specialist
interior design
services.

for operational real estate.

A Designer at Heart is a London-based interior design agency specialising in operational real estate.

We partner with developers and operators across PBSA, Build-to-Rent, and Hybrid Hospitality to create interiors that elevate resident experience and improve operational performance.

Our senior team of designers works in BIM, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and smooth coordination from concept to completion.

With a portfolio of over 20,000 student beds delivered across Europe and a track record in both affordable and premium segments, we bring market knowledge, design expertise, and process precision to every project.

What sets us apart is our ability to pair creativity with commercial understanding—helping clients deliver projects that are not only beautiful, but also viable, operational, and future-proof.

20,000+

beds across europe

PBSA
BTR

don’t just take our word

Thanks to their unique combination of technical expertise and genuine passion, the A Designer at Heart team consistently delivers beyond expectations for their clients. We collaborated on numerous projects across Europe for Nido Living, and their lean approach each time by their innovative approach; which is enabled by a diverse skill set and an open mindset, as well as their deep understanding of the sector dynamics. They always keep the end user in mind as well—residents and students were able to flourish academically and socially in our carefully designed spaces. I would highly recommend them to any operator or developer in the shared living and hospitality industries.

Brian Welsh, Senior Advisor, Director, NED

selected work

Liv Student Carrick Street

Glasgow, united kingdom

Ladybarn House, student accommodation

Manchester, United Kingdom

YourTRIBE South Bermondsey

London, United Kingdom

YourTribe Peckham

London, United Kingdom

trusted by leading operators and developers

recognised work

PROPERTY WEEK STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

RISING STAR OF THE YEAR 2021

Comments by the Judges report: “Martina and her company continue to shine, her entry showcased true potential for the next generation of future leaders in PBSA”

PROPERTY WEEK STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR 2023

The judges were delighted to see evidence of sustainable design and described the firm as “innovative” with “strong testimonials and a track record of success”. One noted that the business is “certainly creative and definitely going places.”

PROPERTY WEEK STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE YEAR 2025

A Designer at Heart x LOFT
“For its fresh flexible approach to student bedroom design shaped by consultation and focused on comfort, personalisation, functionality with the concept standing out for its innovation, adaptability, and strong wellbeing potential. ”

thought leadership

FEATURED
We openly talk about a range of topics, from best
design practices to sustainability and wellbeing. We are proud to have been featured on PBSA News, Property Week and The Class Foundation Newsletter.

SPEAKER
Our founder Martina has spoken on numerous panels at industry events such as WinPBSA 2026, Urban Living Festival 2025, Coliving Conference 2024, Property Week Student Accommodation Conference 2024, Hospitality Design Conference 2024 and Association for Rental Living (ARL) annual conference 2023, to name a few.

JUDGE
Martina was also the lead judge at Coliving Awards 2024 in the Furniture & Interior Design Category, and is a recurring judge at Property Week Student accommodation Awards since 2022.

FROMT THE JOURNAL

How to Brief Your Interior Designer: A Complete Guide

Creating the perfect interior design for your project starts with a clear, detailed brief. Whether you’re working on a new build, refurbishment, or anything in between, a well-thought-out brief helps…

READ THE ARTICLE