The Story Behind Studio Imzzi

Hi, I'm Maïna.

After moving more than 20 times across four continents as an adult, I developed an appreciation for homes that are thoughtfully designed around the people who live in them.

Each move brought new floor plans, new constraints, and new ways of living. From apartments and homes in Paris, London, Sydney, Abidjan, and now Houston, I found myself constantly adapting spaces to support changing needs, different cultures, my growing family, and everyday life.

Along the way, I became increasingly aware of how much potential often goes untapped within a home's existing footprint. I found myself constantly rethinking layouts, improving functionality, and adapting spaces to better support everyday life. Living across four continents exposed me to homes of every size, layout, and configuration, and taught me to look beyond square footage and focus on how a space actually works for the people living in it.

That drive to uncover what a home could become eventually led me to interior design.

Since 2016, I have designed, furnished, and managed my own short-term rental properties, focusing on guest experience, comfort, and functionality. Maintaining Superhost status for nearly a decade has given me firsthand insight into what makes a space memorable, not only visually, but in how it functions and feels.

Over the years, I've come to believe that good design isn't just about how a space looks, but how it supports the people who live in it. I am particularly drawn to thoughtful layouts, spatial flow, and finding opportunities to unlock the potential of every square foot.

Before transitioning into interior design, I spent more than 18 years in brand building, fashion, and entrepreneurship. Growing brands, designing products, and creating customer experiences taught me that the most meaningful designs are those that connect purpose, usability, and the people they serve.

I later trained in interior design through École H.O.M.E. in France, where a strong emphasis on space planning and functionality further shaped my approach.

Today, through Studio Imzzi, I help homeowners and hosts make room for more. More functionality, more flexibility, and more ease within the space they already have.