Our Interior Architect & Designer: Marian Cooke

We are thrilled to introduce you to the newest member of the Studio Miaki team, Marian Cooke, our exceptionally talented Interior Architect & Designer. Marian brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for creating breathtaking spaces that combine aesthetics, functionality, and timeless elegance.

In this exclusive interview, you'll get to know Marian on a personal and professional level, discovering her sources of inspiration, favourite projects, and much more.

Join us as we unveil the creative mind behind Studio Miaki's future design masterpieces.

What inspired you to become an interior designer?

From a young age, I have been fascinated by the built environment that surrounds us, there is such beauty in the colour, texture, history & detail in Architecture and Interior Design around the world and I wanted nothing more than the opportunity to contribute to its design, restoring the history of the past and creating the stories of the future. How wonderful is it to design the spaces we experience every day and make the world a better one for living in?

Describe your experience as an interior designer.

Throughout my 7-year career, I have been lucky enough to design and work on some fantastic international projects. My experience is mostly with projects in the UK, London and the Middle East, Doha, Dubai & Kuwait. They all had traditional/contemporary English and French styles which are my favourite design aesthetic, I was able to carve a niche in this area and develop my skillsets. I am an all-rounder with experience working as a Part I & II Architectural Assistant, Interior Architect, and Interior Designer, with my experience I am able to understand and execute all stages of the design process.

Which are the most important factors when designing a room?

Symmetry, proportion, client brief, design aesthetic, colour, texture & lighting.

Which is your favourite project (finished or ongoing) and why?

My favourite project is a Palace in Doha, I had the opportunity to design some super high-end luxurious spaces, and my favourite of them all was some very quirky, unique, colourful children’s bedrooms. I had a lot of freedom to create something super fun and creative, thoroughly enjoyed it.

How would you prioritize tasks for a renovation project?

For a full turn-key renovation project I would prioritize the site survey and Architectural plans to understand the scale and scope of the project & also meet with the client to gain a greater understanding of their vision for the project. Then move on to the fixed Interior Architectural elements that may need replacing or re-doing, such as joinery, wall panelling, and electrical elements.

Then would move on to FF&E, furniture arrangements on plan, pull concepts for the concept design stage, and finally move on to design development where the Interior Architecture and FF&E are pulled together to make a complete scheme that the client is happy with before proceeding to the final stages, schematic, procurement and installation.

Would you ever prioritize aesthetics over function when designing a room?

No. They work together. In the words of one of my Architectural inspirations, Frank Lloyd Wright: “Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union”.

As a designer with an Architectural background, I have always believed that understanding function is freedom. Once you understand how to create something from a technical perspective you are granted the gift to create absolutely anything you can imagine within reason. Aesthetics and function can work hand in hand to produce something incredible.

How do you keep up-to-date with the latest trends in interior design?

Attending trade shows, and events, travelling the world, and social media.

Which are your top 3 favourite home brands?

1. Dragons of Walton Street - They have beautiful, imaginative, whimsical furniture pieces for children. I love using their pieces to design creative worlds for children to live in.

2. Ebanista - Really lovely traditional pieces with great detail and European detailed design.

3. Kifu Paris - Fantastic metalwork and craftsmanship.

Which is your current favourite interior design inspiration photo?

I LOVE this boutique hotel in Jaipur, India. It is bold, ornate, traditional, and super colourful, it feels like a happy, vibrant place that will definitely be remembered by its visitors.

Image Source

List out some of the interior design magazines that can inspire you.

House & Garden, Architectural Digest, Elle Decoration

Where is your favourite place to be, when you want to get inspired?

Anywhere abroad, around the world in nature & small towns.

What is your dream home style?

A French Chateau with ornamented, architecturally detailed ceilings, patterned floors, wall panelling, and high ceilings with lots of natural light with historical traditional features throughout. Colourful traditional/contemporary French & English FF&E, bold, modern colourful artwork throughout. Complete with a fabulous view!

Where in the world have you stayed where interior design & architecture have really stood out, and why?

Palace of Versailles in France. It is, in my opinion, the most beautiful space I’ve ever laid eyes on. From its hall of mirrors with multiple dripping chandeliers, highly ornamented carved and painted ceilings, and facade, rooms wrapped in colour and pattern, to its vast green sculpted landscape. Absolutely incredible!

Home is …

... where your heart is!