Mirella Arapian
Founder & Executive Creative Director at MEK
Mirella Arapian is an Armenian-Australian design leader and activist. She’s the founder and Executive Creative Director at MEK, an impact-led design partner for brands shaping the future of environment, culture, and technology. With over 20 years’ experience building purpose-led brands, she’s worked with global organisations, national institutions, and mission-driven startups, including WWF Australia, RMIT University, PETA Australia, Sea Shepherd, Revival Projects, and Mavens.
Career & Background
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background?
My planet-first approach to design integrates sustainability principles with inclusive and accessible design practices, including pioneering work in low-carbon web design, recognised in the Victorian Premier’s Design Awards for Digital Design.
I am a board member of Design Declares Australia, part of a global movement of designers declaring a climate emergency; founder of CLIMATES, a mixer for the climate-conscious creative community; founder of Womentor, a mentorship program for women in design; and a mentor with EnergyLab, Australia’s leading climate tech accelerator.
I am on the 2026 D&AD Awards jury for New Brand Identity, regularly speak at industry events, and contribute to design discourse on sustainability and design ethics. I’m committed to challenging conventions and the systems that prioritise profit over people, animals, and the planet.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
- Meditations — Marcus Aurelius
- SWITCH: Special Edition COMME des GARÇONS
- Three Apples Fell from the Sky — Narine Abgaryan
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
- The NDA Podcast
- Atmos
- We Used to be Journos
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Authenticity
- Courage
- Creativity
- Gratitude
- Integrity
- Justice
- Kindness
- Making a difference
- Self-respect
- Vision
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Rei Kawakubo, founder of COMME des GARÇONS. She’s built an entire body of work by questioning what design is supposed to be. She rejects convention, beauty standards, and commercial expectations, and has reshaped global culture in the process. She proves that radical ideas can exist within capitalism without compromise. What I love most is her refusal to explain or dilute her vision. She creates worlds and new ways of seeing beyond just fashion. Her work reminds me that the best ideas come from having a strong conviction and following it without asking for permission. This is what I do at MEK.
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
What are the top 3-5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Asks powerful questions
- Direct and honest
- Sees potential in others
- Nurturing
- Supportive
Ready to apply?
The best time is right now. Take a chance – you never know where an Assisterhood mentor can take you.