Based in Lebanon, Mirvatte Mtanos is redefining what it means to design with purpose and presence. As the founder of Mirvatte Architect & Design — a multidisciplinary studio that unites architecture, interior design, and graphic branding — she approaches every project as a dialogue between style and soul. Rooted in Lebanese artistry and global vision, her work reflects a deep understanding of how beauty, structure, and emotion shape the human experience. Guided by her belief that design should not only look beautiful but also feel meaningful, Mirvatte infuses psychology, storytelling, and authenticity into her creative process. Through her holistic approach, she reminds us that true design transcends aesthetics — it’s about creating spaces that connect, heal, and inspire. Let’s meet her…
The Designer
Tell our readers about yourself, how you got started in your current field.
I’m Mirvatte Mtanos, founder of Mirvatte Architect & Design. My journey began with a passion for interior design and graphic branding, exploring how beauty, structure, and emotion come together. Over time, this evolved into a multidisciplinary studio that blends creativity, elegance, and individuality in every project.
What inspired the creation of Mirvatte Architect & Design, and how did your journey from student to founder shape the studio’s multidisciplinary approach?
My journey began with a spark of innate talent and curiosity — a divine gift that demanded expression. Studying Interior Architecture & Graphic Design opened my eyes to design as a language that communicates without words. Founding Mirvatte Architect & Design allowed me to cultivate this talent through knowledge, culture, and lived experiences. Every project is an emotional dialogue, where structure, creativity, and soul converge to create a space that resonates beyond the eye and touches the heart.
You’ve merged architecture, interior design, and graphic branding under one umbrella — what challenges and opportunities come with combining these creative worlds? What sets you apart?
Merging these worlds is an opportunity to create holistic, meaningful experiences. Each discipline brings a unique perspective, and my approach is to connect them through intuition, emotion, and knowledge. I do not design for the eye alone — I design for the soul. This integration allows me to craft spaces and visual identities that are deeply resonant, where every detail communicates story, meaning, and feeling. What sets me apart is that I combine multiple disciplines: interior design, graphic branding, family and educational consulting, trainer of trainers, and teaching. As a business leader merging these fields, I have a unique and holistic perspective, seeing every shape and viewpoint in one integrated frame.
As a female entrepreneur in a historically male-dominated field, what personal or professional barriers did you have to overcome?
Being a woman in architecture and design required claiming space with authenticity. I honed my voice through culture, knowledge, research, and credible references. I relied on my innate creativity, intuition, and acquired expertise to assert authority naturally. Every challenge reinforced that passion and authenticity are irreplaceable — they shape your impact far beyond recognition.
Can you describe a defining project or moment that truly encapsulated your vision of “a dialogue between style and soul”?
One unforgettable moment was designing a private space for a client who had recently lost a loved one. The goal was to create a sanctuary that allowed memory, emotion, and healing to coexist. Every choice — from materials to light and color — was intentionally crafted to evoke comfort, reflection, and connection. When the client saw the completed space, they felt their soul being embraced; the design spoke directly to their heart, providing solace and peace in a way words could not.
How has your role as a trainer, educator, and family consultant influenced the way you manage your business and connect with your clients?
Teaching and consulting have honed my empathy and understanding. Knowing how people perceive design, colors, lines, and light allows me to create projects that resonate emotionally. Every project becomes a story, a shared experience that inspires both me and the client.
You often speak about design as an emotional and human experience. How do you interpret the psychology of space when designing interiors or architectural layouts?
Space is alive; it breathes and communicates. I design not for aesthetics alone, but to evoke feeling and reflection. Every element — curve, color, texture, light — is a note in a symphony of emotion. True design is felt by the soul before it is seen by the eye. I aim for timeless experiences, ensuring that no design is forgotten or becomes dated.
In what ways do you believe that a well-designed environment can impact a person’s mental health, creativity, or productivity?
Emotionally resonant spaces nurture the mind and spirit. Thoughtful design inspires confidence, sparks creativity, and enhances focus. Every element works to strengthen the individual — design is not just aesthetic, it empowers, uplifts, and instills a sense of trust and inner stability.
