FAQ

These FAQs explain how Maya Baklan works as an interior designer, what kinds of projects she takes on, and what to expect when you collaborate.

Maya Baklan is a luxury interior designer and developer in London, UK, working with local and international clients on residential, commercial and investment properties.

Who is Maya Baklan and where do you work?

I’m an interior designer and property developer with over 15 years of experience on residential and commercial projects. I’m based in London in the UK, and I work across the Home Counties, wider UK and selected international locations.

My clients are usually homeowners, business owners, developers and investors who want calm, modern interiors with a strong sense of story and long-term value.

I work on:

  • Residential projects – apartments, townhouses, family homes and pied-à-terres.

  • Commercial projects – offices, studios and boutique spaces.

  • Investment properties – rental apartments and developments designed to attract city professionals and buyers.

Most projects involve full interior design from space planning through to finishes, furniture and final styling, but I also take on focused scopes where it makes sense (for example, a key floor or collection of main rooms). 

London and Berkshire are my main locations, but I:

  • Regularly work across the Home Counties (Berkshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas).

  • Take on selected projects across the wider UK.

  • Collaborate on international projects where clients want a European, modern approach and a clear design process.

For projects outside London, we’ll usually combine on-site visits with remote collaboration.

My work is modern, calm and timeless, with:

  • Clear layouts and strong architectural lines

  • A restrained, layered palette (often mixing Scandinavian simplicity, French elegance and mid-century character)

  • A focus on how spaces actually feel and function in daily life

I’m not interested in quick, trend-driven makeovers. The aim is always a space that feels like it truly belongs to you – or to the people you’re designing for, in the case of offices and investment properties.

Every project follows a clear, structured process:

  1. Discover and define – we talk through your property, goals, lifestyle or business needs, budget and timeframe.

  2. Concept and vision – I develop the overall mood, layout ideas and visual direction.

  3. Design development – materials, finishes, furniture and lighting are refined and detailed.

  4. Documentation and pricing – drawings and schedules are prepared for your build team and suppliers.

  5. Implementation – I support implementation at the level agreed, coordinating with contractors and overseeing key stages.

  6. Installation and styling – furniture, art and accessories are installed and styled so the space feels complete.

You can read more detail on the How I Work / Design Process page if you’d like a step-by-step breakdown.

Because every project is different, I don’t offer fixed “packages”. Instead, we look at:

  • The scope (how many rooms / floors / buildings)

  • The level of change (light refresh vs deep refurbishment)

  • The quality of finishes and furniture you’re aiming for

Full interior design for a home, office or investment property is a significant investment, and my work is usually part of a larger project budget. In our initial conversation I’ll give you an honest sense of whether your budget and ambitions are aligned, and outline the likely design fee before any commitment.

Contact me for a quote.

Both are possible, however I usually work on  entire homes, offices or developments and   design the full property.

The main consideration is whether we can create a coherent result – even if we’re starting with just one or two rooms, I’ll always think about the property as a whole.

Yes. I work with developers and private investors on properties designed for sale or rental – including compact city apartments aimed at professionals.

In these projects we think carefully about:

  • How the property will photograph for listings.

  • How it will feel on viewings.

  • How well it will stand up to daily use.

  • How to balance appeal, durability and budget.

The goal is to create interiors that rent or sell quickly, age well and support the long-term value of your investment.

View my recent investment projects. 

Yes. I design offices and workspaces in newbuilt and historic  buildings, often for:

  • Small to medium-sized companies.

  • Creative studios and boutique consultancies.

  • Owners of office floors who plan to lease to multiple tenants.

Workplace projects consider focus, collaboration, acoustics, circulation and brand. The aim is a contemporary, flexible space that feels good for your team and gives a polished impression to clients and visitors.

View my recent commercial space designs 

Timelines vary depending on scope, but as a broad guide:

  • Concept & design – usually a few weeks to a couple of months

  • Tendering & ordering – several weeks, depending on suppliers

  • Construction & fit-out – from a few months up to a year+ for larger projects

If you have a specific deadline (for example, a move-in date, office lease start, or sales launch), we’ll discuss this at the beginning and plan accordingly.

Send your project request

Yes, if required by the client, especially at the early stages. Many clients start with:

  • Online consultations.

  • Remote reviews of plans, photos and videos.

  • Shared documents and mood boards.

For projects in Windsor, London and the Home Counties, I’ll  always visit in person at key points. For UK-wide and international projects, we’ll combine remote work with a tailored schedule of site visits.

Absolutely, although I prefer to work with my worn team, I often collaborate with:

  • Architects, surveyors, and planning consultants.

  • Main contractors and specialist trades.

  • Joiners, furniture makers and lighting designers.

  • Project managers or client-side representatives.

If you don’t yet have a team in place, I will introduce trusted professionals where appropriate. The aim is a joined-up, respectful collaboration focused on the best outcome for your project.

In addition to my experience of running a successful international design studio for over 15 years,  my clients also value:

  • A blend of design and business thinking – I have a background in business analysis and property development, so I’m always thinking about practicality, value and long-term performance as well as beauty.

  • Calm, story-led interiors – each project is rooted in your lifestyle, team or target tenant, not a signature look applied everywhere.

  • International perspective – years of working on projects across Europe, combined with a strong base in the UK.

  • A clear, structured interior design process that keeps complex projects moving with as little stress as possible.

Read more about Maya Baklan

The first step is simply to get in touch.

  1. Complete the contact form with a few details about your property, location (Windsor, London, elsewhere in the UK or abroad), budget and timescale.

  2. I’ll review your information and, if it looks like a good fit, suggest a call or meeting.

  3. After that, I’ll prepare a tailored proposal outlining services, fees and next steps.

Your dream space starts with a hello - reach out to Maya — she’s just one message away.