Our Studio
BAMO is a collective of designers united by artistry, perspective, and collaboration.
From our offices in San Francisco, Providence, Miami, and Barcelona, we bring together diverse voices and shared expertise to create interiors recognized for their clarity, character, and impact. Our strength lies in the collective — a culture built on dialogue, craftsmanship, and a commitment to excellence that extends beyond design into lasting relationships and influence.
BAMO’s voice extends into the broader design community, where we engage with peers, thought leaders, and cultural innovators. We see design as a platform for influence — not only in the spaces we create, but in the conversations that define the industry. Through these affiliations and collaborations, we contribute ideas that shape perspectives and help set the tone for what design means today and where it is headed.


Team
Sergio Mercado
University of Miami
Pamela Babey
Pamela Babey is a founding partner of BAMO and a visionary whose body of work has helped define the language of modern luxury interiors. Known for her painterly use of color, reverence for craftsmanship, and deep sensitivity to place, Pamela approaches each project as a blank page — a “carta bianca” — allowing the client, context, and narrative to guide the design.
Pamela’s legacy is evident in her award-winning portfolio of international hotels, estates, yachts, and residences, and in the generation of designers she has mentored. Her interiors evoke both elegance and joy, infused with artistry, authenticity, and just the right amount of eccentricity. Whether designing a Venetian-inspired villa or a contemporary retreat, Pamela creates spaces that are rich in texture, emotionally resonant, and designed to be lived in — not looked at.
Recognized by Interior Design’s Hall of Fame and Hospitality Design’s Platinum Circle, Pamela has left an indelible mark on the global design world. Her influence continues to shape BAMO’s creative spirit and commitment to timeless, character-driven design.
Bachelor of Architecture, University of California Berkeley
At home, in my Fortuny lined bedroom, reading in bed at twilight.
Being a member of the Save Venice foundation is positive.
Interior Design Hall of Fame inductee
Janet Mercier
Janet is an intuitive designer and thoughtful mentor to her colleagues, instilling confidence in her teams throughout the design process. Her hospitality and residential interiors expertise and her capacity to manage a project from design to completion produce a sense of enthusiasm and community between clients, consultants, and design teams.
Elevating sustainability across all our projects is a priority, and Janet is championing everyone to be more sustainable, including her clients. This philosophy impacts everything to elevate health and wellness — from material selections and smart systems integration to creating opportunities for natural light and linking indoor-outdoor spaces.
Her process is a creative journey, beginning with listening to her clients and then exploring and defining a site’s impact on the design. These elements and other influences, such as style and spatial flow, are distilled together to reveal the project’s essence and design narrative — and inspire the project’s form.
Janet is an incredibly collaborative leader and problem solver who encourages her team to originate fresh design ideas and create dynamic environments. She works closely with our leadership to provide seamless coordination between disciplines and visions.
Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design & Environmental Design, Technological University Dublin, Ireland
Amaza Lam
With over 25 years of experience, Amaza is an Associate Principal at BAMO, leading hospitality and residential projects that are layered, thoughtful, and rooted in purpose. She believes good design enhances everyday life, especially when it reflects a client’s unique story and sense of place.
Influenced by her upbringing in Macau, she brings cultural sensitivity and a global perspective to each project. From private homes and branded residences to island resorts, she focuses on creating environments that promote well-being, comfort, and beauty. She is motivated by BAMO’s mission to create spaces that inspire, delight, and reflect each client’s unique identity and culture. She is passionate about mentoring young designers and fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented studio culture.
Her goal is simple: to design spaces that inspire — and to ensure every client feels truly cared for.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design, San Jose State University
My backyard garden, I can spend a long time there by myself – it’s a calm place to think and absorb my surroundings.
I find joy in serving my parish; engaging young people, organizing events, and coordinating volunteers for programs like the Winter Shelter.
A kind compliment from a client – “You are truly amazing, Amaza!”
Lauren McGuier
Lauren is gifted at cultivating clear and cohesive project concepts and collaborating closely with her team to ensure the vision is realized. She layers architecture, furniture, art, and accessories to attain the envisioned experience. Simultaneously, she focuses on the big idea and minute details to challenge the ordinary to create spaces for pleasure, joy, and delight.
Lauren is a problem-solver and loves how design can improve the quality of life. Her designs are filled with light, abundant with colors found in nature, and materials that boost the well-being of her clients. She doesn’t want more for more — she wants more meaningful and holistic solutions that generate greater environmental impact — sustainably and socially.
Regarded as a tremendous mentor and champion within our studio, Lauren is an integral contributor to her team. She nurtures diverse ideas and efficiently manages the specification and documents process for quality control and seamless delivery. She believes good design and the best solutions come from multiple voices — inspired by the different elements that everyone brings to the table.
Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Interior Design, Cornish College of the Arts, Seattle
Amy Margolis
Amy Margolis leads with clarity, empathy, and a deep respect for the people and priorities behind every project. As Studio Director for BAMO East, she brings a rare ability to navigate complexity with purpose — shaping interiors that are not only visually compelling but strategically aligned with her clients’ goals.
Known for her adaptability and big-picture thinking, Amy is as skilled at translating vision into built form as she is at managing the nuances of evolving stakeholder needs. Her approach is rooted in listening: to the client, the site, and the team — distilling multiple perspectives into environments that feel honest, intuitive, and enduring.
