The face behind Marj Designs:
"I’m Martha Ladds, an interior design graduate from Cardiff Metropolitan University, passionate about creating meaningful, character-filled spaces. I love blending old and new, championing sustainability, and bringing in biophilic elements to make interiors feel alive. Whether I’m embracing bold patterns or leaning into minimal calm, my goal is always to design spaces that truly speak to people."
Where it all started!
"From a young age, I was always drawn to the creative side of life. I never felt connected to the more academic subjects, it was the art classes that I truly looked forward to. I loved getting stuck into anything hands-on and expressive, and that passion only grew stronger over time. In school, I studied textiles, and that’s when I really began to fall in love with the design world. I was constantly rearranging my bedroom, decorating every corner, and becoming aware of how much the space around me affected my mood, focus, and creativity. During my year out, I discovered that interior design was something I could study, and from that moment on, I knew it was exactly what I was meant to do. Ever since, I’ve been passionate about creating spaces that support, inspire, and truly benefit the people who use them."
Art throughout the years
Art Foundation
2021-2022
After completing my A Levels, I began an Art Foundation course, which I later left due to the need to work full-time in order to fund my university studies the following year. Although I didn’t complete the course, it provided me with valuable time to explore a wide range of mixed media techniques, including collaging, clay work, printing, and more. This experience helped broaden my creative skills and approach before starting my degree.
A Level Textiles
2019-2021
For my A-Level Textiles final project, titled Angels and Demons, I explored the contrast between purity and darkness, drawing strong inspiration from the work of Alexander McQueen. The outcome was a conceptual garment combining a sheer, flowing white dress with a structured, tight-fitting corset. The corset, stitched in deep red, introduced a more intense, visceral element, creating a striking contrast against the delicate, angelic dress beneath. This project allowed me to experiment with structural garment design and symbolic storytelling through textiles, merging technique with emotional impact.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities that have led me into the design world. The support and encouragement from my parents, A-Level teachers, and university lecturers over the years have played a big part in helping me express myself creatively. While my journey has led me to interior design, I will always hold a special place for textiles, fashion, and especially machine embroidery, were where my creative journey began."
Martha Ladds , 2025