Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2025 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 21, 2025. Today, meet Nicole Herman, founder and principal designer at Social Design Studio.
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Nicole Herman, Social Design Studio
Background: Herman is a leader in boutique hospitality design. Known for transforming concepts into unforgettable experiences, she creates restaurants, hotels, and spas that leave lasting impressions — blending creativity, strategy, and a deep understanding of how people connect with spaces.
Source of pride: “Bringing unique restaurant concepts to life gives me the most incredible pride. Seeing a client’s vision fully realized and knowing our team helped create spaces where people connect, celebrate, and make memories is the most rewarding part of my career.”
Professional advice: “Trust your intuition and creativity, stay curious, and never be afraid to speak up. This industry thrives on fresh ideas and strong voices. Build genuine relationships, stay true to your vision, and remember — resilience, passion, and humility will open more doors than perfection ever will.”
Surprising fact: “I can’t walk into a restaurant without mentally redesigning it — even if I’m just there for tacos. If I spot an interesting chair or barstool, I’ll flip it over to check the manufacturer. It’s a blessing, a curse, and endlessly embarrassing for my kids.”
Celebratory dinner
The 2025 honorees will be celebrated at a special awards dinner on August 21, 2025, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. Sponsors of the Most Influential Women in Arizona reception and dinner include presenting sponsor Phillips Law Foundation, cover photo shoot sponsor Greenberg Traurig, VIP red carpet sponsor Vertex Education and Legacy Traditional Schools, dessert sponsor Silver Cain, beverage sponsor Arizona Escrow & Financial Corporation, 360 photo booth sponsor Clayco, digital sponsor Ganem Companies, fine jewelry sponsor Osborne Jewelers, and special gift sponsor Tarbell’s. Get tickets here.Nicole HermannThe 2025 honorees will be celebrated at a special awards dinner on August 21, 2025, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. Sponsors of the Most Influential Women in Arizona reception and dinner include presenting sponsor Phillips Law Foundation, cover photo shoot sponsor Greenberg Traurig, VIP red carpet sponsor Vertex Education and Legacy Traditional Schools, dessert sponsor Silver Cain, beverage sponsor Arizona Escrow & Financial Corporation, 360 photo booth sponsor Clayco, digital sponsor Ganem Companies, fine jewelry sponsor Osborne Jewelers, and special gift sponsor Tarbell’s. Get tickets here.
