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FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Born and raised on the Mediterranean island of Malta, Liza’s career as an Interior Architectural Designer included positions in Europe, Australia and the Middle East. She designed for some of the top international firms, such as HBA and Wilson Associates, leading projects for major brands.

When establishing M atelier in 2016, Liza had a set of clear priorities: to attract talented driven creatives who she loves to work with and to create a trusting and authentic work culture that fosters joyful creativity. In other words, she founded the company that she always wanted to work for.

Liza’s aesthetic style balances contemporary and traditional influences to create innovative spaces that leave a lasting impact. Her design principles are grounded in a deep understanding of the hospitality industry, as well as the priorities that drive Owners and Clients, and, above all, the guest experience.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a place Liza hasn't visited! Experiencing different cultures, new people and places is her fun, relaxation and inspiration all rolled into one. She also deeply appreciates all forms of artistic expression, creative arts, music, and dance.

M.A. Interior Architecture & Technology, London Metropolitan University

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Darren’s growth path within the industry makes for quite a story. Starting as a designer focused on technical documentation, his love for design and learning saw him evolve into a highly seasoned designer, with a 20-year international Interior Architectural Design career, including managerial roles in some of the world’s leading luxury hospitality practices, such as GA Design, Chada, and HBA.

His stylistic awareness and industry know-how are immediately evident in his luxury hotel design portfolio; where design details and consideration of services are kept front and centre without compromising on stylistic and storytelling aspects of design. One of Darren’s superpowers is his impressive sketching abilities, which he uses to powerful effect by quickly and effectively illustrating his vision. He pairs his sketches with modern design processes for a refined and streamlined workflow for developing and documenting designs.

A self-confessed foodie, Darren’s passion for international cuisine is contagious. He makes a point of sharing and celebrating all the best restaurant experiences he’s savoured while travelling the planet.

B.A. Interior Architecture, Boston House University

ASSOCIATE DESIGNER

Born and raised in Porto, Mariana joined M atelier with around 15 years of experience from prestigious UK-based luxury interior design studios, including 1508 London, MAWD, and Goddard Littlefair. During this time her refined aesthetic sensibilities made an indelible mark on many prominent hotels; including the iconic Rosewood (Doha, Qatar) and The Carlton Tower Jumeirah Hotel (Knightsbridge, London).

Mariana is known for her relentless drive and her perfectionistic way. She has a keen eye for balance and beauty; striving to attain the best quality and aesthetics possible without losing sight of her client’s prerogatives and the brand’s identity. She also has extensive experience designing ultra-luxe discreet private residences, many of which are located in some of the world’s most exclusive enclaves. Despite all her accomplishments, Mariana always remains open to learning and further developing her signature breed of premium interiors.

Mariana comes from a line of performing artists and creatives. So it's no surprise that she enjoys singing and painting. Her youthful, passionate, and optimistic approach to life brings new energy and drive to the Team each day.

B.A. Industrial Design, College of Art and Design - ESAD

LEAD PROJECT DESIGNER

Pedro’s design journey began in Lisbon, where as an undergrad student he explored deep theoretical interests, such as how architectural representations are appropriated in art, cinema, and design. These philosophical roots led him to Interior Architectural Design, which he found to be an ideal creative outlet for his interests and growing expertise in spatial composition.

After completing a Master's Degree in Architecture at the University of Porto, Pedro joined M atelier. Always expanding his expertise and creative boundaries, refining his design strategies and abilities, Pedro possesses a rare enthusiasm for meticulous conceptual approaches. He is relentlessly dedicated to refining his craft and loves flexing his talent for bringing innovative ideas and fresh perspectives to the table. Organised, reliable and hardworking, Pedro is a great communicator, and a calming presence in the office owing to his characteristically calm and focused way.

Pedro looks to fun nights out with friends and colleagues to bust stress and create memories. His love and talent for photography provide a constant source of inspiration. He’s also a well-versed cinephile with a ravenous appetite for analysing classical cinema, and independent and arthouse productions.

M.Arch, Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto

PROJECT DESIGNER

Raised in Taiwan, Sunni graduated in statistics before moving to Dubai to study Interior Design at Heriot-Watt University. She went on to gain invaluable experience at leading Dubia design firms; Wilson Associates and KZ Design Consultants.

She joined M atelier already a seasoned designer, with a finely honed flair for creating luxury aesthetics. Sunni also brings meticulous attention to detail, extensive knowledge of products and materials, and exceptional documentation skills.

