An Inspired Chat with Kala Lewis of Atlanta

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kala Lewis. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Kala, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are about grounding myself and setting the tone for creativity. I usually begin with prayer and quiet reflection, which helps me start with clarity and gratitude. From there, I like to move my body through stretching, a walk, or light exercise, to get energized.

I then like to spend some time with inspiration! Sometimes that’s reading, browsing design references, or even journaling ideas that came to me overnight. I find this helps me approach my work with fresh perspective. Before diving into tasks, I review my priorities for the day so that I’m intentional about where I focus my energy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi everyone, my name is Kala Lewis, Owner + Founder of Minima. An Atlanta based Interior Design Studio that specializes in both residential and boutique commercial spaces. My design philosophy is centered around curating beautiful spaces that are intentional, functional and deeply personal. At Minima, we specialize in blending refined elegance with minimalism, insuring that every detail has purpose and impact.

I founded my studio with the intention of balancing form and function to create spaces that reflect both the journey and individualism of each client. I’ve always wanted my clients to feel empowered in their spaces, as if their home or business is truly supporting their lifestyle and aspirations.

Currently, I’m working on a range of exciting residential projects. I consider each project has an opportunity to bring somone’s vision to life in a way that’s both timeless and transformative. For me, interior design is about creating environments that allow people to thrive.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
what often breaks the bonds between people is disconnection. When our environments don’t support gathering, communication, a sense of belonging or peace. Spaces that are cluttered, poorly designed, or lacking intention can create barriers and instability rather than connectivity. For example, a home without comfortable communal areas may unintentionally encourage isolation, while a workplace without thoughtful flow can make collaboration feel forced.

What restores those bonds is design that nurtures connection. Warm, inviting spaces with intentional layouts encourage conversation and ease. Natural light, thoughtful furniture placement, and meaningful details all help people feel seen, and comfortable. When people feel at ease in their environment, they naturally open up and connect.

As a designer, I see my role as shaping experiences and creating environments that restore harmony and invite people back to one another

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience, patience. Both are lessons that success alone could never fully reveal. In design, just like in life, challenges force you to slow down, look deeper, and problem-solve in ways you wouldn’t if everything were going smoothly
.
While success celebrates the finished product, suffering teaches you how to find beauty in imperfection, and how to adapt when things don’t go according to plan. It gave me empathy and a greater sensitivity to how people live in and respond to their environments. Moments such as these have sharpened my perspective!

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
As a designer, I differentiate between fads and foundational shifts by looking at its purpose, In my opinion, fads are often surface-level. They catch the attention of the public quickly but don’t necessarily solve a problem or enhance the way we live. Foundational shifts, however, respond to deeper changes in how people want to experience their spaces.

My design philosophy is rooted in minimalism and intentionality, so I always ask myself: Does this choice add meaning, function, or balance to a space? Will it still hold value five or ten years from now? If the answer is yes, it’s likely a foundational shift rather than an interesting trend.

At Minima, I focus on design that feels timeless, functional, and deeply personal rather than chasing what’s trending in the moment.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in the quiet moments of my day. Usually when I’ve just finished praying in the morning, with a cup of coffee and soft light coming through the window. Or when I’m cooking, walking the Beltline, or even just enjoying a beautifully tidy space at home.

Those simple, intentional moments give me the same feeling I try to create through design: balance, clarity, and a sense of being fully supported by my environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.minimak.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minimabyk/

Image Credits
Minima Interior Design Studio