Her work is driven by purpose as much as aesthetics, with a focus on designs that foster connection, clarity, and a meaningful experience of place.
BFA Interior Architecture, California College of the Arts, San Francisco
BA International Relations, University of California, Davis
Mira Asher
Mira connects the dots others might not see — creating refined projects that integrate interiors, furniture, and art into cohesive, thoughtful environments. Her client-centered approach begins with a big-picture view, developing solutions that balance creativity with purpose.
Curious and globally inspired, Mira draws from contrasting influences to craft spaces where people and their surroundings exist in harmony — each element enhancing the other and enriching daily life.
An invaluable collaborator, she excels at visual and verbal communication, helping clients clearly envision design ideas and possibilities. Known for her humor and openness, Mira brings energy and inclusivity to early charettes and team collaborations, encouraging emerging designers to share their voices and contribute fearlessly.
Master of Architecture, Tulane University
Kari Kleinmann
Gabriela Clark
Gabriela believes great design starts with empathy.
She doesn’t just create beautiful spaces, she listens deeply to understand her clients’ aspirations and the experiences they want to create, whether for their guests or themselves.
Her style is casual-modern: a thoughtful blend of natural materials, refined textures, and timeless elements with a touch of modernity. Guided by research and a deep knowledge of materials and furniture, Gabriela designs spaces that feel both grounded and elevated.
She’s fascinated by the relationship between the built environment and human experience: how scale, comfort, and flow can shape conversation and connection. Calm and collaborative, Gabriela fosters a culture of openness where great ideas emerge through shared dialogue.
Masters of Fine Art in Interior Architecture & Design, Academy of Art University
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, Trinity University
In her garden, a place of calm and creativity.
Actively involved in community restoration projects, creating green spaces, and restoring native habitats.
Completing The Ameswell Hotel — a project that fulfilled sustainability goals and showcased her leadership in design.
Tessa Garcia Almond
Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Art History, University of Maryland, College Park
Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design, New York School of Interior Design
Kyle Le
With extensive experience in high-end residential design, Kyle focuses on creating distinctive, innovative spaces. As a Senior Designer, he collaborates closely with architects, contractors, and clients to bring thoughtful, well-executed concepts to life — ranging from intimate remodels and expansive custom residences to select commercial and hospitality projects.
His design approach is grounded in collaboration, clarity of vision, and meticulous attention to detail. Each project reflects his ability to balance individuality with timeless design integrity.
In 2017, Kyle was recognized as one of NKBA’s 30 Under 30, honoring her contributions to the kitchen and bath industry. To him, great design is equal parts listening, problem-solving, and execution — an art of transforming ideas into spaces that feel both personal and enduring.
Bachelor of Interior Design, University of California, Davis
Hawaii, with its natural beauty, beaches, jungle, and fresh air.
Vietnam, the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, the street food, and the vibrant, joyful chaos of everyday life.
Being recognized as part of NKBA’s 30 Under 30 in 2017, celebrating the next generation of kitchen and bath innovators. As an active member of the NKBA Silicon Valley chapter, I’ve had the honor of hosting student symposium discussions at Canada College and West Valley College, helping inspire emerging designers.
Honored with multiple design awards through NKBA and NARI, including:
• NKBA Northern California Design Award – 2018 1st Place, Medium Kitchen B
• NKBA Northern California Judges’ Choice Award – 2018
• NARI Silicon Valley Meta Award – Gold, Entire House Over $1,000,000
Julie Mohan
Bachelor of Science, University of Cincinnati
Nicole Bertrand
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Southern California
Ann Carver Murphy
LEED Green Associate
Preem Benchangwisanu
Master of Arts, Interior Architecture & Design, Academy of Art University
Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Architecture and Design, Thammasat University
Our Values
Foster Bold Curiosity
Embrace creative exploration, confident originality in design and operations. Encourage adventurous thinking and fresh perspectives that redefine the boundaries of excellence.
Engage Graciously
Prioritize open communication, active listening and understanding, to foster meaningful partnerships built on trust, transparency, and shared visions. Commit to integrity, authenticity, trust, respect, and kindness that is holistic — extending to people, culture, communities, and the natural world.
Master Our Craft
Empower every team member to embody their full potential, upholding the mastery of craft and nurturing artistic sensibilities and design excellence. Merge the wisdom of time-honored craftsmanship with the innovation of the future through attention to detail and strong foundations.
Embrace Collaboration
Harness the strength of individual talents and perspectives to create a unified community that thrives on collaboration and adaptability, enriching our designs and relationships. Foster a culture of openness, candor, wellness, personal and collective growth through the diversity of our unique perspectives.
Infuse Joyful Spirit
Imbue our projects, culture and interactions with a sense of exuberance, delight, optimism, and gratitude, creating an atmosphere that uplifts and inspires all who engage with us and our spaces.
Our Legacy
BAMO’s story began with two commissions: the Four Seasons Hotel in Milan and McEvoy Ranch in Northern California. Those first projects set the course for our studio, establishing hospitality and residential design as the foundations of our practice. More than three decades later, those relationships continue to shape our work — with over a dozen collaborations for Four Seasons and many other luxury operators worldwide, as well as enduring partnerships with residential clients, some of whom we have now designed for across multiple generations. This legacy of trust and continuity reflects the values at the heart of BAMO: artistry, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to design excellence.
As Seen In