An Eve for Design

Danielle Ma, founder of interior design studio Maer Atelier, shares how she draws inspiration from expressive artworks and weaves authenticity into her tailored interiors

Authenticity, empathy, and a balance of luxury and intimacythese are the principles that guide Danielle Ma's design philosophy.

With a longstanding passion for interior design and architecture that was first sparked on a trip to Paris, her designs are not just evocative, but also backed by a practical mindset and keen expertise honed over years spent crafting residential and commercial spaces.

After six years of working under and alongside renowned architects and designers, she eventually founded her very own design studio, Maer Atelier, in December 2022.

The firm specialises in high-end residential projects, including Good Class Bungalows, landed homes, and penthouses. The atelier's team has also expanded to take on commercial projects, leveraging Ma's substantial experience in hospitality design.

TAILORED DESIGNS

No matter the type of project, Ma's design philosophy has remained intact over the years. "We don't want things to be too posh. We don't want our projects to be over-designed," she explains. "We also want to make sure that everything we put in a space is useful, that it's about more than just the look. And we let the space breathe, allowing it to flourish as the client builds their lifestyle into the interiors over time." The right materials are another priority for the team. "A layout can be simple and purely functional; the finishes you choose can then make it luxurious," she says.

Most importantly, the small team of just four designers at Maer Atelier works in close collaboration to unravel the story behind every client brief, getting to the heart of the project.