They say that a present you receive and enjoy as a child can often be an indicator of a career choice in life, and that certainly was true in my case. I am the oldest of eight children and remember being given a potter’s wheel one Christmas. I never asked for it, but was amazed that my mum would think that I would enjoy it, as she was so busy with the family. I’ll never forget the excitement of hiding myself in the garage with the walls and myself covered in mud, peddling the machine. I spent my youth trying to bring some order to a house of ten people, constantly rearranging storage units, wardrobes, painting and trying to make the best of the space. Other times, I loved being outdoors in the woods beside our home, weaving sticks together to create my space, selecting natural forms that I could easily bend and shape. Now, I run my own interior design studio in Dublin, and use the creativity honed as a child to create beautiful spaces, just as I first used that potter’s wheel to create something special all those years ago. The whole thing really has come full circle, and I couldn’t be happier with where my imagination has taken me!

INSPIRATION

In school I had an amazing teacher called Sr. Marie Therese for Art and the History of Art and I was enthralled with her stories about paintings and techniques. My first time seeing some of the masters of the Italian Uffizi Gallery, I was overcome! Even to this day, I can remember and enjoy some of her comments and observations.

I continued my studies in Fine Art Sculpture and went on to complete a Higher Diploma in Art and Design Teaching. However, my own creativity soon drew me back to further studies, and after an intensive two-year period, I was awarded a distinction in Interior Architecture from Griffith College, Dublin.

INTERNATIONAL CAREER

I lived and worked as an interior architect in Brussels for seven years and continued to work on projects in Ireland during this period. However, my focus is now on the interior design projects in and around the Dublin area. I travel extensively, overseeing the projects and being inspired by new materials, styles and cultures.

As a specialist in residential design, my focus is on full house interior renovation projects. Working with a team of professionals, we give the client peace of mind that the project will be carried out seamlessly, on time and on budget. Communication and warm client relations are vital ingredients in working to achieve a design that is exciting and surpasses all expectations.

I’m lucky to work with a wonderful team of talented architects and designers. Some of my happiest moments are when we’re gathered around a table or laptop, bouncing ideas, debating, and challenging each other — all with the shared goal of finding the very best solutions for our clients.

Branca Lina Urta, senior architect
Trisha Walton, interior designer 
Susana Chambel, architect
Fabio Delle Cese, architect
Andressa Klein Ferriera, architect
Rebecca Noe, junior interior architect 
Maria Rojas, civil engineer and interior stylist 
Denise Colson, administration manager

fit out awards winner: fit out project of the year – residential

AWARDS

Best of Houzz Design 2020
Best of Houzz Design 2019
Best of Houzz Design 2018
Best of Houzz Design 2017
Fit Out Project of the Year-Residential-2021
Fit Out Finalist 2020
Fit-Out award winner 2017
IDI awards 2014 Shortlisted
IDI award 2009 Highly Commended
irelands home interiors and living april 2021 cover
Maria Fenlon in the Irish Times
Maria Fenlon in the Irish Times
Maria Fenlon in the Irish Times
Maria Fenlon in the Irish Times
Maria Fenlon in the Irish Times
Maria Fenlon in the Irish Times
Maria Fenlon in the Irish Times
Maria Fenlon in the Irish Times
Maria Fenlon in the Irish Times
Maria Fenlon in the Irish Times