Melanie Zanker | Mazzie Design

I’m a designer with over 20 years of experience in luxury residential design. My foundation in design started in the studios and workshops of art school, where I studied photography, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. That hands-on, process-driven experience gave me a strong understanding of colour, proportion, and spatial planning, all deeply rooted in craft, which continues to shape the refined approach I bring to every project.

I spent more than a decade designing and building custom cabinetry and furniture, learning alongside skilled tradespeople and honing my eye for detail and materials. That experience naturally evolved into full-scale interior design, where I apply the same attention to detail and understanding of materials to create thoughtful, well-executed spaces.

Since 2017, I’ve been working alongside Shirley Meisels, founder of Toronto’s acclaimed design firm Mhouse Inc. Together, we collaborate on residential projects that reflect our shared love of design. I focus on producing detailed SketchUp models and 3D renderings, coordinating with clients and contractors, and making sure every element of a project comes together seamlessly.

I work from my home studio in Toronto, Ontario, offering a full range of design skills including space planning, FF&E schedules, electrical plans, and millworker elevations. Whether I’m designing a full home renovation, a custom kitchen, or supporting other design firms with rendering services, my approach is hands-on, thoughtful, and grounded in the same respect for materials and craft that has guided my work from the start.

I’m always open to connecting about potential collaborations or creative projects.