About Services Innovation Portfolio Team Get In Touch
designduo.ai
10+
Years
7+
Projects
4
Countries

Design Duo Properties LLC

Driven by
Design.
Defined by
Innovation.

Real estate investment, interior design excellence, and the power of artificial intelligence — working in harmony to transform properties worldwide.

View Our Work Our Story
Scroll

Where vision meets transformation

Design Duo is a dynamic real estate and interior design company led by Elizabeth "Ashley" Martins, President, and Joseph Haddad, VP of Operations. With a passion for transforming spaces and maximizing property value — and a commitment to embracing the most forward-thinking tools available — Design Duo operates at the intersection of design excellence, strategic investment, and artificial intelligence.

"Founded in 2017, Design Duo is committed to reimagining spaces through thoughtful design, strategic real estate investment, and the intelligent use of technology — because the future of design and real estate belongs to those who think ahead."

2015
Est. in Connecticut
Operating Worldwide
01
Interior Design Services
Expert design work, bringing creativity and functionality together to elevate any space — enhanced by AI-powered visualization.
02
Fix & Flip
Acquiring properties, renovating them to their fullest potential, and selling for maximum return — guided by data-driven market intelligence.
03
Buy, Fix & Rent
Building a strong, income-generating rental portfolio — optimized through smart investment analysis and superior design.

Our Services

01

Interior Design Services

A global sensibility applied to every project — from concept to completion. Creating spaces that are both visually stunning and functionally purposeful.

  • Residential & Luxury Design
  • Space Planning & Layout
  • Material & Finish Selection
  • Property Staging & Styling
  • Full Project Management
02

Fix & Flip

We identify undervalued properties, transform them through strategic renovation and expert design, and bring them to market at their highest potential value.

  • Property Acquisition
  • Renovation Management
  • Market Strategy & Timing
  • Value Maximization
  • ROI Optimization
03

Buy, Fix & Rent

We build long-term wealth through a disciplined buy-renovate-rent strategy, creating properties that attract quality tenants and generate consistent income.

  • Portfolio Development
  • Property Rehabilitation
  • Rental Market Positioning
  • Long-Term Income Strategy
  • International Markets

The future of design thinks

At Design Duo, Artificial Intelligence is embedded into the very fabric of how we work — from the first sketch to the final decision. We believe the future belongs to those who embrace innovation without losing the human touch.

designduo.ai

More than a web address — a declaration of intent

"At Design Duo, AI does not replace our creativity or our instincts — it amplifies them."
🧠
Design Intelligence

AI-powered tools generate design concepts, visualize spaces, and simulate transformations before a wall is touched.

📊
Smarter Decisions

AI-driven market analysis identifies high-potential properties and times investments with precision.

Project Efficiency

AI tools streamline project management, flag risks early, and keep renovations on time and on budget.

Client Experience

Immersive AI design previews help clients see their vision come to life before work begins.

🌍
Global Intelligence

AI tracks and interprets market signals across multiple geographies simultaneously — a true competitive edge.

Selected Portfolio

Seven transformative projects across the United States, Portugal, and Lebanon — each one a story of vision realized.

🇵🇹
In Progress
Ferragudo, Portugal
Clifftop Icon — Historic Renovation

An iconic cliffside residence overlooking the Atlantic — featured across TikTok and Instagram. Full interior transformation from Arabic heritage to modern-spa fusion with 5 suites, ocean-view dining, and a new elevator.

In Progress
🇺🇸
Completed
Tampa, Florida
Bayshore Boulevard — Fix & Rent

Dated 3-bedroom on iconic Bayshore Blvd transformed into two luxury master suites with walk-in closets, smart bathrooms, built-in coffee & wine bar, and dramatic focal walls.

Completed 2025
🇵🇹
Completed
Alvor, Portugal
Golf Course Villa — Holiday Rental

A premium Algarve villa on a premier golf course — now a top-earning holiday rental hosting celebrated European professional footballers. Design Duo's most commercially triumphant project.

Completed
🇱🇧
Completed
Beirut, Lebanon
The Neighbourhood Icon — Full Renovation

Abandoned single-story structure transformed — under strict preservation laws — into a soaring 3-story masterpiece. 4 master suites, butler's kitchen, and 360° mountain views.

Completed
🇺🇸
Completed
Hartford, Connecticut
Residential Transformation — Fix & Flip

Full redesign of backyard, walk-out basement with covered patio and built-in bar, and master suite — delivering strong returns in the Hartford market.