How do you balance timeless elegance with modern trends to create designs that feel both relevant and enduring?
I prioritize essence over trends. Trends fade, but emotional resonance — story, rhythm, and harmony — endures. Modern elements support function and aesthetics, while the soul of the space remains timeless. I do not believe in trends; I believe in distinction and uniqueness.
What are you most known for and have you let that control the reigns of your trajectory or do you still feel like you are being your authentic self?
I am known for creating spaces and designs that feel personal and soulful. While recognition is gratifying, I stay true to my authentic self, letting my values, intuition, and understanding of human psychology guide my work.
Can you share an example where understanding your client’s personal story deeply transformed the outcome of a project?
Yes — a client asked me to create a logo for their honey business. I listened deeply to their story, values, and the different types of honey they produce. The final logo incorporated glittering gold circles and honeycomb leaves with subtle gradients to reflect the diversity and richness of honey. Each element told a part of the story, making the logo a silent, emotional communicator. When the client first saw it, they felt an immediate connection — the logo became more than a symbol; it conveyed identity, legacy, and emotion from the very first glance.
How do visual branding principles influence the way you think about interior design?
Branding is storytelling through visual cues. Interiors are no different: colors, textures, lines, light, and forms communicate identity, emotion, and intention. I design spaces to exceed expectation, creating experiences that feel profound and deeply meaningful, engaging both the mind and the heart.
Sustainability and mindfulness are increasingly central in design today. How do these values show up in your projects and design philosophy?
I select materials and layouts that respect both people and the planet. Mindfulness ensures that every choice serves function, emotion, and sustainability — design is a responsibility as much as an art.
What are some current or emerging interior design trends you believe are redefining how people live, work, and feel within their spaces?
Emotional design is on the rise: spaces that connect to personal identity, adapt to human needs, and tell stories. Natural materials, sustainable practices, and lighting that responds to mood redefine how we live, work, and feel. The subtle mastery of color, light, and textures creates a sense of comfort and well-being that clients often feel before they can articulate why.
Many people decorate intuitively — what practical advice would you give to homeowners or small business owners who want to create emotionally engaging and balanced spaces?
Listen deeply to the space and its inhabitants. Balance function with feeling, and choose elements that evoke emotion, harmony, and meaning. A space is a silent storyteller — the first impression sets the tone for the entire experience. Thoughtful design shapes how people feel, behave, and connect within it.
The Woman
Have you ever failed at anything? How did you recover?
Sure, I’ve faced setbacks, from projects that didn’t go as planned to challenging decisions. I recover by reflecting, learning, and approaching the next challenge with clarity and resilience.
If you could go back and share one thing with yourself as a 16-22 year old what would it be and why?
I would tell my younger self to trust her intuition and not fear breaking boundaries. True growth comes from taking risks and staying authentic.
Who are you at your core and in life what matters the most to you?
I am a creator, learner, and nurturer at heart. What matters most is meaningful connection — with family, clients, and the spaces I design. Life is about impact, love, and purpose.
When life gets crazy, how do you decompress and recover you?
I spend time with my husband and children, which restores balance. I also enjoy learning something new daily through research and study — these moments refresh my mind and inspire creativity.
Is being intentional important to you? Why or why not?
Absolutely. Intentionality guides my decisions in work and life, ensuring authenticity, clarity, and meaningful impact in everything I do.
Tell us about any point in your life’s journey that you felt changed you for the better?
Starting my own multidisciplinary studio transformed me. It pushed me to lead, refine my creative voice, and embrace both responsibility and risk — teaching me the power of pursuing vision with courage.
How do you connect or maintain connection-with business colleagues, family or friends?
Through active listening, open communication, and shared experiences. With colleagues, I build relationships on collaboration and respect. With family and friends, I focus on quality time, empathy, and nurturing bonds.
Has there been a time where adapting to a major change was life altering for you?
