A Designer at Heart

A Designer at Heart, founded by Martina Pardo, is a global interior design agency that stands out for its dedication to creating spaces that foster community, connection, sustainability, and wellbeing. With a rich portfolio across various countries including the Netherlands, Ireland, the UK, the UAE, Spain, and New York, the agency specializes in designing living spaces for Millennials and Gen Z, focusing on PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation), BTR (Build to Rent), and co-living sectors. Their work is distinguished by personalized, sustainable, and meaningful interior designs that resonate with their clients' unique needs and lifestyles.

Martina Pardo, the founder, brings an extensive background in interior design, having worked in hospitality, residential, and retail sectors worldwide before focusing on serviced buildings and communal living. She has designed over 8,000 beds across Europe, combining practicality with creativity to ensure functionality and beauty go hand in hand. Martina's passion for design, personal development, blogging, and traveling, alongside her experiences in Milan, Beijing, and London, contribute to the agency's international approach to design projects.

The team at A Designer at Heart includes professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Juan Cabrera, an architect and interior designer with experience in America and Europe; Valeria Pollio, a senior interior designer and 3D visualizer with a strong belief in the importance of light and details in interiors; Marta Kluk, an interior designer and BIM-coordinator passionate about the future of living and working; Gabriela Kamienski, a Brazilian interior designer specializing in integrating residential elements into commercial projects; Angelo Pardo, an account manager with a background in Business Economics; and Riccardo Del Bello, a partner and marketing consultant with experience in sales and digital marketing. This dynamic team collaborates with an international network of freelancers, bringing a broad range of perspectives and expertise to their projects.

Their approach to design is evident in their thoughtful consideration of small power layouts, the functionality of sockets, and the strategic placement of shelves and bathrooms in their projects. They emphasize the role of color palettes in defining the character of accommodations and the importance of choosing colors that align with branding and user preferences.

A Designer at Heart also champions Biophilic Design, focusing on direct and indirect connections with nature to enhance wellbeing and creativity. They advocate for the integration of water, dynamic and diffuse light, natural materials, and patterns found in nature to create spaces that reduce stress and improve overall health. This commitment to Biophilic Design is shared by companies like Apple, Amazon, and Facebook in their office spaces, underscoring the universal value of incorporating natural elements in interior design.

Their portfolio highlights various successful projects, including a residential development in Costa del Sol, Spain, and student accommodations in Copenhagen, Dublin, and Lisbon. These projects reflect the agency's ability to create innovative spaces that not only meet the practical needs of their occupants but also enhance their quality of life through thoughtful and sustainable design practices.

In sum, A Designer at Heart stands as a testament to the power of design in creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply connected to the needs and wellbeing of the community. Their work across Europe and beyond exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to interior design, emphasizing sustainability, connectivity, and the importance of creating meaningful spaces for future generations.