Our Associate Designer is Back

Welcome Adela Lokaj!

We’re excited to have our Associate Designer, Adela Lokaj, back with us at Studio Miaki after her maternity leave! Adela’s return brings a fresh wave of creativity and energy to the team, and we’re looking forward to seeing her back in action, working on exciting new projects.

To mark her return, we sat down with Adela to chat about her design journey, creative inspirations, and how motherhood has influenced her perspective. Read on for our conversation with Adela, where she shares her insights and passion for design. We're thrilled to have her back!

Personal & Professional Journey

Welcome back, Adela! How does it feel to return to your design work after maternity leave? Has motherhood influenced your approach to design in any new or surprising ways?

Thank you. It feels great. It’s perfect timing and gives me some of my much-needed “me time”. Motherhood has enforced the importance of functionality in design as well as durability. I tend to look out more for materials that are more durable and can be easily maintained.

What initially sparked your passion for interior design, and how has your career evolved since then?

I showed an interest in interiors from a very young age. I remember I would go through magazines cut out the furniture I liked and start to piece them together by creating mood boards for all the rooms at home. That initial spark never went away as I went on to study architecture at university. Shortly after, I realised that interiors were a bigger passion, so I decided to pursue it. I’ve learnt a lot throughout the years from places I’ve worked, travelling, and friends I have in the industry. I continue to evolve every day.

Design Philosophy & Process

Your design work often emphasises organic and earthy aesthetics. Could you walk us through your creative process when working on such projects?

I like to tailor my designs to the client’s brief but with my own “Adela spin” on it. Whether it’s an image they provide or a few keywords, that’s my starting point. I then research the style aesthetic I’m trying to achieve, but I naturally bring it back to nature, whether it’s through colour or materials. Adding organic and earthy elements makes a space feel warmer and more like home. Creating material boards is an important part of my process, as that’s when I see the design reallycome together. Visual appeal is important, but when you start introducing touch and how materials feel, it really helps set the tone and can elevate a design when the right materials are chosen.

What are some of your favourite projects or spaces that you’ve designed so far, and why do they stand out?

My favourite project design to date would have to be our recently completed Kensington project. The client’s brief felt close to home in terms of interior style, so designing it came naturally to me. It’s a contemporary scheme, but I took inspiration from traditional design, with the end result being a perfect marriage of the two. The whole process from start to finish was enjoyable. I worked with a great team that really helped make this project what it is. I went on maternity leave before the project was able to complet, but the team did an amazing job bringing my vision to life and seeing it through to the finish line.

How do you balance functionality with aesthetics in your designs?

I find that if a design isn’t functional, no matter how aesthetically beautiful it is, the end result will be disappointing. With that in mind, I always try and ensure that a design is functional first, then bring in elements that add the aesthetic I’m trying to achieve. I prefer to start my designs by working on the GA plans first. This helps me visualise the space in plan view. Once I’m happy with my initial plans, I then move on to the design concepts. However, if I find a piece that visually is perfect for the design but doesn’t offer anything in functionality, depending on the scale of the item, I will still try and find a space for it if I strongly believe it will elevate the scheme.

Inspirations & Future Vision

What inspires you the most when it comes to interior design, and how do you stay ahead of trends while staying true to your style?

Travelling helps inspire me the most, and seeing how different cultures influence architecture and interior design. Restaurants and hotels tend to push the boundaries more in terms of design, which I always find inspiring. I’m also surrounded by talented designers whose work I find inspiring. Interior trends come and go so often, so I try to avoid designing anything too trend-focused.

Do you have any design trends or styles that you’re particularly excited about incorporating into future projects?

I’d love to incorporate more vintage and antique pieces and push myself further by designing unique bespoke pieces. Making each project different from the last is extremely important, so having the ability to experiment with different styles rather than sticking to one particular style is something I’m really looking forward to.

Lastly, is there a project you’re most looking forward to now that you’re back at work?

I’m easing my way back in slowly, but yes, there’s a pied-à-terre refurbishment project that I’m excited to get startedon. The client’s vision is very sophisticated and inspired by her time in Italy, so there will definitely be some Italian influence in the design.