MIM FANNING — Soul Safari

"Appreciate what others have done and always search for something new from yourself."

Interior designer Miriam Fanning has mastered the art of delivering a single vision as the leader of a multi-disciplinary team. With over 20 years in the game, Miriam creates unexpected, beautifully realized spaces by leaning into her own impeccable design know-how and generously trusting the expertise and experience of her collaborators.

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Tell us a little about your current work - what do you do, and what inspires you to do it?

I am the principal of Mim Design, a multifaceted design studio specializing in interior design. We are a studio consisting of 25 staff and our projects range from high-end residential, hospitality, hotels, retail, and more.

I am inspired by visual form, structure, and proportion in combination with understanding the story and meaning of spaces, objects, and all things dimensional!

Photo: Miller Residence 2016. Photography by Sharyn Cairns

How does your work enrich your life or the lives of others?

Our vision and project delivery aims to create spaces that our clients love and have a true connection with.

Can you share a recent project you’ve worked on that you’re most proud of?

We are proud of so many of our projects. One project I am absolutely enamored with at the moment is for a lovely family - we are designing a contemporary coastal farmhouse from the ground up. I love this project because it has great proportion and, visually, it's exciting to see the outside and the inside work together.

Photo: Hospitality project in concept phase

What was the pivot point that set you on your current path?

It's very hard to pinpoint a pivot point as the growth of our studio and the type of work has been quite organic. If I were to go back to my first introduction to interior design, I can honestly say it was a pivotal mistake as I was hell bent on being a graphic designer until I discovered that design of space and form in the built 3D dimension was more exciting for me. I wasn't accepted into the graphic design course I wanted, which I now see as a total game changer and blessing.

Photo: Celine store at the Chadstone shopping centre

What advice would you give to others to identify and embrace those moments of action?

My advice is to always have an open mind. As a creative, it's especially important to seek and surround yourself with ideas and inspiration as it helps you create and dig deep to find your own. Appreciate what others have done and always search for something new from yourself.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone who’s going through their own transformation?

My advice is to never give up, have empathy and stay true to who you are. I think it's important not to be scared to give things time, as beautifully crafted environments take time and experience from a great team.

Photo: My moodboard

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in shaping your career?

I have had a couple of really important mentors over the years. These people have helped me reach my goals and kept me mentally energized. Both being older gentlemen, they also helped guide me through the man's world that was architecture and construction 20 years ago. I was lucky to receive their work ethic, business logic, and a window into their design philosophies. I don't have a mentor right now, but do have my eye on someone - they just don't know it yet!

Photo: Lord Howe Island

Where in the world would you describe as the place that speaks to you - your soul place?

Wow, my soul place. That's a really hard question as I am a visual junkie! For me, I love anything to do with water and how it can change color, feel and form. I have always wanted to experience the magical nature of Lord Howe Island. I haven't been and it's a place I would love to go to with my family - no phones, no computer, just blue waters and stunning landscape.

If you could do anything, what in the world would you want to do next?

I would seriously love to paint and travel more, so the two could go hand in hand (the painting must also be my interest in graphic form).

All images used with permission from Mim Fanning.