Completed
🇺🇸
Completed
Boston, Massachusetts
South Boston Waterfront — Buy & Rent

Prime South Boston waterfront apartment redesigned with new flooring, modern kitchen, and bedroom refresh — a polished rental in one of Boston's most desirable zip codes.

Completed
🇺🇸
Tampa, FL
United States
🇺🇸
Hartford, CT
United States
🇺🇸
Boston, MA
United States
🇺🇸
Westport, CT
United States
🇵🇹
Ferragudo
Portugal
🇵🇹
Alvor
Portugal
🇱🇧
Beirut
Lebanon
🌐
More Coming
Global Expansion

One vision.
Four countries.
Infinite possibility.

From the waterfronts of New England to the cliffs of the Algarve, from the hills of Beirut to the fairways of Portugal — Design Duo brings the same uncompromising standard of excellence to every market we enter.

10+
Years Active
4
Countries
7+
Projects

The people behind every transformation

EM
Elizabeth "Ashley" Martins
President

The driving creative force behind Design Duo. Ashley is a multi-business entrepreneur whose passion for design and innovation has shaped every project from concept to completion — across the US, Europe, and the Middle East.

🎓Bachelor of Science in Business
JH
Joseph Haddad
VP of Operations

With over 25 years building businesses from the ground up, Joseph brings engineering precision and MBA-level strategy to Design Duo's operations — a trusted partner to Ashley since 2006 across a wide range of companies and projects.

🎓Engineering Degree & MBA
DG
David Gunas
VP of Finance

A financial strategist with rare triple-domain expertise in real estate, logistics, and technology. David architects Design Duo's financial strategy — bringing multi-sector insight and data-driven precision to every investment decision across four countries.

🎓Bachelor's Degree in Finance
DZ
Dana Zbouni
VP of Compliance

A Penn Law JD with deep expertise in real estate law, regulatory compliance, and business contracts. Dana ensures every Design Duo transaction — across the US, Portugal, and Lebanon — is legally sound, strategically structured, and fully protected.

🎓Juris Doctor (JD) — University of Pennsylvania Law School
TM
Tala Mardelli
Lead Designer

An internationally trained designer educated in Lebanon and London, now leading all design projects from Portugal. Tala holds a Master's in Interior Design and Interior Architecture and brings a refined global perspective to every space she transforms.

🎓MSc Interior Design & Interior Architecture
GS
Georgio Samaha
Operations Manager

The operational engine behind Design Duo with over 7 years of experience across Lebanon and Portugal. Georgio ensures every project is delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standard — bridging creative vision with flawless execution.

🎓Bachelor's Degree in Business
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About Services Innovation Portfolio Team Get In Touch
designduo.ai
10+
Years
7+
Projects
4
Countries

Design Duo Properties LLC

Driven by
Design.
Defined by
Innovation.

Real estate investment, interior design excellence, and the power of artificial intelligence — working in harmony to transform properties worldwide.

View Our Work Our Story
Scroll

Where vision meets transformation

Design Duo is a dynamic real estate and interior design company led by Elizabeth "Ashley" Martins, President, and Joseph Haddad, VP of Operations. With a passion for transforming spaces and maximizing property value — and a commitment to embracing the most forward-thinking tools available — Design Duo operates at the intersection of design excellence, strategic investment, and artificial intelligence.

"Founded in 2017, Design Duo is committed to reimagining spaces through thoughtful design, strategic real estate investment, and the intelligent use of technology — because the future of design and real estate belongs to those who think ahead."

2015
Est. in Connecticut
Operating Worldwide
01
Interior Design Services
Expert design work, bringing creativity and functionality together to elevate any space — enhanced by AI-powered visualization.
02
Fix & Flip
Acquiring properties, renovating them to their fullest potential, and selling for maximum return — guided by data-driven market intelligence.
03
Buy, Fix & Rent
Building a strong, income-generating rental portfolio — optimized through smart investment analysis and superior design.

Our Services

01

Interior Design Services

A global sensibility applied to every project — from concept to completion. Creating spaces that are both visually stunning and functionally purposeful.

  • Residential & Luxury Design
  • Space Planning & Layout
  • Material & Finish Selection
  • Property Staging & Styling
  • Full Project Management
02

Fix & Flip

We identify undervalued properties, transform them through strategic renovation and expert design, and bring them to market at their highest potential value.

  • Property Acquisition
  • Renovation Management
  • Market Strategy & Timing
  • Value Maximization
  • ROI Optimization
03

Buy, Fix & Rent

We build long-term wealth through a disciplined buy-renovate-rent strategy, creating properties that attract quality tenants and generate consistent income.

