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Honoree Profile

Maggie Marlin

Gensler

  • Title: Senior Interior Designer
  • Tenure at Firm: 12 Year
  • Nominating Principal: Janette Scott, Studio Director
  • School: Ringling College of Design (BFA) / Harrington College of Design (MAID)
  • Major: Photography & Digital Imaging / Interior Design

Inspired By:

As a trained printmaker and photographer, I draw deep inspiration from the language of storyboards and cinematic still frames—moments that carry atmosphere, intention, and narrative within a single composition. I aspire to create spaces that operate in the same way: environments that capture rich context and emotional depth while existing as meaningful moments of a larger vision. To me, the most compelling design does more than awe with aesthetics or simply function; it suggests a story unfolding around you, inviting people to imagine what came before and what might come next.

Maggie Merlin

Keys to a Successful Project:

Capturing each client’s vision while thoughtfully guiding and supporting them through every step of the design journey

Which experiences have most influenced how you approach design?
Working with world-class clients has sharpened my ability to listen for the story beneath the brief—to translate history and aspiration into cohesive environments that speak with clarity and intention. It has taught me that design, at its most powerful, is never just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling. Every material selection, spatial sequence, proportion, and detail participates in a larger narrative about who the client is, what they value, and how they want to be experienced in the world. Thinking holistically acknowledges that nothing stands alone: light becomes mood, circulation becomes opportunity, color and materiality become memorable touchpoints, that reinforce the story.
Your current favorite color (RGB, CMYK, or HEX#):
I can never pick one color, it will always be a combo of two or three. i.e. Panton 2705C + 162C

“Maggie is an extraordinary senior interior designer whose design acumen and leadership have left an unmistakable positive impact on every project, client relationship, and team member they touch. Their work reflects a rare combination of deep technical expertise, refined aesthetic sensibilities, and an intuitive understanding of how people navigate, operate and thrive in academic spaces. From concept to completion, Maggie brings vision and clarity that elevates each project far beyond expectations. They have a remarkable ability to translate client aspirations into cohesive, functional, and inspiring environments—often uncovering possibilities clients didn’t realize were achievable. Their instinct for materiality, proportion, and spatial flow consistently results in designs that are not just beautiful, but deeply purposeful. Maggie is a natural mentor who uplifts the entire design team with their generosity, guidance, and collaborative spirit. Whether they’re coaching junior designers through complex detailing, championing innovative ideas, or modeling client leadership, Maggie fosters an atmosphere where creativity and growth flourish.“

Janette Scott
Studio Director

Maggie Merlin

Photos From Maggie

Maggie Merlin
Maggie Merlin
Maggie Merlin
Maggie Merlin
Maggie Merlin
Maggie Merlin
Maggie Merlin
Maggie Merlin

Learn more about this program and view other honorees.

Profiles in Design 2026