ABOUT YIAYIA

Inspired by the Greek word for “Grandmother,” YIAYIA is more than an interior design studio - it’s a tribute to timeless comfort, soulful living and the deep-rooted beauty of heritage.

Based in Seattle, the studio creates interiors that balance modern restraint with soulful warmth—spaces defined by their material richness, quiet elegance, and connection to place.

Our portfolio spans private residences, boutique multifamily developments, and intimate hospitality spaces. While our aesthetic adapts to each individual project, our approach remains consistent: thoughtful, collaborative, enduring quality, and an appreciation for subtle detail and beauty.

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We work closely with clients, architects, builders, and skilled makers to ensure every project evolves through shared dialogue and craftsmanship. This integrated process allows each space to reflect not only its inhabitants, but also the collective vision and expertise that brought it to life.

Whether it’s a sunlit kitchen that echoes the scent of home-cooked meals or a serene living space inviting connection and calm; each commission is an intimate collaboration—tailored to reflect how you live and what you love, realized with care, precision, and an enduring respect for beauty that feels both timeless and alive.

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Marie Daskalas, Principal and founder of STUDIO YIAYIA, has always been fascinated by how spaces shape the way we live—how light, texture, and proportion can carry memory, meaning, and emotion. Her love of design was nurtured through her mother and her travels around the world, where art, architecture, and landscape deepened her understanding of beauty, place, and the rhythms of daily life.

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, she now calls Seattle home with her husband and two littles.

After studying interior architecture, Marie spent two years in Amsterdam, honing her craft and falling in love with Dutch Design and The Netherlands, working with Studio Modijefsky and Studio Molen, who are dear friends. After moving back to the states she had formative years at Nicole Hollis in San Francisco and Olson Kundig in Seattle, leading residential and hospitality projects that emphasized material richness, context, and thoughtful detail. Learning so much along the way - having met incredible colleagues and mentors that she still calls friends.

With STUDIO YIAYIA, Marie creates interiors that are personal, timeless, and alive—spaces that embrace nature, celebrate craft, and foster connection. Whether hosting a dinner party, sharing a quiet meal with family, or playing with her children, she believes a home should invite joy, nurture connection, and hold the stories of those who inhabit it. Every project is a collaboration with her clients, architects, builders, and skilled makers, ensuring each space is carefully layered, deeply considered, and quietly unforgettable.