Intelligent, experienced and inspired, our team led by Marisa Ho offers a beautifully bespoke design service, which is backed by a foundation of technical experience.

Our mission is to create beautifully resolved spaces that balance intelligent functionality with emotional resonance—inviting comfort, calm and connection.

My greatest reward is hearing clients describe how their transformed spaces elevate their sense of wellbeing at home. Each design is a bespoke reflection of the client’s lifestyle and personality, with spaces that breathe, function, and support the way they live—the way they gather, share meals, and enjoy their quiet moments.

Marisa brings to her business a unique skillset gained from diverse career’s and qualifications in both the commercial construction industry, as well as commercial and art photography. Her mix of technical expertise, her artist’s eye, and the practical experience of raising three children through the ever changing stages of a family; provides a unique and powerful skillset as a designer and creator of internal spaces.

At Mari Design, our services extend well beyond the scope of typical interior design.

Marisa brings a rare combination of construction knowledge, project management expertise, and creative artistry to every project. Her qualifications ensure that each design is grounded in the practical realities of sound design principles, buildability, cost consideration, and regulatory requirements—giving clients confidence that their vision can be delivered with clarity and realism. Layered onto this technical foundation is Marisa’s artistic background in art and photography, which infuses every space with beauty, emotion, and a distinct visual identity.

Concept

The Concept Design phase explores both the planning and aesthetic possibilities of your project, establishing a clear and confident design direction. This phase includes:

Client Brief & Existing Conditions Analysis

In a personalised session we carry out an in-depth consultation to understand the full breadth of your needs—functional requirements, family dynamics, the way you entertain, your daily rhythms and rituals.

We also review the opportunities and constraints of the existing space—natural light, spatial flow, key architectural features, access, structural considerations, and any foreseeable limitations. This ensures each concept is not only inspiring but grounded in the practical realities of the site and truly tailored to the way you live.

Spatial Planning

With a clear understanding of your needs and the existing conditions, we develop two to three concept planning options for your project. These layouts allow you to explore different approaches and select the layout that best supports your lifestyle, functionality, and aesthetic aspirations.

Design Vision & Visual Language

Drawing from your brief and lifestyle insights, we define the overarching design vision—capturing the emotional intention, and aesthetic direction of the project. This is expressed through a clear vision narrative and a curated visual language.

Mood boards explore the qualities you’re drawn to—whether rich and warm, light and calm, colourful and playful, or earthy and organic. Preliminary material and texture palettes are also introduced at this stage to establish the foundational tone and tactile direction for the finishes and detailing to follow.

Detail Design

The detail design phase brings together all the principals agreed upon in the Concept Design phase, and produces a set of technical drawings and specifications that capture the detailed design elements of your project. Our mantra is that the ‘devil is in the detail’ and often complexities and costs blowout can occur with other designers who overlook or simplify this process. This phase includes:

Detailed Drawings

Production of all dimensioned plans, elevations, sections, details, Services locations, reflected ceiling plans and specifications.

Materials and Finishes Specifications

Detailed schedules for finishes, fixtures, fittings, equipment, joinery, and hardware. Colour, texture, and material selections fully resolved.

Lighting Design

Lighting design is essential not just for achieving your functional needs, as well as creating the mood and ambience that is required to make your space transform into a place that feels comfortable and calm. This goes well beyond the selection of light fittings,- it considers light direction, colour temperature, light layering and light positioning.

Services Coordination

Our detailed design process ensures all services are integrated without clashes. This includes the coordination of electrical services, plumbing and gas, airconditioning units and ducting, and apartment services such as fire protection services.

Project Management

For clients who require support in delivering their project from design to completion, Mari Design offers a comprehensive project management service. This ensures your project moves smoothly from plans to reality with clarity, organisation, and professional oversight.

Project Tender

We prepare a detailed tender package—including drawings, specifications, and a clear scope of works—to ensure every aspect of the project is accurately documented and costed.

Our tender process includes:

  • Thorough evaluation of all tender submissions
  • Value management recommendations to achieve the best cost outcome
  • Due diligence to confirm the suitability, capability, and reliability of the selected contractor

This gives clients confidence that pricing is transparent, comprehensive, and aligned with expectations.

Contract Administration

We review the building contract and manage its administration throughout the project. This includes:

  • Assessing progress claims
  • Reviewing variation claims
  • Managing extensions of time
  • Ensuring insurances and compliance requirements are met
  • Addressing contract-related queries and maintaining accurate project records
    Our role is to safeguard the client’s interests and ensure the contract is executed correctly and fairly.

Our role is to safeguard the client’s interests and ensure the contract is executed correctly and fairly.

Project Coordination

  • We oversee the day-to-day coordination required to keep the project moving efficiently. This involves:
  • Monitoring the construction program against milestones
  • Attending regular site meetings and inspecting works
  • Responding to builder requests for information
  • Managing client-supplied items and long-lead materials
  • Acting as the liaison between builder, trades, and client to maintain clear communication

The result is a well-managed, cohesive process where the client feels supported and the project remains aligned with the original design vision.

Furniture Selection & Styling

We draw on strong trade relationships across a wide range of suppliers, from custom makers to premium retail and boutique brands. This allows us to secure competitive pricing for our clients while selecting pieces that align with both your aesthetic direction and practical needs.

Every item is considered in terms of scale, materiality, comfort, and long-term value, ensuring the final composition feels cohesive, personal, and reflective of the design intent established at concept stage. The result is a fully realised space that feels effortless, balanced, and distinctly yours.

Art Curation

Investing in artwork can feel as significant—and as daunting—as designing and building your home. Mari Design offers an art curation service that aligns with your aesthetic direction and budget, ensuring every piece contributes meaningfully to the atmosphere and identity of your space.

We strongly recommend incorporating this service to ensure your project is delivered with complete cohesion, right down to the final detail. Thoughtfully selected artwork has the power to elevate a room beyond its architectural and material elements, introducing a layer of expression that can evoke anything from drama to serenity, playfulness to quiet contemplation.

At Mari Design, we are passionate about art for its ability to transform an interior with depth, emotion, and a sense of individuality. Whether acquiring new works, integrating existing pieces, or curating a full collection, we guide clients through the process with confidence and sensitivity—ensuring each selection feels authentic, intentional, and beautifully integrated.