Interior architecture · St Martin
Interiors designed for the light, the salt air and island living
Dana Ben Moha designs villas, apartments and vacation rentals in Saint-Martin and Sint Maarten. Space planning, 3D visuals, materials and furniture, all the way to a clear set of documents your contractors can follow.
Dana replies personally, in English or French.
A studio based on the island
The climate
Salt, humidity, strong sun and hurricane season: every material is chosen to last here, not just to look good in photos.
Local knowledge
The island's craftsmen, suppliers and shipping lead times are part of the project from day one.
On site
Site visits on both the French and the Dutch side, instead of a project run from the other side of the ocean.
Two languages
Projects handled in English or French, as you prefer.
Here, an interior is designed around the salt, the sun and the seasons.
Services
What the studio designs
Interior design
Space planning, flow and custom joinery: kitchens, dressing rooms, bathrooms, storage. Every room is designed around the way you will live in it.
3D visualisation
See your interior before you commit: realistic views and alternative materials and colours, so you can decide with confidence.
Materials, furniture, lighting
A selection made for the tropical climate, between local suppliers and imports, with precise lists ready to price.
Documents for your contractors
Dimensioned drawings, specifications and schedules: a clear set of documents your contractors can work from.
Moods and materials
Materials that last in the tropics
Linen, teak, terracotta, stone, cane: materials that age well in strong sun and salt air, sourced on the island or shipped in.
Vacation rentals
A rental villa is booked on its photos, then kept booked on how well it stands up to use. The studio designs for both: an interior that stands out on booking platforms and holds up to back-to-back stays.
The process
Conversation
On site or by video call: the place, how you live, what you like, your budget and your timeline.
You receiveA detailed quote, item by item.
Design
Space planning, mood and 3D modelling, refined together.
You receiveThe floor plans and 3D views of your interior.
Selection
Materials, furniture and lighting, approved room by room.
You receiveA schedule of materials and furniture, with references.
Documents
Dimensioned drawings and specifications, ready for your contractors.
You receiveA complete set your contractors can price and build from.
Where the studio works
Based in St Martin, the studio works on both sides of the island. Elsewhere in the Caribbean and in France, design is done remotely.
French side
Marigot, Grand Case, Orient Bay, Terres Basses, Anse Marcel, Cul-de-Sac, Oyster Pond, Nettle Bay, Sandy Ground, Concordia
Dutch side
Simpson Bay, Philipsburg, Cupecoy, Maho, Pelican Key, Cole Bay, Pointe Blanche, Dawn Beach, Indigo Bay
Remote
Elsewhere in the Caribbean and in France: plans, 3D and material selection by video call.
Journal
Buying a Villa in St Martin: The Renovation Checklist Before and After Signing
Inspect the roof, pool, and electricals before signing. This checklist helps you plan renovations for your new villa in St Martin.
Loft Interior Design NYC: How to Zone a Large Open Space
Learn how to zone a New York loft interior design project. Balance openness with privacy using furniture, light, and materials.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an interior architect and an architect?
An interior architect designs the interior: layout, joinery, materials, furniture and lighting. Work that affects the structure of the building, or that requires a building permit, may need an architect; the studio will tell you so from the first conversation.
Does the studio manage the construction work?
The studio designs your interior and prepares the documents; it does not manage the site. Dimensioned drawings, specifications and schedules are made so that your contractors can price and build without guesswork.
How much does a project cost?
It depends on the size of the space, the scope (advice, design, 3D, full set of documents) and the level of detail you need. Every project starts with a detailed quote, approved before any work begins.
Do I need to be on the island during the project?
Not necessarily. If you live elsewhere part of the year, meetings happen by video call and WhatsApp, plans and 3D views are approved remotely, and site visits take place with or without you.
Do you work outside St Martin?
Yes, remotely: elsewhere in the Caribbean and in France, design, 3D and material selection are done by video call. Projects on the island, on the French or the Dutch side, also get site visits.
Tell me about your project
A few words are enough. Every request gets a personal reply.