WE ENHANCE EMOTIONS AND CREATE UNFORGETABLE EXPERIENCES
Our process begins by developing an in-depth understanding of your emotional life and personal journeys. Your interiors should reflect your past, present and future.
Creating such spaces means searching for those emotions in every decision that’s made. We will deliver a scheme strong enough to support those moments that really keep you connected to home.
We will deliver something that is distinctively yours.
OUR WORLD
Maria Marinho
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
REGISTERED ARCHITECT OA / ORDEM DOS ARCHITECTOS PORTUGAL
Maria Marinho is a Portuguese architect based in Auckland, New Zealand.
She has studied architecture in Porto and is a registered architect in Portugal.
Living in London for over a decade she had the opportunity to work with prestigious design practices such as Anouska Hempel Design, Brinkworth and Universal Design Studio.
Having recently moved to Auckland, New Zealand she is now embracing her dream of running her own Interior Architecture and Design studio.
She believes that clear communication and integrity are the foundations for a healthy and productive relationship with the client.
About my approach to architecture and design….
I love minimalism as much as I love rich classical architecture and interiors. I honour an intuitive approach to the space that rejects fashion and trends. The subtle dialogue between elements of the project should aim to eliminate excess and focus on the essential.
I take every realm of design to high standards and once I decide on a concept I am fully committed. I gravitate towards exquisite comfort through a rigorous attention to detail and selection of materials. I love natural materials.
I feel fortunate that my work involves doing what I love. It’s a joy to be offered challenging work for inspiring clients.
With nearly two decades of designing for prestigious practices in London and Melbourne, Maria built a substantial portfolio. If you wish to learn more about her work for previous practices, please get in touch.
PRIVATE PORTFOLIO
OUR INSPIRATION
NATURE AS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
Nature is a rare and precious resource.
The principles of design for each project are strongly related with the location, with the landscape, with the light and with the culture of the place.
Sometimes a wooden log or the tone and surface of a stone can inspire a project. It is important to leave the material to express itself and be meaningful.
The ageing of wood, the patina of bronze or stone are important aspects of the life of a building and this creates authenticity. These elements connect the home to its place and to its owner’s lives.
It is important to retain a connection to the world around us.
NATURAL STONE & WOOD
Authenticity.
The ideal of creating an outcome that resists the passing of time, while expressing it accordingly. Selecting stone and wooden elements requires knowledge of their natural properties.
Natural materials and textures play a vital (sometimes overlooked) role in creating a home, and incorporating these elements is one of the most effective ways to bring nature into our daily environments.
The type of wood or stone, the type of finish, the layout and placement of the material, all these aspects have an impact on the overall aesthetics of the space.
Natural materials are a foundation of a successful home.
TONES & TEXTILES
Colour is an essential part of harmony and wellbeing and is closely linked to the specific approach to each project.
Nature is part of every project, be it by the sea, in the mountains or countryside. The natural or urban environment responds to a palette that reflects the place.
The selection of a range of shades that will bring harmony emphasised by a few contrasts will structure the space and affirm its identity.
It can be a subtle range of shades, plain matt or reflective textures, depending on whether it is lacquer, leather or natural fibres such as wool, cashmere, silk, linen or cotton.
FURNITURE
The French 17th century invented the notion of comfort in absolute luxury, multiplying the kinds of seats and tables destined for all kinds of uses and temporalities.
Furniture is what injects life into the architectural space. Careful thought is required on the utility and functionality of all elements.
Harmony and ergonomics have the human factor as reference - use, feelings of wellbeing, comfort, softness.
But as much as function matters, style is key in the way we begin to truly build a home.
ARTWORK
Art should play a special role within the space.
Well-chosen art gives a surprising and personal touch to the architectural experience.
Finding the right piece is never easy, even for a collector.
As a research-based studio, we are constantly inspired by books, people, museums and places but it is the deep emotional connection of the client with an artwork that we prioritise and support.
Art is a spiritual experience that should be part of home.