy, blending functionality with visual allure. Known for her creativity and innovative thinking, she tailors each project to align with its unique identity, consistently setting new industry standards.

Rooted in Melbourne’s renowned culinary scene and inspired by her Vietnamese heritage, Nancy’s appreciation for cuisine, hospitality, and cultural traditions enriches her work. An avid traveler and rock climber, she channels her adventurous spirit into every project, believing that to design for guests, one must live like them. Nancy also mentors aspiring designers to embrace remote work, fostering creativity and innovation across global contexts.

A GLOBAL DESIGN NETWORK

Our team has had the privilege of working alongside some of the finest hospitality

operators across the globe, contributing our combined 35+ years of design expertise to

elevate the offerings of esteemed hotel and hospitality groups worldwide.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

At NUMI Collective, we specialise in creating immersive spaces for hotels, resorts, F&B, and wellness. Our process-driven approach ensures each project surpasses expectations, while collaboration and client satisfaction remain our priorities. We deliver unique, brand-reflective designs that bring visions to life.

Our international studio unites a global team of diverse talents, guided by creativity, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity. By weaving elegance and innovation into every project and honoring local traditions, we continually elevate industry standards.

Beyond design, we give back to communities through pro bono work, volunteering, and partnerships with local artisans. Leveraging advanced technology and a global mindset, we excel in efficient cross-continental collaboration, creating transformative spaces with lasting impact.