I am a dedicated, professional, self-driven design creative with over 20 years of international experience in the commercial design and built environment, hospitality and residential sectors. I focus on delivering outstanding client service, supported by a strong work ethic, honesty and integrity, and a passion for what I do. Over the years I have built an extensive portfolio and delivered many successful projects, gaining valuable commercial experience in understanding how different business sectors work and how markets continually evolve. My strengths include creativity, calm under pressure, solution-oriented thinking, people orientation, and excellent organizational and time-management skills. I am very detail-oriented and reputation for taking projects from start to finish, closely managing client expectations, delivering on time and within budget, which consistently results in happy clients and repeat business.

Maritza van Heerden

I am a dedicated, professional, self-driven design creative with over 20 years of international experience in the commercial design and built environment, hospitality and residential sectors. I focus on delivering outstanding client service, supported by a strong work ethic, honesty and integrity, and a passion for what I do. Over the years I have built an extensive portfolio and delivered many successful projects, gaining valuable commercial experience in understanding how different business sectors work and how markets continually evolve. My strengths include creativity, calm under pressure, solution-oriented thinking, people orientation, and excellent organizational and time-management skills. I am very detail-oriented and reputation for taking projects from start to finish, closely managing client expectations, delivering on time and within budget, which consistently results in happy clients and repeat business.

Available to hire

I am a dedicated, professional, self-driven design creative with over 20 years of international experience in the commercial design and built environment, hospitality and residential sectors. I focus on delivering outstanding client service, supported by a strong work ethic, honesty and integrity, and a passion for what I do. Over the years I have built an extensive portfolio and delivered many successful projects, gaining valuable commercial experience in understanding how different business sectors work and how markets continually evolve.

My strengths include creativity, calm under pressure, solution-oriented thinking, people orientation, and excellent organizational and time-management skills. I am very detail-oriented and reputation for taking projects from start to finish, closely managing client expectations, delivering on time and within budget, which consistently results in happy clients and repeat business.

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Work Experience

Senior Designer & Technical Coordinator at CHBC Group
March 1, 2025 - September 1, 2025
Contract/remote role coordinating large-scale global projects with international project teams. Main liaison between clients and contractors; coordinated FF&E, air conditioning, lighting design, power and data, reflected ceiling plans, ceiling and joinery details; coordinated furniture plans with services; designed bathrooms and kitchens; drew schedules for lighting, sanitaryware, finishes, joinery, AV, power and data; checked tender documents and quotes; prepared project timelines, fire safety & evacuation plans, graphics, signage, and health & safety packages; approved design documentation for construction; ran weekly project meetings and issued progress reports.
Freelance Interior Designer at Self-employed / Freelance
September 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025
Freelance interior design for Design & Built companies specializing in interior fit-out. Responsibilities include extensive client briefings, site surveys and as-built plans, conceptual and technical design, design proposals and pitches, client–project team communications, furniture/finishes specifications, construction drawing packs, collaboration with sales and project managers, site meetings and final handover.
Head of Design at Imago Interiors – London
November 1, 2022 - September 1, 2023
Head of the Design Department; responsible for growing and mentoring a design team, improving processes and communication across teams, networking to build long-term relationships, client meetings and briefs, development of design concepts and branding, competitive pitching, space planning, concept development, FF&E and finishes management, liaising with suppliers & contractors, coordinating fabrication and on-site installation, and staff hiring/training.
Founder & Design Director at MVH Design House
September 1, 2014 - January 1, 2022
Founder and Design Director setting up a design-led practice. Responsibilities included branding, marketing, lead generation, client acquisition, site surveys, end-to-end design of entire homes (including kitchens, bathrooms, bespoke joinery/wardrobes), managing technical specifications (lighting, electrical, plumbing), coordinating trades, cost/timeline planning, FF&E, supplier liaison, and on-site installation; mentoring program to support women in the industry.
Head of Design / Design Director at Maris Interiors
September 1, 2007 - January 1, 2014
Led design department for office fit-out and residential refurbishments; concept development, branding, competitive pitching, space planning, and documentation; managed technical specifications, landlord/statutory requirements, FF&E & finishes, supplier/contractor liaison, and on-site installation; supervised design team and mentored staff.
Interior Designer / Project Manager at Source Interior Brand Architecture
October 1, 2006 - July 1, 2007
Cape Town interior designer & project manager responsible for branding, design development and documentation, client briefings, site surveys, budget/time management, contractor quotes, weekly construction programs, FF&E/finishes coordination, and client liaison.
Interior Designer / Space Planner at Giant Leap Workspace Specialist
August 1, 2003 - August 1, 2004
Interior designer/space planner handling projects from concept to completion; space analysis, block layouts, working drawings for interior fit-out, joinery detail drawings, material sourcing, supplier liaison, site supervision, and client presentations.
Brand Manager / Furniture Consultant at Kartell (South Africa)
October 1, 2006 - July 1, 2007
Brand development and showroom design; marketing Kartell products; organizing launches; managing stock forecasts; maintaining relationships with architects/designers; space planning and client proposals.

Education

National Higher Diploma - Interior Design at Cape Peninsula University of Technology
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2002

Qualifications

National Higher Diploma - Interior Design
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2002

Industry Experience

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