In Conversation with Interior Designer Marco Martín
We had a lovely conversation with Mexican Architect, turned Interior Designer, Marco Martín. Marco is the principal of MM Estudio Interior, an Interior Design firm based in Guadalajara, México with award winning projects under their name - some of Marco's projects include the Icon Towers, which is a project by Philippe Starck, and various luxury living and hospitality projects such as Luma Living in Nuevo Vallarta and Velas Resorts.
Marco Martín
His latest project seems like a dream come true for any Interior Designer; the restoration, and interior design of an iconic building turned boutique hotel - 'Boutique Hotel Villa 1927' situated in one of the biggest and famous getaway lakes in México (according to National Geographic) 'Chapala'. Bringing back the villa to its own glory, was an amazing challenge for Marco - keeping the essence of the house, and bringing it into 2019 without losing its originality, as well as restoring decorative elements for example. "This house is a spectacular one, dating from the 1900's. The original owners brought the metal structure all the way from Gustave Eiffel's workshop in France, which was discovered whilst working on the house' - says Marco. 'Chapala was a destination for international jet setters, during the 20's and 30's, and our brief was to bring this historic Villa back to life'.
Boutique Hotel Villa 1927 by MM Estudio Interior
We asked Marco a few questions in oder to get to know him better, and we simply loved his answers:
Hayche: What inspired you to be an interior designer?
MM: I love transforming lives through design, and the opportunity to create and bring new experiences to my clients. Since I was a little boy, I have always loved design. I studied architecture, but always thought buildings were very cold places. I am passionate about color, textures and I have always been very observant. I loved traveling with my family, visiting new places and spaces and especially ways of living. When I first started my career I focused on the world of Hospitality Design, I was design director and branding for a well-known hospitality Mexican brand which made me fell in love with the magic of the hotel industry, and what happens behind the scenes in order for guests to experience memories that will last a lifetime.
Hayche: If they were to make a toy action figure of you, what would your accessory be?
MM: A Kartell stool
Hayche: To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life within the design world has taken?
MM: I've always had a specific objective, to be the best design firm in Mexico
Boutique Hotel Villa 1927 by MM Estudio Interior
Hayche: What would be your dream interior project?
MM: To design a Viceroy Hotel (hope they are reading this)
I discovered Viceroy through one of my favorite Interior Designers, Kelly Wearstler 'Queen of Maximalism" with her intervention at Viceroy Palm Springs. What I love about this brand is their interpretation of luxury in different ways. Each hotel tells a different story, but they all make sense as a group, always coming back to the essence of the brand. Each hotel has its own personality, and becomes an iconic reference of design.
Hayche: What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
MM: We create emotional bridges through Interior Design. Our objective is to create spaces that generate their own conversations, and help people experiment new feelings and create new stories. We create spaces that respect the essence of the user (guest) through our vision. Our projects are meant to evoke a heartfelt connection.
Hayche: If you could go back in time and speak to your adolescent self, what advice would you give them about the design world?
MM: To Travel...The eye has to travel!
Boutique Hotel Villa 1927 by MM Estudio Interior
Follow MM Estudio Interior in Instagram: @mmestudiointerior we already do!