I'm a spatial and experiential designer based in Nairobi, working at the intersection of concept, craft, and environment. I founded Milada Made Studios to do design on my own terms — concept-led, culture-rooted, and always built with intention. My work spans interiors, set design, brand activations, bespoke furniture, and exhibition environments, but the thread running through all of it is the same: I believe space is a language, and every project is an opportunity to say something worth hearing. I work with my hands as much as I work with ideas. That maker sensibility — knowing how things are actually constructed, not just how they look on a render — is what keeps my design honest. I collaborate closely, communicate directly, and bring the same level of care to a client brief as I do to the objects and spaces I put into the world.

Stephanie Gitau

I'm a spatial and experiential designer based in Nairobi, working at the intersection of concept, craft, and environment. I founded Milada Made Studios to do design on my own terms — concept-led, culture-rooted, and always built with intention. My work spans interiors, set design, brand activations, bespoke furniture, and exhibition environments, but the thread running through all of it is the same: I believe space is a language, and every project is an opportunity to say something worth hearing. I work with my hands as much as I work with ideas. That maker sensibility — knowing how things are actually constructed, not just how they look on a render — is what keeps my design honest. I collaborate closely, communicate directly, and bring the same level of care to a client brief as I do to the objects and spaces I put into the world.

Available to hire

I’m a spatial and experiential designer based in Nairobi, working at the intersection of concept, craft, and environment. I founded Milada Made Studios to do design on my own terms — concept-led, culture-rooted, and always built with intention. My work spans interiors, set design, brand activations, bespoke furniture, and exhibition environments, but the thread running through all of it is the same: I believe space is a language, and every project is an opportunity to say something worth hearing.

I work with my hands as much as I work with ideas. That maker sensibility — knowing how things are actually constructed, not just how they look on a render — is what keeps my design honest. I collaborate closely, communicate directly, and bring the same level of care to a client brief as I do to the objects and spaces I put into the world.

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Language

English
Fluent
Swahili
Advanced

Work Experience

Interior, Product and Graphic Designer at Amber Africa/FunKidz
July 1, 2010 - December 1, 2014
Led sales and marketing for products and company brand, managed client accounts, and ensured quality control of products. Developed design concepts, established final briefs, negotiated project fees, and produced sample boards for presentations.
Graphic Designer at Arts Visual Create Design Studios
March 1, 2009 - May 1, 2010
Conceptualized creative designs to suit client requirements and managed materials for reproduction to meet deadlines.
Design Consultant at Barney Multimedia Group
January 1, 2008 - Present
Worked on various projects including office designs and furniture design, expressing skills through creative solutions.
Brand Designer at Shinda Africa's Youngest Brand Designer
June 1, 2006 - November 1, 2007
Developed corporate branding packages including logos, business cards, and promotional materials. Engaged with community initiatives involving street children.
Lead Concept-to-Completion Spatial & Interior Designer at Milada Made Studios Ltd.
January 1, 2020 - Present
Lead concept-to-completion spatial and interior design projects across residential, commercial, and hospitality contexts, developing distinct design languages for each brief. Oversaw bespoke furniture and installation design, managing fabrication collaborators from design intent through to quality-controlled delivery. Conducted client discovery, led design presentations, and managed iterative feedback—primarily through remote and synchronous communication workflows. Mentored junior creatives and stayed current with emerging materials and fabrication technologies to inform innovative concept-led solutions.

Education

Bachelor in Design at Nairobi University
January 11, 2030 - May 3, 2026

Qualifications

Certificate – Only Planet Program (Team)
January 1, 2008 - May 3, 2026
Certificate – Nokia Design Collaboration
January 1, 2007 - May 3, 2026
Certificate – 3D Design, Graphic Design & Multimedia — Shanghai Tao Media Arts College
January 1, 2005 - May 3, 2026
Certificate in Counseling — Hope Counseling
January 1, 2003 - May 3, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Retail, Education, Travel & Hospitality