Meet Malissa
My Design Philosophy
As a Scenography and interior designer, I believe every great design begins with a great story, with ups and downs, expression and emotion, much like a theatre play.
From an early age, I’ve felt a strong connection to craftsmanship and heritage. Visiting museums and historic buildings sparked curiosity about how things were/are made, and the stories they carry. This curiosity continues to shape my work and perspective today.
Research is where my process as a designer begins, exploring history, contexts, and narratives. But inspiration can emerge anywhere: in textures, materials, or even something as small as a leaf on a tree.
What drives me is the challenge of translating stories into spatial experiences, places people can step into, to explore, experience, discover, learn and remember. I like to experiment with form, function, and material, always searching for a balance between function and storytelling.
I’m always looking for new stories to tell, new places to explore, and new challenges and experiences that push my creativity and knowledge further. My designs are created without AI.
For the pavilion design, I experimented with different materials from 10x20cm. I had chosen for the materials plastic, glue, glass fibre and candle wax. The final design was inspired by the fan form created with the glass fibre. The pavilion was created for the Veluwe Nature Park.
For the pavilion design, I experimented with different materials from 10x20cm. I had chosen for the materials plastic, glue, glass fibre and candle wax. The final design was inspired by the fan form created with the glass fibre. The pavilion was created for the Veluwe Nature Park.
Working together with Anna Ypma and Thijs Alberts
For the pavilion design, I experimented with different materials from 10x20cm. I had chosen for the materials plastic, glue, glass fibre and candle wax. The final design was inspired by the fan form created with the glass fibre. The pavilion was created for the Veluwe Nature Park.
I began my journey at the Art Academy with the ambition of becoming an architect. Over time, however, my passion for heritage and storytelling grew stronger, guiding me in a new direction.
PRS Architects / GuM in London gave me the opportunity to learn more about the architectural and scenography fields. And the opportunity to work on inspiring projects such as The Crime Museum Uncovered for the Museum of London, the Museum of Rural Life in Reading, and The Revealing of the Charterhouse in London.
Following this experience, I graduated from Art Academy Minerva with a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design/Architecture.
Since then, I have pursued a career as Scenography designer in the museum and visitor attraction sector. Working for Mather and Co and Haley Sharpe Design. A Journey full of inspiring projects and unique experiences, from travelling to Egypt, working on the Grand Egyptian Museum, To exploring the Highlands of Scotland for the Inverness Castle Experience. Learning more about local stories by working on Quarry Bank Mill and Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings