Meet Maha Saab | Interior Designer & Architect of Play

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maha Saab and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started out with a niche interior design business to turn people’s garages into playspaces and art studios. I have extensive experience working as an artist, designer, and educator in studios and classrooms.  I knew parents were looking to develop more creative and organized experiences at home for these kids. Though most of my business specializes in children’s rooms, it now includes kids-based and adult-based spaces and businesses. The common thread is any person looking for a beautiful, creative, and organized space to grow with.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I always account for the personality of the people or business I am designing for. I ask questions about how they would like their environment to work and reflect their interests, not just how they want it to look.

For example, a parent might tell me that their child loves to read and could use a quiet area for this activity. I would then develop a custom built-in reading nook that the child can love forever as they flip through the pages of their books. Another client may ask for a table that seats 20+ employees. I then work with a carpenter and welder to create a table that can function on different levels. Another client may want to make their space more rentable for unique parties, so I turn their backyard into a magical venue. At the same time, still, keep intimacy for their personal use. Lately, I’ve been focusing on creating more green, locally made, and/or repurposed interior design solutions as much as possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to the Observatory, All Time, Skylight Books, LACMA to see Chris Burden’s Urban Lights. (I’m thinking east to west here.) The Japanese garden at UCLA, maybe Sunin Cafe.  If it is night time, and we’re not swimming, I like Manhattan Beach. The boardwalk is so elegant and chill. There is a great pizza store there called Beach Pizza and I like the surfer vibes of the Seaview Inn if we want to spend the night in the ocean.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s so hard to choose one person.  I will narrow down this Shout out to women who have mentored or encouraged me to be who I am.  I want to shout out the Reggio-Emilia-inspired schools in Santa Monica led by an incredible woman like Pauline McPeake. This is where I got my foothold in interior design and child development. Also, and always, my big sisters Sherry and Susan. I get Susan’s love for beauty and organization and Sherry’s guidance to emotionally relate to what people need. The majority of my clients are women and mothers. They are managing so much and giving me their trust to develop something special for their loved ones. It’s an honor to collaborate with them and make their home, school, or business a reflection of their strength and beauty.

Website: www.mahasaab.com

Instagram: @mahasaab_interiors

Facebook: Maha Saab Interiors

Image Credits
Shannon Goebel