Yes. Running my business while balancing family life required a mindset shift. It taught me resilience, discipline, and aligning personal values with professional goals.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
Spending time with my husband and children, and learning something new every day through research and study. These moments refresh and inspire me.
Of all your roles, which are you most proud of and if different, which one has been the most fulfilling?
I love being a combination of mother, mentor, teacher, trainer, interior designer, and creative professional. Each role allows me to contribute in a unique way, and together they give my life and work a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. I truly believe this is a talent I was born with.
Complete this sentence, “If it had not been for my faith,_________________.”
If it had not been for my faith, I would not have had the strength and clarity to pursue my vision, overcome challenges, and maintain hope.
What is family life like for you?
Family life is my anchor — full of love, shared growth, and learning. I prioritize meaningful moments while balancing professional ambitions.
What is one thing that you’re not good at that you wish you had a better grasp of?
Saying “no.” I often take on many responsibilities, and I wish I were better at setting boundaries
How do you support, empower or uplift other women?
I mentor, share knowledge, create opportunities, and lead by example — showing that women can pursue ambitious goals while staying authentic, and that motherhood is not a barrier but a source of strength and motivation.
What is a female-authored only book outside of your own, that you would recommend to another woman?
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown — a transformative book that teaches embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and courage, showing how living wholeheartedly leads to a fulfilled and meaningful life.
When you look back at your experiences in totality, can you share an experience that has defined the way you move and handle life today?
The greatest challenge was being in a place far from our families, where my husband and I were the only support for our children and for each other at all times, staying by our children’s side. This taught me resilience, patience, trust, and the utmost sacrifice. I learned that challenges are opportunities for growth, that every obstacle can deepen understanding, strengthen purpose, and refine vision, and that no one will care for you as much as you care for yourself
Hobbies? I spend my free time with my husband and children, exploring creativity through design, reading, and learning something new every day.
What is a headline or hot topic that recently either moved you to action or emotion and why?
Recently, stories of resilience in children with special needs deeply moved me, reminding me of the importance of compassion and advocacy.
What makes you confident?
My confidence comes from knowing my values, experience, and trusting my intuition to make thoughtful decisions.
What decade of your life do you feel like was the most instrumental in your growth- 20s, 30s, 40s or 50+ and why?
My 30s were the most transformative decade, balancing family, building my multidisciplinary studio, and expanding my expertise, all while learning resilience, leadership, and meaningful impact.
What is something you wish you did/handled better in your daily life?
I continue to work on setting boundaries and saying “no” to protect my energy and focus on what truly matters.
How do you deal with stress?
To handle stress, I spend time with loved ones, practice mindfulness, and engage in creative work.
What is a life experience that you missed out on that causes you regret?
I sometimes regret not traveling more extensively when I was younger, as experiencing diverse cultures inspires creativity and broadens perspective.
What is something you survived that empowered you?
One of the most empowering experiences I survived was raising my children while building my studio far from family, which taught me resilience, sacrifice, and self-trust, proving I could thrive under pressure.
What is up next for you? Do you have any projects, events or products to promote?
Up next, I’m excited to continue expanding Mirvatte Architect & Design with new multidisciplinary projects that blend interior , and graphic branding in innovative ways. For me, graphic design is a story told without words — a language of shapes, colors, and emotions that connects people and spaces. I’m also planning workshops and talks to share insights on design, creativity, and entrepreneurship, as well as personalized projects that help clients bring unique and meaningful spaces to life.
How can our readers connect with you for more information?
Phone Number: +96171049722 • Instagram: @mirvatte.architect.design • Website: mirvatte-architectdesign.carrd.co
Finally, what advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter architecture and design — not just to succeed creatively, but to lead with authenticity and purpose?
Trust your intuition and embrace your innate talent. Knowledge and culture refine your skills, but authenticity and passion shape your voice. Lead with courage, empathy, and curiosity — creativity is your superpower. Do not fear being different; it is what creates distinction and impact.
inspiring interview !!
Wow ! Incredible