Nicholas Gennari has established himself as a leading figure in architecture and interior design, garnering international recognition for his work, which blends innovation with sustainability and wellness-focused principles. Gennari’s accomplishments and design philosophy have shaped his reputation within the industry.
Awards and Recognition: A Measure of Success
As the founder of Nar Design Studio, Gennari has earned prestigious international awards that highlight his technical expertise and innovative approach. Notable recognitions include the SBID International Design Award (2021 and 2024), the Iconic Award for Innovative Architecture (2023), the Luxe RED Awards (2022), and the German Design Awards (2023).
The SBID International Design Award in 2021 for the SV Apartment marked a turning point in his career. It showcased his ability to create high-quality, innovative residential spaces with a focus on wellness-oriented design. His Global Winner title for the SK Residence in 2025 reinforced his commitment to refining and enhancing his design approach.
Other awards, such as the Luxe RED Award and the Florida Design Seaglass Awards, have highlighted his capacity to merge contemporary design trends with practical luxury, ensuring his spaces meet both aesthetic and functional needs.
“These awards have given my work greater visibility, helping to secure new projects and collaborations,” Gennari explains. “Being considered for such awards is the result of consistent effort to push creative boundaries and deliver high-quality designs that address both technical and emotional aspects of interior environments.”
From Brazil to the U.S.: Expanding in a Competitive Market
One of the main challenges Gennari encountered in the U.S. was adapting to the competitive market. “The U.S. design industry is highly developed, and differentiating myself required a clear design philosophy that stood out,” he notes. Winning the SBID Award in 2021 increased his visibility and established credibility in this new market.
Cultural differences also influenced his design approach. “Brazilian design tends to be more fluid and expressive, while the U.S. market often emphasizes structured, result-driven solutions,” he explains. This shift required him to adjust his methods, blending creativity with a more disciplined and collaborative approach, which has helped him succeed with diverse teams and clients.
Design Philosophy: Wellness and Sustainability
Gennari’s design philosophy integrates two core elements: wellness and biophilic design. His projects focus on creating spaces that promote the well-being of those who inhabit them. His work emphasizes the use of natural materials, textures, and integration with the environment’s inherent harmony.
Biophilic design, involving natural elements to improve the connection between people and their surroundings, is central to his work. “I find inspiration in nature’s forms and materials, using them to create environments that foster comfort and health,” he says. This is evident in many residential and commercial projects, where natural light, organic textures, and sustainable materials are key features.
Future Directions: Expanding Into New Areas
Looking ahead, Gennari is focused on expanding into the hospitality and commercial sectors. “I am particularly interested in exploring the design of restaurants, office spaces, and other commercial environments,” he says. These projects offer the opportunity to apply his wellness-focused principles in environments that serve a broader public.
He is also exploring the integration of new technologies. Virtual reality, immersive 3D modeling, and other digital tools are becoming important in enhancing the design experience and allowing clients to interact with spaces before they are built. “These technologies can offer clients a more tangible experience of the design, helping them make more informed decisions,” he notes.
A notable upcoming project is an exhibition in Venice exploring how interior design can support health and well-being through thoughtful design. This exhibition will present Gennari’s approach to creating spaces that foster healing and comfort, reinforcing his commitment to the intersection of design and wellness.
