Mika Faria

Mika Faria is a Portuguese Interior Architect and founder of Atalho, an interior architecture studio based in Madeira, Portugal.

Born and raised on the island, her approach to design has been shaped by a close relationship with nature, the Atlantic landscape and the distinctive light and materiality of Madeira.

Her work combines this connection to place with an international perspective developed through her education and experience in the United Kingdom.

FOUNDER & INTERIOR ARCHITECT

“I believe interior architecture should go beyond aesthetics. A space should respond to the people who inhabit it, the place it belongs to and the way we want to feel within it.”
Mika Faria

THE STUDIO

Mika's interest in the relationship between interior architecture, nature and human wellbeing led to the creation of Designing with Nature, an educational platform dedicated to exploring how the spaces we design can positively influence the way we live and feel.

The platform brings together education, research and professional practice, translating principles of biophilic design, wellbeing and interior architecture into practical knowledge for design students, professionals and anyone interested in creating healthier, more meaningful spaces.

As part of this work, Mika published the book Designing with Nature: Designing Spaces Rooted in Nature and Wellbeing, a practical guide that introduces these principles and explores their application within interior design.

Through her book, educational content, masterclasses and future learning programmes, Designing with Nature continues to develop as a space for sharing knowledge and encouraging a more conscious approach to the way interiors are designed.

While Atalho is Mika's professional interior architecture practice, Designing with Nature represents the educational and research dimension of her work.

DISCOVER DESIGNING WITH NATURE →

FROM MADEIRA TO LONDON, AND BACK

Mika moved to the United Kingdom, where she lived for five years and graduated with First Class Honours in Interior Architecture. Her time in the UK shaped a design approach grounded in spatial thinking, technical development and attention to detail, while exposing her to an international design culture that continues to influence her work today.

Returning to Madeira marked the beginning of a new chapter.

It was here that she founded Atalho, bringing together international experience and a deep understanding of the island to create contemporary interiors with a strong sense of identity and place.

Qualifications & Recognition

• BA (Hons) Interior Architecture — First Class Honours

• Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

• Over 10 years of experience in Interior Design and Interior Architecture

• Author of the book "Designing with Nature."

• Shortlisted for the Climate Emergency & Sustainability Awards at the Interior Educators Exhibition, OXO Bargehouse, London

• Certified Trainer (CCP)

A CONTEMPORARY APPROACH TO INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

Atalho is an interior architecture studio specialising in contemporary residential, hospitality and selected commercial interiors.

The studio develops projects from initial concept and spatial planning through 3D visualisation, technical design, bespoke detailing and construction coordination.

Each project is approached individually, balancing the client's vision with the architecture, context and potential of the space.

With a strong focus on contemporary design, materiality and architectural detail, Atalho creates considered interiors that are distinctive, functional and designed to last.

Let's create something meaningful.

Whether you're renovating a home, furnishing a new property or looking for professional interior design support, I'd love to hear about your project.

DESIGNING WITH NATURE