From an early age, Marija developed a strong interest in art, becoming comfortable with drawing and recognizing the artistic elements in her surroundings. Growing up in Croatia, she often discussed interior design with her mother, a painter, which sparked her passion for the field. Following this newfound interest, she enrolled in the High School of Fine Arts in Split, where she took her first classes in interior design, product design, and architectural theory.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture and Spatial Design from the University of Northampton, UK, and later completed her master’s degree in Interior Design at the University of Texas at Austin. Throughout her education, she received various awards, including design excellence awards, recognition as an outstanding graduate of interior design, and being named one of the "Future 100" architects and interior designers across the U.S. and Canada by Metropolis Magazine. After graduating, she gained experience at a architecture firm in New York City.

Today, Marija believes that interior design has a profound impact on human behavior and well-being. She emphasizes how thoughtful use of color, shape, texture, and functionality can transform a space. Her approach ensures that interior design flows with the architecture and surroundings, shaping functional forms and layering them with artistic textures. For her, interiors provide comfort, inspiration, and a true sense of belonging.