Pictured: Manoogian describes himself as a chameleon who can adapt to any client’s personal style. Photo by Jennifer Villagomez

At just 23 years old, award-winning interior designer Michael Manoogian is already making a name for himself in the industry.

Originally from Boston, Manoogian moved to Sarasota in 2010 and has always had a passion for design. He began his career selling raw materials at a textile mill immediately after graduating from high school, where he gained valuable expertise in various aspects of design. After working at Pottery Barn and then as a freelance designer, he joined the team at Clive Daniel as an interior designer. There, he won the Grant Aurora Award for his work.

Now, Manoogian is venturing out on his own—this summer, he started his own business, MMinteriors. “The process was definitely daunting, but it was fun, because I was asking questions, and I was taking my time. I did it all by myself, because I really wanted to learn how to do this, because I think it's a good thing to know how to open a business,” Manoogian says.

Manoogian says he was inspired to open his own business to provide clients with the highest quality at the best possible prices. As a designer, he describes himself as a chameleon—always able to adapt to each client’s individual tastes. “I really and truly can get excited about anything as long as I'm seeing the vision and I'm connecting with that client,” he says.

Owning his own business is the perfect career for Manoogian, who prefers to stay busy. “I like to have my hands busy and have a lot of things going on at the same time. I'm always busy, but I actually enjoy it. It gives me purpose,” he says. This range is evident in Manoogian’s work—he’s designed everything from restaurants and businesses to individual homes.

The guiding principle of Manoogian’s work is to meet his clients’ needs. “If you're my client, I want your house to feel like you. I don't want it to feel like Michael Manoogian came in and just made it the way he wanted to. I want the spaces to actually reflect the person that's living in it, utilizing it,” he says. I think that gets lost a lot in my industry.”

On the future of his work as a designer, Manoogian hopes to leave an impression on the local community with his focus on affordable services and ability to adapt to each client’s needs. “I'd love to leave a lasting impression on not only the people that live here, but Sarasota as a collective and within my industry, by doing what I love and making people happy. That’s honestly the goal,” says Manoogian.

Pictured: Manoogian describes himself as a chameleon who can adapt to any client’s personal style. Photo by Jennifer Villagomez