Maria Abapolnikova

Associate, Maria Abapolnikova is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from the George Washington University Interior Design Program, and has a background in both residential and commercial interior design. She started her career working on high-end residential projects in the Great Falls and McLean areas of Virginia and gradually became involved with commercial hospitality design with the Carlyle Group and Ritz Carlton Residences. She has experience with all stages of the interior design process, and is always glad to advise the client on any design issues beyond lighting, including conceptual design, space planning, FF&E selection, and more. Her work has also been published in Washington Spaces magazine. Maria is also LEED AP certified.

She always had a keen interest in lighting and was eager to explore a career in lighting design when the opportunity arose. Maria enjoys painting and hand rendering, and teaches Perspective drawing to design students at her alma mater. She is proficient in the latest computer analysis and production software including AutoCAD, SketchUp, AGI32, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Originally from Russia, Maria finds inspiration in its historic and cultural traditions. She especially admires the architecture of Saint Petersburg, also called "Northern Venice" for its beauty. She originally pursued a career in Civil Law before coming to the States to follow her passion for design and has never regretted it once.