We sat down with Angela to learn more about her business, design philosophy, and approach to creating spaces that feel personal and functional. Here’s what she had to say:

JC Licht:Angela, tell us a little about how you got started in design. 
Angela: I’ve always been drawn to creative work, starting in art school where I explored color, texture, and form. Later, I stepped into design through my husband’s work as a contractor, helping his clients with design solutions. I discovered I loved seeing ideas take shape and watching all the details come together to create a space that truly reflects the people who live in it.

JC Licht: What inspired you to launch MAKS Design Studio?
Angela: I wanted to create a boutique design studio that could offer full-service solutions while tailoring each project to the individual client. From remodeling a single room to managing new construction, I wanted to combine creativity with practicality—making spaces that feel intentional, personal, and functional, while bringing joy to the people who inhabit them.

Design Philosophy

JC Licht: Are you known for any particular areas of expertise or superpowers?
Angela: My strength lies in space planning and programming. I see it as a puzzle—every detail matters. My superpower is connecting those dots to create spaces that feel natural, purposeful, and cohesive.

JC Licht: What’s your favorite space to decorate and why?
Angela: I love spaces with challenging layouts or unique functional needs. Solving problems creatively to transform a space into something both beautiful and purposeful is incredibly rewarding.

JC Licht: How do you uncover a client’s style and translate it into a finished design?
Angela: I start by getting to know the client—their lifestyle, priorities, and how they move through their space. From there, I translate those insights into thoughtful design choices, from layout and materials to color and texture. The process is collaborative so the space feels uniquely theirs.

JC Licht: How has your work with Special Spaces influenced your design perspective?
Angela: Designing dream bedrooms for children with cancer has reinforced how powerful environments are for emotional well-being. Seeing the joy on families’ faces reminds me to slow down, focus on what matters, and create spaces that uplift and inspire.

Color & Wallpaper

JC Licht: What is your favorite color to work with and why?
Angela: I love shades of green. They’re versatile, timeless, and bring a natural sense of calm and balance. Green can serve as either a bold statement or a soft neutral.

JC Licht: What color combination do you love working with?
Angela: I’m drawn to pairing terracotta tones with greens. Together, they feel warm, organic, and grounded—perfect for creating spaces that are expressive yet calming.

JC Licht: What “color rule” do you love to break?
Angela:The idea that small spaces must always be light. Darker colors can create intimacy, warmth, and a sense of intention—especially in bedrooms, dining rooms, and powder rooms. I also encourage bringing color onto ceilings for added depth and immersion.

JC Licht: How do you recommend adding a pop of color in a neutral space?
Angela: Artwork is the easiest and most personal way. It adds visual interest and reflects the client’s story while shifting the mood of a room without overwhelming it.

JC Licht: Do you prefer paint or wallpaper?
Angela:I genuinely love both. Wallpaper brings depth and personality instantly, while paint allows creative expression in subtle or bold ways. The choice depends on the story of the space.

JC Licht: Can you share a memorable project where color made a big difference?
Angela: We’re currently transforming a vacant building—formerly a restaurant—into a coffee shop that my husband and I will own and operate. Painting the exterior Benjamin Moore Narragansett Green completely shifted the building’s presence, adding warmth, depth, and a more sophisticated feel while helping it connect with the surrounding community.

Project Management & Full-Service Design

JC Licht: How do you balance creativity with practical demands like timelines and budgets?
Angela: Creativity sets the vision, but projects must work in the real world. The combination of an art background and experience with construction provides a good balance between seeing the 'big picture' while also paying attention to the details.

JC Licht: What are the benefits of working with a full-service design firm like MAKS Design Studio?
Angela: Clients gain clarity, direction, and support at every stage. We manage unexpected challenges, make thoughtful adjustments, and save time and stress—all while keeping the project aligned with their vision.

JC Licht: What’s your process from concept to completion?
Angela: From initial consultation to project wrap-up, I focus on understanding the client’s lifestyle and goals. This ensures thoughtful design decisions that are cohesive, functional, and emotionally resonant.

JC Licht: How do you incorporate nature into your designs?
Angela: I love using biophilic design—incorporating plants, natural material selections, textures, and colors inspired by the natural world. Nature creates calm, balance, and a connection to the environment that enhances how people feel and interact in a space.