Today we’d like to introduce you to Marbé Briceno.
Hi Marbé, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Certainly! My journey to where I am today is a blend of passion, creativity, and a quest for self-discovery. Growing up in a household bursting with creativity, I was immersed in art from an early age. My parents, both incredibly talented in their own rights, instilled in me a love for creation. While my dad’s engineering prowess brought structures to life, my mom’s artistry painted breathtaking landscapes on canvas. Surrounded by such inspiration, it was only natural for me to explore my own artistic inclinations.
Despite early nudges towards a law career, my heart always leaned towards the world of creativity. I dabbled in fashion, creating my own clothing line and dreaming of showcasing my designs on the runway. My fascination with architecture led me to pursue a degree in the field, only to realize that my true calling lay in the intimate spaces within those grand structures. Thus, my journey into the realm of interior design began.
After earning my degree with honors, I embarked on a journey of continuous learning, honing my skills across Europe and immersing myself in various design disciplines. However, life threw its curveballs, including a hiatus to care for my ailing mother. Yet, through every challenge, I emerged stronger and more determined to pursue my passion.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Certainly not. Along my journey, I’ve encountered numerous challenges. These included navigating my mother’s health issues, being a mom, wife, woman of color, immigrant with a thick accent, and a solo entrepreneur, fluctuating project availability, and the constant juggling of roles—acting many times as both designer and sometimes as contractor, it is a huge role. Additionally, I faced countless obstacles, such as managing an entire team, reconciling divergent client visions, enduring lengthy waits for city approvals, enduring sleepless nights, and enduring extensive travel for projects in Florida. I grappled with the assistants’ training while relying on them for project support. Hours were spent meticulously crafting construction documents to ensure builders accurately replicated my designs, often leading to disagreements over design alterations. This list could continue, but each challenge has contributed to my growth and resilience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Of course! At Marbé Designs, we are dedicated to creating spaces that transcend the ordinary. My boutique studio specializes in residential, retail, and hospitality design, with a commitment to personalized attention and unique, bespoke creations. While I have a signature style that blends European elegance with contemporary flair, I thrive on adapting to each client’s individual vision and needs.
From conceptualization to execution, I oversee every aspect of the design process, ensuring a seamless and cohesive result. Whether it’s reviving a historic property while preserving its original charm or crafting a modern masterpiece from the ground up, I approach each project with passion and precision.
My goal is not just to design spaces but to create experiences that evoke emotion and inspire awe. I take pride in my holistic approach to design, from the smallest details to the grandest gestures, all infused with my unwavering dedication to excellence.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I’m open to collaboration with professionals across various disciplines within the design industry, including architects, artists, vendors, builders, investors, realtors, and more. Whether it’s partnering on architectural projects, exploring product design opportunities, or creating bespoke lighting solutions, I’m eager to expand my collaborative network.
For instance, last year, I had the privilege of being invited to design a theater stage for the WestEdge design fair. This experience showcased the breadth of my collaborative endeavors and underscored my commitment to pushing boundaries within the realm of design.
Currently, I’m in the process of establishing my new studio—a European-inspired space that will serve as both a design laboratory and a boutique studio. I envision it as a hub for creative minds to converge, collaborate, and bring their visions to life.
If you’re interested in exploring collaboration opportunities or supporting my work, I invite you to stay tuned for updates on my studio’s progress and upcoming projects. Together, we can harness the power of collective creativity to shape the future of design.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marbedesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marbe.designs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marbedesigns
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marbedesigns/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marbedesigns
Image Credits
Darlene Halaby
Mikey Berlfein
The Alchemist Media
Marbé Designs
