For stunning spaces, those in the know turn to Anita Lang, one of the Valley’s sought-after interior designers. She founded her Scottsdale-based luxury interior design studio, IMI Design (IMIDesignStudio.com), more than 25 years ago, cultivating a portfolio of residential, hospitality, and commercial projects. The principal designer for IMI, her work has garnered more than 115 design excellence awards from the American Society of Interior Design. She’s also a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and commercial developer.
We caught up with her to ask about design, giving back, and what we’d be surprised to learn about her. Here’s what she had to say.
Design intrigues you because …
Design is the background for all our lives … we are viscerally affected at both a conscious and subconscious level by our surroundings, which is the deep reason that humans throughout the centuries have always sought beauty. Through my craft, I can elevate the daily experiences for those I serve in a very meaningful impactful way.
Tell us about IMI and why you founded it.
As many creatives know, our talents choose us, not so much the other way around. The mechanics of my mind are a spatial Rubik’s cube, and so design came naturally, and with time, education, and experience, I have refined that skill.
It became a natural evolution to own my own firm coming from a family of entrepreneurial German immigrants. And while there are many challenges in owning your own company, the positive side is you able to build it on the cultural principles and important values you hold dear.
At IMI Design, we are fully committed to design with integrity, which includes the commitment of quality within our spaces, the care we take of our client’s interest, and the implementation that is based on ethical practices.
Your design philosophy revolves around three meaningful tenants. Can you tell us about them?
When starting a project, these are the three tenants that are foundational:
First, the architectural prowess of a design solution is most likely the reason a majority of my work is referred by my architect colleagues. We speak this language and ensure it is well echoed throughout the interiors with thoughtful materiality and architectural detailing.
Second, vernacular appropriateness that informs the design direction. I love a good deep dive on each project from the geographical location, including local fauna and materials, to the cultural influences that make an area unique.
And thirdly, and most importantly, is the inclusion of our client, whether that is a homeowner with a dream or a developer with a vision. Through a deep interview process, I understand their goals and can then translate this input into a one-of-a-kind design solution. It is always a delight to unveil a design concept that leaves them thrilled by a solution better than they could have ever imagined.
How do you know design is ‘good’?
That is a loaded question, my friend. The old adage is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, for one that has dedicated over 25 years, I can tell you the top considerations: seminal creative solutions, design that is not trend-based but authentic solutions for the specificity of each project, and routed in a clear understanding of design principles including scale, proportion, materiality, rhythm, balance, color theory, etc. In the end, we have succeeded when people tell us how wonderful the spaces make them feel.
Projects you’ve been most proud of?
That is hard … I have to say I am so appreciative of my own home right now. It was rebuilt recently after a fire four years ago. And living in this place where I had total freedom to express uninhibited creative inspiration, the result is truly a very special place that resonates to all who enter. Not a day goes by that I do not walk through the walls and say thank you … I feel so blessed. I would like everyone to have that experience.
Boldest design move you’ve made?
After 25 years, it is hard to narrow that down … a Zen Garden in a holistic spa, a golden glittered dining room, an 18-foot-tall hand-welded window fenestration that opens, sculpted curvilinear fireplaces, a brass kitchen with a serpent signature hardware … you are asking for a favorite child. That is hard.
The look you are beginning to incorporate on upcoming projects?
My work has always been routed in natural elements and biophilic designs, but I see that even more so as I develop. The reason is how healing and nurturing such materials and forms are to our souls.
What inspires you?
Absolutely everything—a creative is an unquenchable sponge. No detail in my travels, in my love of art, in my love of nature goes unnoticed but becomes part of a deep reservoir to then serve my clients.
Beyond interior design, you have the furniture line, Design 528. What motivated you to launch it?
Yes, I am involved now in a bedding line that will be so fabulous and heal those who sleep in the layers of the most divine linens. What motivates me? Just the absolute need to create what has not been there yet, and in that creation, I maybe can make life a little better for someone.
You also are very philanthropic. What inspires your drive to give back?
My career has been so kind and rewarding, it feels like a debt I owe to give back. Currently, the organizations I spend my time on, such as Artlink and Walter Hive, are big advocacies for supporting and fostering other creatives in the art community.
We’ve heard you’re also spearheading an eco-friendly resort community. Please tell us about it!
One of my most heartfelt projects is the eco-friendly resort community near Sedona. This 80-room luxury retreat will feature chef-driven restaurants, a fine art gallery, a sculpture garden, and a spa with cutting-edge healing modalities—a true fusion of art, wellness, and luxury.
What do you do during your downtime?
I always need a good house music and dance reset … so for sure you will find me at some great DJ venue. And I also make sure that I meditate every day… it grounds me and is the source of much of my creative inspiration.
One thing we’d be surprised to learn about you?
I geek out a bit on quantum physics and the workings of our universe …
My work has always been routed in natural elements and biophilic designs, but I see that even more so as I develop. The reason is how healing and nurturing such materials and forms are to our souls.