As an Interior Designer my work  has always been about storytelling, the art of shaping spaces that evoke emotion, create memorable experiences, and feel effortlessly connected to the people who inhabit them. With over 15 years of international experience designing hospitality, residential and marine environments. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of contributing to projects with renowned design firms including Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) in Los Angeles, Tillberg Design of Sweden, and Fenton Whelan in London, working across a diverse portfolio of hotels, private residences, superyachts, and destination developments. My background in both Interior Design and Fashion Design has shaped a multidisciplinary approach, allowing me to look beyond trends and create spaces with character, depth, and longevity. I am particularly drawn to projects where storytelling, craftsmanship, and the guest or resident experience are at the heart of the design. What sets me apart is my ability to combine creative imagination with practical delivery. I thrive on translating complex briefs into cohesive design narratives, carefully considering how people move, feel, connect, and experience a space. Whether designing a boutique hotel, a private retreat, a luxury residence, or an onboard experience at sea, my goal remains the same: to create environments that feel authentic, memorable, and timeless. I am passionate about collaborating with visionary clients and teams who believe that great design is not simply seen—it is felt.

Anja Carlsson

As an Interior Designer my work  has always been about storytelling, the art of shaping spaces that evoke emotion, create memorable experiences, and feel effortlessly connected to the people who inhabit them. With over 15 years of international experience designing hospitality, residential and marine environments. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of contributing to projects with renowned design firms including Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) in Los Angeles, Tillberg Design of Sweden, and Fenton Whelan in London, working across a diverse portfolio of hotels, private residences, superyachts, and destination developments. My background in both Interior Design and Fashion Design has shaped a multidisciplinary approach, allowing me to look beyond trends and create spaces with character, depth, and longevity. I am particularly drawn to projects where storytelling, craftsmanship, and the guest or resident experience are at the heart of the design. What sets me apart is my ability to combine creative imagination with practical delivery. I thrive on translating complex briefs into cohesive design narratives, carefully considering how people move, feel, connect, and experience a space. Whether designing a boutique hotel, a private retreat, a luxury residence, or an onboard experience at sea, my goal remains the same: to create environments that feel authentic, memorable, and timeless. I am passionate about collaborating with visionary clients and teams who believe that great design is not simply seen—it is felt.

Available to hire

As an Interior Designer my work  has always been about storytelling, the art of shaping spaces that evoke emotion, create memorable experiences, and feel effortlessly connected to the people who inhabit them.

With over 15 years of international experience designing hospitality, residential and marine environments. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of contributing to projects with renowned design firms including Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) in Los Angeles, Tillberg Design of Sweden, and Fenton Whelan in London, working across a diverse portfolio of hotels, private residences, superyachts, and destination developments.

My background in both Interior Design and Fashion Design has shaped a multidisciplinary approach, allowing me to look beyond trends and create spaces with character, depth, and longevity. I am particularly drawn to projects where storytelling, craftsmanship, and the guest or resident experience are at the heart of the design.

What sets me apart is my ability to combine creative imagination with practical delivery. I thrive on translating complex briefs into cohesive design narratives, carefully considering how people move, feel, connect, and experience a space. Whether designing a boutique hotel, a private retreat, a luxury residence, or an onboard experience at sea, my goal remains the same: to create environments that feel authentic, memorable, and timeless.

I am passionate about collaborating with visionary clients and teams who believe that great design is not simply seen—it is felt.

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Language

Swedish
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Founder/Designer Director at acoya design house
August 1, 2020 - Present
Led end-to-end interior design projects from concept development to final implementation; cultivated client relationships; prepared detailed fee proposals, contracts and design documentation; coordinated with contractors, architects and suppliers; managed FF&E budgeting, procurement and on-site supervision; drove business growth through client acquisition and strategic partnerships.
Senior Interior Designer/Project Manager at Tillberg Design of Sweden
October 1, 2016 - August 1, 2020
Led design projects for luxury cruise ships and yachts from concept to implementation; collaborated with clients to develop bespoke design solutions reflecting brand identity and functional requirements; managed coordination with shipyards, contractors and suppliers; oversaw project budgeting and resource allocation.
Senior Interior Designer at Fiona Barratt Interiors
June 1, 2016 - September 1, 2016
Led design projects from concept development to final implementation; oversaw on-site coordination with contractors; delivered client presentations and maintained client satisfaction.
FF&E Designer at Fenton Whelan Design
October 1, 2014 - June 1, 2016
Created presentations and mood boards; produced 2-D renderings; detailed specifications including bespoke furniture, joinery and FF&E; budget responsibility with procurement and supplier negotiations; on-site installation and deliveries coordination.
Project Designer at Wimberly Interiors
August 1, 2013 - September 1, 2014
Designed presentation concepts through project completion, including product, materials and FF&E selection; managed and communicated designs to CAD technicians and Designers; presented to clients and reviewed model rooms.
Interior Designer at Hirsch Bedner & Associates
October 1, 2010 - July 1, 2013
Developed conceptual presentations and 2-D renderings; researched products, coordinated fabric purchases and selections; collaborated with architects to produce drawing packages and prepared specifications, drawings, budgets and schedules.
Assistant Interior Designer (Internship) at Hirsch Bedner & Associates
March 1, 2010 - May 1, 2010
Produced CAD drawings, Photoshop renderings, presentation boards; assisted with designs and FF&E selections.
Assistant Interior Designer (Internship) at Annette English Interior Design
March 1, 2007 - November 1, 2009
Created CAD drawings, selected fabrics and furniture; maintained client interaction across projects.
Assistant Interior Designer at William Field McWhorter Design, ASID
September 1, 2006 - April 1, 2007
Selected fabrics, furniture and accessories; maintained client and vendor interaction.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture & Design at The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2010
Associate of Arts in Fashion Design at Los Angeles Trade Technical College
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2006
General Education at Santa Monica College
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2004

Qualifications

ASID Membership
January 1, 2006 - June 1, 2026

Industry Experience

Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services, Real Estate & Construction, Media & Entertainment, Manufacturing