great design is only the beginning.

strategic interior design for operational real estate.

strategic thinking, built in.

We offer a full-spectrum consultancy, combining creativity with market intelligence. Our interiors are wellbeing-led, flexible and grounded in real life.

commercially aware

We understand investment realities and operational goals, creating interiors that deliver value from day one.

technically grounded

BIM-led expertise ensures buildability, code compliance and precision coordination at every stage.

designed around real life

We design for how people live, work and connect—flexible spaces that adapt to real needs today and tomorrow.

20,000+

beds

90+

projects

cities

countries

From first brief to final handover

01

brief + strategy

We listen, challenge and align—defining success, scope and the commercial priorities from the outset.

02

space planning

We analyse how people, places and operations connect to develop efficient, people-focused layouts.

03

concept + mood

We shape the look and feel—creating design concepts, materials and finishes that tell your story.

04

3D design development

Detailed 3D models and visualisations bring the design to life and ensure alignment across the team.

05

FF&E + bespoke design

We curate and specify furniture, fixtures and bespoke elements to complete the experience.

06

tender + coordination

We coordinate consultants and contractors, manage tender responses and ensure value without compromise.

07

site support + handover

We support delivery on site, resolve details and hand over a space that’s ready to perform.

“We don’t design for ourselves. We embrace the thoughtful decisions required in development, guided by all stakeholder perspectives.”

the team behind the work

A senior, international team assembled around the needs of each project.

Martina Pardo

Founder & Director

With over a decade of experience, Martina founded A Designer at Heart to bring a people-centred approach to the Real Estate sector. Originally trained in Building Engineering, she later earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Interior Design from Politecnico di Milano. Before founding A Designer at Heart, Martina gained experience in architectural and interior design practices in London and Beijing, delivering high-end residential projects and boutique hospitality.

Martina now partners with developers and operators across the PBSA, Build-to-Rent, and hybrid hospitality sectors, crafting interiors that elevate resident experience while improving operational performance. Martina’s work is distinguished by a deep understanding of the PBSA sector. Having designed over 20,000 beds, she is known for her collaborative approach and has worked with leading real estate developers and operators delivering projects in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, and The Netherlands.

Martina is a Registered Member of the British Institute of Interior Design.

Laurika Brummer

Senior Interior Designer

Laurika is an interior designer from South Africa with 11 years’ experience and has acted as the trusted project lead on many projects from briefing to completion. She holds a Master’s degree in interior architecture and has been a part time tutor at the British Academy of Interior Design. Known for her calm, highly organised and solutions-focused approach, Laurika is a steady point of leadership for both clients and team — clear in communication, meticulous in coordination, and committed to excellence. Her work blends functionality with timeless, elegant design, and she brings a genuine love of craft, supporting local makers wherever possible.

Marta Kluk

Senior Interior Designer & BIM Coordinator

Marta has 9 years’ experience across workplace and shared-living interiors, and is a driving force behind our digital and BIM evolution. With a naturally tech-forward mindset, she has led the development of our hybrid ways of working and helped shape our internal design and BIM guidelines, ensuring consistency, efficiency and clarity as projects scale. Originally from Poland and a digital nomad, Marta draws inspiration from coliving environments across Europe, bringing fresh perspective to community-led design. She has a strong eye for concept and design vision, shaping distinctive ideas that give projects a strong identity.

Beatrice Cordella

Senior Interior Architect

Beatrice Cordella is an ARB-registered architect with 15 years’ international experience spanning Italy, Japan, Taiwan and the UK. Most recently she was a Lead Architect at Zaha Hadid Architects, contributing to complex, large-scale projects from early concept through planning, detailed design and construction delivery. Her background blends strong technical rigour with a refined design sensibility, shaped by work across masterplanning, public buildings, residential and interior design. Beatrice holds a Master’s in Architecture from IUAV University of Venice and a postgraduate degree in Digital Architecture. She is particularly passionate about experience-led interiors, materiality and well-resolved detailing that elevates everyday living.

Angela Russo

Account Coordinator

Angela graduated in Economics from the University of Rome and is currently completing her Master Degree in Business Management at the University of Catania. Angela excels in coordinating project activities and streamlining account strategies.

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