I grew up on the wild and beautiful Sea Islands of Georgia, surrounded by ancient oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, huge sand dunes, wild horses, alligators, and many migrating birds. At that time it was undeveloped and exquisite. This upbringing gave me a deep respect, connection and loyalty to nature which is my inspiration and muse.

Prior to becoming an interior designer I worked with a small, three person environmental group trying to stop pollution of a large river that fed many of the tributaries in the state of Georgia. With help and funding at the end from River Keepers….we were the first non profit in the country to successfully sue a municipality and win a cash settlement. It set a legal precedent and made it easier for other groups to hold polluting cities accountable. It was life changing for me, reinforcing the idea that a small group of people can do important things and win against Goliaths, After that experience I needed to make a living, having spent all I had on that battle, so I began my design career in New York City at the encouragement of friends who thought I had a natural talent. So I brought this reverence for nature, and desire to create non toxic homes to my new career. In doing so I helped pioneer the eco-friendly design movement starting in the early 1990’s when it was quite challenging to find materials that weren’t toxic. Not many people were interested in the idea at that point in time, but I worked to educate my clients and vendors on the reasons it was important for health and our planet. Luckily I found clients that were open to it all so I found my passion and never looked back. I’ve taken on projects all over the globe and have set up studios in New York City, Austin, and Maui. I also created one of the first eco-friendly furniture lines that was sold in showrooms all over the country.

A home should be a sanctuary for rejuvenation, and restoring balance as they are extensions of our bodies. They dramatically affect our health, vitality, and relationships. Spaces for Well-Being aims to soothe the senses by utilizing color, sound, and light, creating a flow between the indoors and outdoors. I work with artists and artisans to create unique home furnishings & spaces using non-toxic items and materials. Everything we make is made with love which is a frequency that translates to our customers homes. My designs are about living peacefully and gracefully with a focus on the intersection of design, beauty, health, and sustainability. I aim to create spaces that nurture the soul.

Marla