Meet Phnam Bagley | Space Architect and Industrial Designer, Partner at Nonfiction

We had the good fortune of connecting with Phnam Bagley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Phnam, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had worked at several design studios before, and those experiences taught me a great deal about how a studio operates: what works well, what doesn’t, and what has room for improvement. I’ve always paid close attention to the business side of design and to how design shapes the future. So when my partner and I decided to launch our own studio, we felt confident that we could build it in a way that fully aligned with our values and long-term vision.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Nonfiction is a design and innovation firm that turns science fiction into reality for a better future. We transform cutting-edge technology into physical products, architecture, and experiences that benefit both people and the environment. What makes us unique is that our work isn’t limited to Earth. We also design for human spaceflight.

Our projects have included devices that enhance human capabilities in health, performance and longevity, educational systems that embrace neurodiversity for countries like Singapore, low-cost renewable energy solutions for African villages, humanoid robotics for assisted living, and space station modules for scientist-astronauts living in microgravity. We don’t just deliver products; our multidisciplinary approach often incorporates research and development, resulting in solutions that are deeply human, unexpected, and rich in intellectual property.

To deepen our work, I’ve devoted the other side of my life to exploring extreme environments (High Arctic, remote deserts) to gain insights into human resilience and ingenuity. I also teach creativity and innovation to organizations such as NASA, law enforcement, and the military, turning these experiences into practical strategies that expand imagination and, ultimately, save lives.

Running a business like this isn’t easy, as few firms offer this level of multidisciplinary innovation. Many clients may initially see us as a typical design studio, but we go beyond that, helping them imagine what is possible and pushing the limits of their ambitions. Along the way, we’ve learned that visibility matters, that it’s important to carve your own path rather than compete in someone else’s league, and that design is a tool for change, not the end goal. We also value curiosity, perspective, and grit over credentials, and we aim to run our business in a way that is resilient, adaptive, and thoughtful.

What makes Nonfiction special is that we represent a dream for many: the chance to work with frontier technology, to create solutions that improve the world, and to help organizations realize possibilities they might not have imagined.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m based in San Francisco. I don’t know LA that well, but here are my picks for LA:

To visit: The Museum of Jurassic Technology, which displays the original drawings of Konstantin Tsiolkovsky (1857-1935), the deaf teacher who pioneered aeronautics.

To eat: Angel’s Tijuana Tacos in Angelenos Heights, a literal street taco joint with the best tacos al pastor I’ve ever had.

To drink: Bar Henry in Echo Park. Quiet, sophisticated, offers mocktails, open air on the side of the bar.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A shoutout to my husband Mardis Bagley for being there to support (and sometimes question) the insane ideas that cross my mind on a daily basis.

Website: https://www.nonfiction.design/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phnambagley/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phnambagley/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NonfictionDesign