Sunni’s favourite ways of destressing include long motorcycle rides, working out at the gym and the occasional spot of golf.

B.A. in Interior Design - Heriot-Watt University, Dubai, UAE

PROJECT DESIGNER

Holding an MSc in Architecture from the University of Campinas in Brazil and a Master's Degree in Product and Industrial Design from the University of Porto, Brazilian-born architect Gui contributes invaluable know-how in emerging creative and technical design techniques.

With expertise in Computational Design, Gui possesses invaluable knowledge about algorithmic design tools and other cutting-edge techniques for the digital fabrication of products and spaces. Since joining M atelier in early 2023, he has been implementing these skills in the specialised luxury hospitality sector for space planning, concept design and technical documentation.

Gui is a deep thinker. A highly conscientious person, and a great conversationalist, he’s as happy buried in a good book as he is socialising, meeting new people and exploring new places.

M.Sc. Architecture - University of Campinas, Brazil

PROJECT DESIGNER

Schwaz is what you’d call an early bloomer. He pretty much always knew he wanted to be a designer; when growing up in boarding schools across Mumbai, Dubai and Rajasthan, he would walk into a space and start reimagining it.

Upon completing a bachelor's in Architecture, Schwarz went straight into a series of design positions at prominent firms in Dubai: DTK Studio and HBA. Hardworking, diligent, and reliable, Schwarz believes keeping an open mind while embracing a collaborative creative process is key to creating successful person-centred spaces.

Schwarz’s idea of fun and relaxation ranges from Netflix nights to bungee jumping. Passionate about trying new cuisines, he’s perpetually hunting new restaurants. He also has a thing for racket sports, especially badminton and table tennis.

B.A Architecture - Institute of Design Environment and Architecture, Nashik, India

PROJECT DESIGNER

Originally from the Italian city of Naples, Giuseppe read a Master’s in Architecture in Turin before taking off on a global career journey, earning him invaluable experience at Imperio Design (Portugal), EDM (USA), and Goddard Littlefair (London). His expertise includes hotels, resorts, and premium residential complexes; evidenced by his many contributions to highly diverse ventures ranging from large-scale developments to intricate design elements. When joining M atelier, Giuseppe fitted in right away, quickly becoming an energetic and reliable team player. Ardently committed to bringing the full extent of his expertise to projects, Giuseppe’s detail-oriented approach to Design and Project Management makes him a highly reliable, consistently productive and creative force. Giuseppe loves to travel on photo expeditions, snapping architectural landmarks the world over. Exploring new and old buildings through the lens helps him stay inspired.

M.A. Urban & Landscape Planning - Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy

TECHNICAL PROJECT DESIGNER

Joanne enjoyed a fruitful career as an Architect in the Philippines, before moving to Dubai in search of new challenges and global design opportunities. She joined the Dubai-based Glintmeijer Design Studio, gaining valuable experience with hospitality, residential and F&B projects, honing her skills in space planning, project coordination, and technical documentation.

A guru at managing documentation teams and working operationally with brand standards, Joanne is now approaching her fourth year at M atelier. She insists she couldn't be happier with the support and respect she receives as an individual while also continuing to learn and grow as a designer.

Joanne could give time-management classes in her free time. If she had any that is! She is a dedicated mother of two, yet she still manages to keep up with several nourishing recreational activities. She enjoys painting and portraiture as a creative outlet, badminton and boxing classes as a fun way to keep fit and crocheting as a fulfilling way to unwind.

B.S. in Architecture, Ateneo de Davao University, Philippines

LEAD VISUALISER

The saying ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ is not wasted on Tristan. As an architecture student in the Philippines, Tristan’s heart was always set on the visual aspect of the architectural design process. And don’t let his youthful appearance fool you! Tristan is a veteran in his field, having joined M atelier with some 15 years of experience already under his belt, including roles at the Dubia-based luxury design practices HBA and KC Design Consultant.

As M atelier’s Lead visualiser, Tristan manages teams to produce photo-realistic 3D images which offer emotive viewer experiences; crafted with exceptional accuracy, and attention to detail to faithfully communicate our concepts and bring our visions to life.

Most of Tristan’s free time is happily spent with his family and pet dogs. He’s also a motorcycle enthusiast who loves taking long rides for fun and relaxation.

B.S. in Architecture Don Honorio Ventura State University, Bacolor Pampanga, Philippines