Noa Santos: NAINOA's Founder on Holistic Design and Global Projects

Noa Santos founded NAINOA, an interdisciplinary architecture, interior design, and landscape studio, in 2020. He currently serves as CEO and principal designer. The practice operates in New York City, Los Angeles, and Barcelona, with projects across more than 15 countries. Santos describes his method as treating each project like a symphony, integrating landscape, architecture, interiors, and custom furniture under a unified vision. Notable works include an art-filled Aspen guest house and a Costa Rican hotel. He emphasizes listening to clients and designing the experience of creating a home as much as the home itself. NAINOA is currently working on over 50 homes across 19 countries. Santos cites Frank Lloyd Wright, Christian Liaigre, John Lautner, and Peter Müller as inspirations. He prefers marble over concrete and townhouses over high-rises.