The Architecture of Joy with Raquel Aparicio

What makes a space feel like home? Architect Raquel Aparicio, founder of Mara Design, reveals how her childhood journey from Portugal to China sparked a lifelong passion for meaningful design. Creating spaces filled with joy and meaning, Raquel blends creativity, efficiency and purpose, Raquel transforms spaces into havens of joy and belonging. Raquel explores the emotional impact of colour, culture and user experience on wellbeing. From navigating change to designing for connection, discover how architecture can be both profitable and deeply human. Preparation, empathy and personal identity shape the places we love most so tune in to discover the architecture of joy. KEY TAKEAWAY ‘It's all about how people experience spaces and how those spaces make them feel.’   ABOUT RAQUEL Raquel is the founder of Mar Design, a bespoke design and architecture studio for property developers and investors. With 20 years of international experience and a background in major projects like the Four Seasons Hotel and Chelsea Barracks, she combines design expertise with a developer’s mindset to create high-performing, transformational homes. Driven by her own experience of displacement, Raquel’s mission is to design spaces that feel like true homes, places that enrich lives and that people love and can call their own. Through Mar Design, she empowers developers to achieve higher profits, build lasting legacies, and gain the freedom to focus on what matters most.     CONNECT WITH RAQUEL https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-aparicio-mardesignuk/ https://www.instagram.com/mardesignuk/ https://www.mar-design.co.uk/     ABOUT THE HOST - AMY ROWLINSON Amy is a purpose and fulfilment coach, author, podcast strategist, podcaster and mastermind host helping you to improve productivity, engagement and fulfilment in your everyday life and work. Prepare to banish overwhelm, underwhelm and frustration to live with clarity of purpose.   BOOK RECOMMENDATION* Shortlisted in The Business Book Awards 2025 (Work and Life category): Focus on Why: Create a Purposeful Way of Life by Amy Rowlinson with George F. Kerr – https://amzn.eu/d/6W02HWu   WORK WITH AMY If you’re interested in how purpose can help you and your business, please book a free 30 min call via https://calendly.com/amyrowlinson/call   KEEP IN TOUCH WITH AMY Sign up for the weekly Friday Focus - https://www.amyrowlinson.com/subscribe-to-weekly-newsletter   CONNECT WITH AMY https://linktr.ee/AmyRowlinson   HOSTED BY: Amy Rowlinson   DISCLAIMER The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast belong solely to the host and guest speakers. Please conduct your own due diligence. *As an Amazon Associate, Amy earns from qualifying purchases.