About Us

Grupo Santamaria has over 15 years of commitment to design that enhances life by improving the spaces it moves within. We believe that effective design solutions provide comfort, efficiency, interaction, and security. Working closely with our clients, we seek out these solutions to the challenges and objectives of our projects by using proper process and research. Believing that because form follows function, we must know function intimately.

We have had projects with, and are accredited designers for, companies such as Globe Telecom, Unilever Philippines, L’Oreal Philippines, Castille Realty (Cebu), Marcian Group (Zamboanga), Ayala Aviation, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), and Philip Morris International, among others.

Our process always starts with thoroughly understanding the needs of our client. Whether a newlywed couple decorating a starter home, retirees renovating an empty nest, a luxury brand’s pop-up, or an established institution’s modernized facilities, the work begins with building trust, rapport, and communication. Only with these established do we begin to apply the knowledge, experience, and technology of our team.

Latest Residential Projects

Nina M. Santamaria

Principal Designer

Nina was exposed to art early having learned at the knee of Filipino master Jose T. Joya as a child. This nurtured a deep appreciation for aesthetics including her love for interior and architectural design as she was growing up thus developing a sharp sense of observation, insight, and creativity by the time she entered the Interior Design program of the University of the Philippines. She graduated in 1999 and promptly started her eponymous practice serving all sectors from private residences to public institutions.

In the intervening years, Nina has served as Resource Speaker and Thesis Juror for various audiences while honing her craft. An avid surfer and traveler, Nina draws inspiration and balance from the places she visits and people she meets. She believes that the foundation of good design lies in a strong bond of trust among client, builder, and designer.

Claire Khadka

Business Development Manager

From the halls of UP Business Economics to the bustling studio of Grupo Santamaria, Claire is currently in charge of Business Development for the firm. With 14 years of Marketing & Partnerships corporate work under her belt, she is also a part-time Ashtanga Yoga teacher and management and branding consultant while studying Interior Design at the Sydney Design School. She loves being around creative minds and enjoys coffee, books, nature, and movement. Her dream projects include the renovation of old and meaningful structures like public libraries or dance studios. She believes that in life as in design, applying restraint to surfaces and underscoring the essential is key.

Marjorie Dela Cruz

Accounting and Finance

Her vast experience working in various companies has honed Marj’s mastery of accounting and finance, increasing her proficiency in bookkeeping programs and related software. Working hand-in-hand with the administrative body of Grupo Santamaria, records are kept in check and finances in order. She is detail-oriented, organized, and best of all a cheerful and positive presence in our office.

 

Lenee Mora

Design Supervisor

Our committed and steadfast Design Supervisor takes the lead in ensuring all our projects are running smoothly and that our contract documents are correct and complete. Her years of experience in the field of interior architecture and design have enriched the quality of service and product output at Grupo Santamaria through the years. From studying in the halls of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines to handling our luxury home and resort projects from Manila to Cebu, Zamboanga, La Union, and Palawan, she oversees all these with Wright’s “Form and Function are One” philosophy in mind. Her unique aplomb, composure, and discipline stem from her passion for sports especially karate and table tennis.

Nette Navarro

Office Manager/ Project Coordinator

Her sprightly demeanor is always a welcome presence at Grupo Santamaria, especially at crunch times and the team is looking for a cheerful dynamo managing our projects and meeting our deadlines. A graduate of the BS Interior Design program at University of Santo Tomas, she believes every space should not just look good but also functional and meaningful, with thoughtful parts building up a harmonious whole. She has a fascination for restaurant design and the Modern Classic interior style, and loves fashion design and window shopping during her free time.

Danie Yatco

Junior Designer

She is a graduate of the University of the Philippines with a fascination for color and the way the human senses are stimulated through different design elements in a space. She is naturally interested in doing graphic design, portraits, pottery, and nib calligraphy.  Her belief is that great design, harnessed through the power of color and collaboration, results in an elevated experience of the client. Danie’s dream project would be a commercial or public space where she can develop a unique experiential design for the users. She loves developing her skills at Grupo Santamaria where learning is a valued and collective experience.

 

Aira Tahamil

A BS Architecture graduate from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Aira is currently working on the interior architecture requirements of Grupo Santamaria’s projects. Her hobbies include listening to music, watching Japanese and Korean drama series, and doing fan art illustrations. Travelling and taking photos of architecture and nature keep her inspired. At Grupo Santamaria, she enjoys learning about different kinds of finishes, lighting, furniture and other exciting aspects of interior design.

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