A Pink Kitchen With Curvy Cubbies Is Where Creativity Happens in This Design Studio

Visiting a person’s workspace is like taking a peek inside their brain. Whether it’s at home or in an art studio, Nice Work explores where creative people do all of their, well, creating, so that you can steal their on-the-clock style.

Name: Paola Zamudio 

Occupation: Designer; founder and CEO of NPZ studio+; and creative director and lead designer at Bellworks. 

Where I work: My creative studio is located in Bellworks, an architectural masterpiece in Holmdel, New Jersey, designed by Eero Saarinen. It’s in what’s known as a “metroburb,” or a metropolis in suburbia.

When we moved in: I moved in last July because of my work at Bellworks. I’m the lead designer in this 2 million–square–foot building, so it just felt right to have my own place here where I can work with my team, get inspired, meet with my clients, and design. 

Time I start: I typically aim for around 10:30 a.m.

Time I clock out: Usually around 7 or 7:30 p.m.

How I get to work: In my 2023 Range Rover Evoque—just got it and I love it. 

Three words that describe our space: Cozy, modern, and artsy.

The most important thing on my desk: My red Apple desktop.

What’s on the walls: I collect art, but I’m running out of space at home, so I usually have my new pieces at the studio. I have a textile weaving art piece that says trá, trá, trá; it’s a phrase I like to say when I’m celebrating something or want to get sh*t done. I commissioned that piece from artist Sebastien Courty. I also have a wall with a few awards that reminds me to stay grounded and that hard work pays off. 

What I turn to when I’m stuck: My dogs, Joy-Z and CoCo. They are a dose of serotonin when I’m feeling stuck or need to get creative. 

How I stay organized: I take notes and lots of pictures to remind me of my to-dos. 

Best notebook: I love colorful notebooks from McNally Jackson in Manhattan. 

Work bag I carry every day: My lavender Telfar bag—she’s flawless! 

Technology I can’t live without: My phone, period.

Desk chair that I could (and do) spend hours in: The Vitra ID mesh chair: It’s beauty and function. 

Conference table we convene around: I love the Haworth Immerse. The shape is so soft and organic that it doesn’t feel like a conference table.

When I’m not at my desk, I post up at: You can find me at the kitchen table in my studio, having casual calls or creative meetings with my team.

Coffee I run on: I love my morning Nespresso iced Colombian coffee.

Biggest splurge that was worth it: The terracotta marble coffee table by RS Barcelona. 

Preferred soundtrack: I always have my Paola’s Fiesta playlist ready, but I’m also into tropical lo-fi beats at the studio. I love feeling back at home in Colombia, surrounded by lots of plants, colors, and music.

Things I Can’t Work Without