Marta de La Rica was born in 1984 and studied interior design at the Polytechnic University in Madrid. She has lived in New York and travels frequently to France where she has her second home in Biarritz. Her passion for interiors started early, following her father, an avid antique collector on his marvelous and curious trips around the world. From him, she learned the thrill of the search. 

Marta has three daughters, Blanca, Clara, and Marta, who now follow her around on these adventures. She hopes to teach them how through creativity and ingenuity we can turn our ordinary everyday lives into joyful experiences.

Established in 2013, her studio was founded with the purpose of enriching people’s lives. She believes there is no greater opportunity of doing so than by impacting the ordinary and raising daily life to a higher level.

For this reason, the studio’s work mainly focuses on residential projects but she also believes that hotels, restaurants, and the workspace can be transformed by her principles.

1. How did you begin designing interiors ?

From a young age, I followed my father around to antique markets and auction houses. Our summer holidays as a family were planned around brocantes and similar events. I believe designing interiors started then, during my childhood when I imagined how all these pieces would fit together to make a composition. 

Professionally, I began the studio in 2013, the studio was founded with the purpose of enriching people’s lives. Looking back, I often felt clueless about what I was doing but I was so eager in my search for harmony, beauty, and function as a vehicle to help people live more joyful lives that I kept going and persevered through all the hard times. 

2. Has there been a defining moment in your career ?

My first project was undoubtedly a defining moment. It was a large project and I learned so much. It was probably the biggest learning curve in my career. 

Recently I would say my house in Madrid. It’s a direct reflection of our work at the studio. The balance between tradition and modernity. It’s a very bold project which took more than six years to be completed.

3. What is your favorite type of client/project ?

A good thing to remember is you can learn from every project. However, like every creative individual, I’m thrilled when a client trusts my creative vision and allows for exploration and play to take place. Those always turn out to be the best projects because everyone gets so involved in making all the details happen.

I particularly like to design homes because that allows us to uncover very specific individual needs in the most creative ways!

4. What do you think is the deciding factor in a successful interior design project ?

Trust.
The clients must trust us. The interior designer must trust the different providers. In the end its an exercise in trust.

5. What is the most challenging aspect of your work ?

Timing and logistics. I don’t think people truly imagine how many small details go into putting a house together. We once counted 100 different fabric designs in one single project!

6. How would you describe your creative process and its influences ? How do you get inspired ?

I’m mostly inspired by everyday life. The small actions of our routine. On the other end of the spectrum, I’m also very much inspired by my travels. I’m lucky to travel quite often and to be able to leave Spain. I always bring inspiration and new things to the studio after a trip.

7. What advice would you give beginner designers ?

It’s a long journey, but one that is so worthwhile. Don’t give up on the search!

8. What would be the ideal place to design for you ?

I’d love to design a house in the mountains. I have a house by the beach which I adore but I don’t consider myself a thalassophile. On the contrary however, mountains give me peace. There is nothing like mountain air to refresh one’s mind. My dream would be to design a house in the mountains to enjoy the snow.

9. Could you describe a typical day of your work ?

Haha. There is no typical day.

10. How do you choose the specific materials you work with ?

That’s the beauty of the search.
I have many trusted providers whom I have come to know throughout my career. Textiles are a big part of it, but I am always discovering new materials. I’m curious about what’s out in the world, whether through conventional streams like my providers in Madrid or through my travels.

11. What artists/creatives have influenced you ?

Madeleine Castaing is a female designer who I truly admire for her wit and boldness.

12. What contemporary designers do you appreciate ?

In Spain, I love the work of Casa Josephine Studio. Internationally I think Giancarlo Valle has an amazing creative vision. I’m a big, big fan of Jonathan Anderson and all that he has been doing for the Spanish brand Loewe.

13. If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be ?

Harmony.

14. Do you have any books/programs/podcasts to recommend to our readers?

The World of Interiors – Houses are truly unique; one can truly understand what it’s like to design for someone’s individual needs.