About Our Studio

Contemporary interiors inspired by heritage, culture and the way you live

MARIA BENAKI

Founder and Creative Director

Born and raised in Greece, Maria moved to the UK to further her studies and pursue a successful career in civil engineering. Over time, her deep-rooted passion for architecture and interiors led her to retrain at London’s KLC School of Design, a turning point that combined her creative sensibility with technical expertise.

In 2025, she founded Studio Benaki with a vision to craft contemporary interiors that honour heritage and create a true sense of belonging. Having lived away from her homeland for many years, Maria brings a unique perspective to her work, one that understands the emotional significance of home and the stories it holds.

Her engineering background brings structure and clarity to every project, enabling her to lead with both creative vision and practical rigour. Known for her collaborative approach, Maria combines attention to detail, problem-solving and seamless project management to deliver spaces that are not only beautiful, but deeply personal and built to last.

“Home is a place of belonging. My role as a designer is to translate your experiences and values into something you can live in, comfortably and beautifully.”

OUR design PHILOSOPHY

Our designs are firmly rooted in purpose, with a focus on flow, function, and attention to detail. We take the time to understand our clients – how you live, move, and feel in your space. Through this dialogue, we create homes that are highly functional and elevate everyday living.

We approach every design with empathy and sensitivity to the history, locality and character of a building. We believe that design should honour the past while supporting the present, carefully balancing character with contemporary living.
We believe interiors should tell a story, one that feels deeply connected to the people who live in them. Our passion for heritage and personal narrative is at the core of our design approach to create meaningful interiors. Throughout the design process we engage with our clients to understand their personal stories and objectives resulting in spaces that feel authentic and deeply personal.

We believe in designing for longevity. Our design choices incorporate sustainable materials and practices, wherever possible – from reusing and repurposing to sourcing vintage or locally crafted pieces. We value craftsmanship and quality, recognising that well-made pieces are essential to a more sustainable future.

BOOK AN INITIAL CONSULTATION

Planning a renovation or just exploring ideas?

Book a complimentary consultation to share your project, your lifestyle, and how you’d like your home to feel.

Whether you’re just starting out or already working with plans, it’s a relaxed opportunity to ask questions and see how we can help bring your vision to life.

BOOK CONSULTATION