Alumna Stories: Nada Ibrahim on Designing with Purpose at Louis Vuitton

“I chose Paris College of Art because it is an art school, allowing me to experience interior design from a truly artistic perspective. The international environment was important to me, too, as it broadened my horizons and introduced me to diverse voices. And being in Paris — a city with an incredible design culture — gave me a strong foundation and endless inspiration.”

As an alumna of Paris College of Art’s MA in Interior Design, Nada Ibrahim has built a career grounded in creativity, empathy, and international perspective. After years of professional experience, she returned to the classroom to deepen her artistic voice—and today, she’s shaping the world of luxury retail as an Assistant Project Manager Intern on the Concept team at Louis Vuitton.

In this interview, Nada shares how her time at PCA helped her connect personal expression with professional rigor, and how it prepared her for high-profile design work that bridges cultures, disciplines, and industries. From conceptualizing fragrance experiences to designing for global markets, Nada offers invaluable insight into making a meaningful impact through design.

Current Role & Career Path

Can you tell us a bit about your current role at Louis Vuitton and what you’re working on as part of their creative team?

I’m currently working as an Assistant Project Manager within the Concept team at Louis Vuitton as part of an internship, contributing to a variety of retail design projects—from the launch of the new beauty line to developing a fragrance concept and its spatial application. One of the most exciting challenges has been adapting these concepts for both new builds and retrofits of existing stores. This work has taken me across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the U.S., giving me a global perspective on how design can stay consistent while responding to different cultural and technical standards.

I’ve also collaborated closely with teams like Visual Merchandising and Marketing, which has given me a richer understanding of how space, product, and storytelling come together. Beyond the design work itself, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of presentation—how you communicate an idea can be just as important as the idea itself.

What initially inspired you to pursue a Master’s in Interior Design, and why did you choose Paris College of Art?

After working in the field for six years, I realized that what I loved most was the human connection—the process of working closely with clients, understanding their stories, and turning their raw visions into something meaningful. That inspired me to pursue a Master’s in Interior Design: I wanted to deepen the artistic side of my work and explore design as a form of self-expression—not just for myself, but on behalf of the people I design for.

Interior design invites you into the most personal parts of someone’s life, and I’ve always found those interactions deeply enriching. There’s something incredibly powerful about creating a space that resonates emotionally with someone—when a client sees their feelings translated into something physical and functional, that moment is priceless.

I chose Paris College of Art because it is an art school, which allowed me to approach interior design from a truly artistic perspective. The international environment was important to me too, as it broadened my horizons and introduced me to diverse voices. And being in Paris—a city with an incredible design culture—gave me a strong foundation and endless inspiration.

PCA Experience

Looking back at your time at PCA, what aspects of the MA program most influenced your design approach today?

What influenced me most during my time at PCA was the program’s unique balance between artistic freedom and technical rigor. PCA encouraged me to experiment boldly and find my own creative voice, while also grounding me in practical skills essential to professional practice.

The freedom to explore abstract concepts alongside functional design pushed me to think beyond aesthetics—to consider how a space feels and works for the people who use it. This holistic approach continues to shape how I develop concepts today, especially in projects that require storytelling through spatial experience.

Were there any specific projects, faculty members, or critiques that particularly challenged or inspired you?

Absolutely—the faculty at PCA were deeply inspiring. I appreciate every single one of them. They all challenged and supported me with the perfect balance, and for that, I’m eternally grateful. I consider them mentors who have profoundly shaped my design philosophy.

Laurent Masmonteil, Nikola Meyer, Cécile Thieulin, Shiva Tolouie-Richard, Géraldine Fourmon, Alix de Mercey, and Dorothée Sipp—each one of them left an imprint. I still remember the smallest comments or insights that shifted my entire perspective. Those lessons have stayed with me.

My degree project, Echoes of Eternity, is especially close to my heart. It represents the culmination of everything I developed during my time at PCA—both creatively and personally.

How did PCA’s interdisciplinary and international environment impact your creative development?

PCA’s interdisciplinary and international environment played a huge role in shaping how I think and create. Being surrounded by people from different cultures and creative backgrounds opened my eyes to new ways of seeing and approaching design. It made me more curious, more adaptable, and more open to experimentation.

Collaborating across disciplines and cultures pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. It also prepared me for fast-paced, global environments—like Louis Vuitton—where understanding different perspectives is key to creating meaningful and relevant work.

From School to Industry

What tools, methodologies, or ways of thinking developed at PCA have been most useful in your internship at Louis Vuitton?

PCA reminded me of the value of proper research and sketching—starting with intention, and not jumping straight into digital tools. That mindset became essential at Louis Vuitton, where generating meaningful ideas quickly is key.

I also learned how to stay organized and work under pressure, which helped me manage complex projects with confidence. And perhaps most importantly, I learned to never hesitate to ask questions—curiosity has become one of my strongest tools.

The luxury fashion world has its own design language—how did your education prepare you to contribute to that environment?

One of the most important things PCA taught me was to trust myself—to believe that everything I’ve learned and experienced has value. At the same time, it taught me to stay curious. In the world of luxury, you need both: confidence in your creative voice and the humility to keep learning.

That balance helped me adapt quickly and continue growing in a constantly evolving environment. PCA’s emphasis on both storytelling and precision—on concept and detail—prepared me to understand and contribute to the high standards of the luxury world.

Did any coursework or thesis work help you stand out when applying for this opportunity?

Yes—the portfolio development course with Shiva was incredibly impactful. It helped me understand how to meet international standards in presenting my CV and portfolio, which was essential when applying to a global company like Louis Vuitton.

Shiva emphasized professionalism across every platform, teaching us how to showcase our work effectively. That gave me the confidence and tools I needed to stand out.

Professional Growth & Advice

How did PCA support your transition into the professional world?

PCA offers valuable opportunities like the Applied Studies Year program, which allows students to pursue internships without having to remain full-time students. That flexibility was important for me—it let me seek out real-world experience and transition smoothly into the professional world.

Have you found that your time at PCA helped you build the confidence to contribute creatively in a high-profile design context?

Yes, definitely. Even though I had some experience beforehand, PCA helped me grow on a deeper level. The environment encouraged me to trust my instincts and find my voice.

That personal and creative growth gave me the confidence to contribute in high-profile settings like Louis Vuitton, where thoughtful, innovative input is expected and valued.

What advice would you give to interior design students who want to explore careers beyond traditional interiors?

Stay curious and open to new experiences—sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most rewarding outcomes. Interdisciplinary collaboration and stepping outside the “interior design box” helped me grow tremendously.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of communication—being able to share your ideas clearly can make all the difference. And finally, trust your instincts but stay humble. Creativity is a lifelong journey.

If you could go back to your first day at PCA, what would you tell yourself?

I’d tell myself to embrace every moment with confidence and curiosity, even when things feel uncertain. I remember doubting my ideas in my first project—but those moments of vulnerability were where I grew the most.

Take creative risks, trust the process, and be patient with yourself. Most of all, enjoy the journey—this time shapes not just your work, but who you are as a person.

Interview by Zainab Affejee