About

BAAM studio was born from the belief in design that feels good.
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‍Space can awaken something in us when crafted with care, curiosity, and soul.

I’m Suzan, a multidisciplinary designer with over a decade of experience working in architecture firms, interior design, installation art, and furniture design. After years of practice, I’ve come to believe that the most powerful spaces are those that meet us emotionally, not just functionally.
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I hold a Master of Architecture and a Master of Science in Sustainable Architecture. While I draw from my spatial design foundations, I move freely across environmental design disciplines. I listen closely—to my clients’ needs and the context of each project—and let the design emerge from there.
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My approach is process-based and highly collaborative. I collaborate with a trusted network of professionals, forming teams tailored to each project’s needs. My design process is guided by experimentation, curiosity, and play, and rooted in a deep respect for environmental consciousness.
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Whether co-creating an installation, a spatial environment, or a piece of furniture, my work is guided by a passion for design that feels good. I believe thoughtful design has the power to connect, uplift, and bring us into alignment with ourselves and each other.

Process and Services

Design Process:


1. Deep Listening:
‍Our process begins with deep listening to you and to the site. We ask questions that move beyond surface desires to uncover what truly aligns with the deeper purpose of the space. This phase is about laying the foundation and reaching the essence of a story yet to be told.

‍2. Exploration / Concept Generation:
‍At this stage, I begin sketching conceptual ideas and gathering references. I create an inspiration board filled with materials that resonate: paper models, paintings, writings, textures, objects, poems, and images that capture the project's essence. I let the process stay open and intuitive, following what best supports the story beginning to take shape. I closely share this early phase with you to see how the concept honors the context and resonates with you and those who will inhabit or engage with the project.

‍3. Forming Spaces:
‍This is where the concept begins to take form, shaped through an ongoing exchange with your reflections throughout the creative process. I explore spatial quality through model making and digital tools, studying how light, movement, sequence, material, and textures come together to shape the space. Sketches, physical and digital models, come into play as I translate the concept into material form.

‍4. Refinement & Detailing:
‍ In this step, we move into detailed 3D modeling and drawings, refining the spatial experience and functionality of the space. I create virtual walkthroughs to help you experience how the design flows. I develop material, texture, and color palette boards, guiding us through a thoughtful material selection process. I consider how each material feels, the sensory imprint it leaves, and how it contributes to the overall coherence and harmony of the design. I also work closely with collaborators, craftspeople, consultants, and fabricators to test details, explore finishes, and ensure that all the elements are aligned with the integrity of the design.

‍5. Documentation In this phase, I develop design drawings and documentation that translate the project vision into a clear, coordinated set of materials for the project team.

‍6. Administration I stay involved throughout the build, making site visits to collaborate with the builder, address design-related questions, and help ensure the design intent is carried through the construction process. For furniture and installation projects, I often take on the role of builder myself, staying fully engaged from concept to completion.

Design Consultation

If you’re seeking clarity before diving into a full project, we offer design consultations to explore your ideas, define your vision, and provide thoughtful direction.

Installation Design

Installation art has the power to transform space at any scale. From public works to temporary spatial experiences, I create immersive environments that invite connection, reflection, and interaction. Each piece is rooted in concept and context, and brought to life through a hands-on, intuitive process. With access to a fully equipped shop and a trusted network of collaborators, I stay closely involved from early sketches to on-site installation.

Bryan Marcias, UC San Diego: During the construction phase of Design and Innovation, Suzan was a pivotal figure in the hands on development of installation art wall in the 2-story entrance lobby. Her technical ability to work with the fabrication to develop the proper shop drawings, her aesthetic acumen to make in field adjustments and her passion to achieve a high quality result lead to the success of a major thematic element inside the building.

Spatial Design & Documentation

I offer thoughtful spatial design shaped by care, collaboration, and attention to how people experience their surroundings. My approach is hands-on and collaborative, guiding projects from early concepts through design development and documentation while working closely with clients, consultants, builders, and licensed professionals as needed.

  • Concept & Spatial Design
  • Design Development
  • Documentation
  • Collaboration with Consultants & Builders
  • Administraion

Interior Design and Furniture Design

I approach interiors like spatial compositions, curating color, texture, light, and layout to create environments that feel alive and aligned with your life. I design and build custom furniture shaped by the unique needs of each space.

Every project is rooted in close collaboration with the client, with a strong focus on spatial flow, harmony, and the emotional imprint a space leaves on us.

  1. Spatial layout, fit plan,  and flow studies
  2. Material and color palette development
  3. Custom furniture design and craft
  4. Lighting Design
Contact me for a free consultation
Office view