2025 Designer Dozen Awards: Samantha Johnson

Samantha Johnson
Senior Interior Designer and Design Studio Manager, NANO LLC / Age: 35
Favorite after-work snack: Nachos
Favorite TV Show: “Severance”

WHY SAMANTHA

From design development to construction drawings to developing overall interior layouts to selecting fixtures and finishes, Samantha “Sami” Johnson is a key player in many ongoing projects for her firm. She was the lead designer/project manager for the renovation of a historic New Orleans French Quarter townhouse into The Dead Rabbit, an upscale Irish bar and restaurant. Currently, she’s working on the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, where she’s updating more than 1 million square feet of space. Outside of the office, Sami has a dedicated focus on community. In addition to participating in Habitat for Humanity’s “Women’s Build,” Urban Land Institute, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) – where she serves on two committees – she’s also affiliated with the National Council for Interior Design, WELL Building Institute and the City of New Orleans Technical Advisory Group for Energy Benchmarking.

Samantha’s design skills translate to apparel stores, cafés and more. PHOTO: Michael Mantese, New Orleans

Who or what has been the greatest influence on you in your work?

I grew up in a small town, and exploring and living in places like New York City, Copenhagen and other parts of Europe exposed me to a wide range of cultures and histories. These experiences have shaped my design perspective and inspired my work.

What would be your advice for another young designer/visual merchandiser?

Speak up sooner! Don’t be afraid to have your opinion heard, even if it gets shut down.

What experience or specific interest has shaped you as a designer?

One experience that really shaped me as a designer was a project I worked on in high school that focused on the impact of natural light on a space. I studied how the direction, intensity and quality of light could transform the atmosphere of a room, affecting everything from mood to functionality. This exploration made me realize how much design can influence how we experience a space, and it sparked my desire to pursue a career in design.

If I had a completely unlimited budget for a project…

…I’d probably panic! The idea of no boundaries actually scares me. I thrive when working with defined parameters, as they challenge me to come up with creative and clever solutions.

My dream project is…

…a tiny house.