  • Portfolio Development
  • Property Rehabilitation
  • Rental Market Positioning
  • Long-Term Income Strategy
  • International Markets

The future of design thinks

At Design Duo, Artificial Intelligence is embedded into the very fabric of how we work — from the first sketch to the final decision. We believe the future belongs to those who embrace innovation without losing the human touch.

designduo.ai

More than a web address — a declaration of intent

"At Design Duo, AI does not replace our creativity or our instincts — it amplifies them."
🧠
Design Intelligence

AI-powered tools generate design concepts, visualize spaces, and simulate transformations before a wall is touched.

📊
Smarter Decisions

AI-driven market analysis identifies high-potential properties and times investments with precision.

Project Efficiency

AI tools streamline project management, flag risks early, and keep renovations on time and on budget.

Client Experience

Immersive AI design previews help clients see their vision come to life before work begins.

🌍
Global Intelligence

AI tracks and interprets market signals across multiple geographies simultaneously — a true competitive edge.

Selected Portfolio

Seven transformative projects across the United States, Portugal, and Lebanon — each one a story of vision realized.

🇵🇹
In Progress
Ferragudo, Portugal
Clifftop Icon — Historic Renovation

An iconic cliffside residence overlooking the Atlantic — featured across TikTok and Instagram. Full interior transformation from Arabic heritage to modern-spa fusion with 5 suites, ocean-view dining, and a new elevator.

In Progress
🇺🇸
Completed
Tampa, Florida
Bayshore Boulevard — Fix & Rent

Dated 3-bedroom on iconic Bayshore Blvd transformed into two luxury master suites with walk-in closets, smart bathrooms, built-in coffee & wine bar, and dramatic focal walls.

Completed 2025
🇵🇹
Completed
Alvor, Portugal
Golf Course Villa — Holiday Rental

A premium Algarve villa on a premier golf course — now a top-earning holiday rental hosting celebrated European professional footballers. Design Duo's most commercially triumphant project.

Completed
🇱🇧
Completed
Beirut, Lebanon
The Neighbourhood Icon — Full Renovation

Abandoned single-story structure transformed — under strict preservation laws — into a soaring 3-story masterpiece. 4 master suites, butler's kitchen, and 360° mountain views.

Completed
🇺🇸
Completed
Hartford, Connecticut
Residential Transformation — Fix & Flip

Full redesign of backyard, walk-out basement with covered patio and built-in bar, and master suite — delivering strong returns in the Hartford market.

Completed
🇺🇸
Completed
Boston, Massachusetts
South Boston Waterfront — Buy & Rent

Prime South Boston waterfront apartment redesigned with new flooring, modern kitchen, and bedroom refresh — a polished rental in one of Boston's most desirable zip codes.

Completed
🇺🇸
Tampa, FL
United States
🇺🇸
Hartford, CT
United States
🇺🇸
Boston, MA
United States
🇺🇸
Westport, CT
United States
🇵🇹
Ferragudo
Portugal
🇵🇹
Alvor
Portugal
🇱🇧
Beirut
Lebanon
🌐
More Coming
Global Expansion

One vision.
Four countries.
Infinite possibility.

From the waterfronts of New England to the cliffs of the Algarve, from the hills of Beirut to the fairways of Portugal — Design Duo brings the same uncompromising standard of excellence to every market we enter.

10+
Years Active
4
Countries
7+
Projects

The people behind every transformation

EM
Elizabeth "Ashley" Martins
President

A driven entrepreneur and business owner with a portfolio of multiple successful ventures. Ashley is the main driving force behind Design Duo — hands-on and instrumental in every project, bringing vision, energy, and creative leadership from concept to completion.

🎓 Bachelor of Science in Business
JH
Joseph Haddad
VP of Operations

The financial backbone of Design Duo with over 25 years of experience building businesses from the ground up. A trusted partner to Ashley since 2006, Joseph approaches every investment with technical precision and sharp business strategy.

🎓 Engineering Degree & MBA
TM
Tala Mardelli
Lead Designer

An internationally trained designer bringing a refined global perspective to every project. Educated in Lebanon and London, she honed her craft in London's competitive design scene and now leads all design projects from Portugal.

🎓 MSc Interior Design & Interior Architecture

Let's build something extraordinary together.

Whether you're interested in our investment opportunities, looking for an interior design partner, or simply want to learn more about Design Duo — we'd love to hear from you.