In interior design, it’s easy to get caught up in stunning spaces, creative visuals, and those satisfying before-and-after makeovers. But behind all those perfectly placed cushions and carefully chosen curtains, the real story unfolds—sometimes it’s pure magic, and other times it’s total chaos, depending on how well the designer knows the realities of the job. That hidden side is exactly why the new Tu žive ljudi Masterclass called Field Know-How has caught so much attention, even from designers who already feel confident in their work. This hands-on course, happening on June 6, 2025, in Zagreb, is less about trends and more about sharing real, on-the-ground experience. We talked with Maja Mihovilović, founder of the Tu žive ljudi studio, to get the inside scoop on what this training is really about.

When Maja Mihovilović launched her studio five years ago, design wasn’t just a job, it was an extension of her personality. A blend of aesthetics, function, and a deep understanding of how people live in space. It is from this same authenticity that Field Know-How was born - a masterclass for those who want to understand how interior design truly operates on-site. This form of expert education represents a fresh, grounded approach to design, one that doesn’t end with a moodboard, but begins with a construction site. With this program, Mihovilović once again emphasizes that beautiful spaces are made by people, not only the ones who live in them but also those who build them. And to build with skill and precision is more important now than ever.

“People often romanticize design, but the real challenges begin when you have to connect your vision to actual execution,” Maja explains. “That kind of know-how is rarely covered in theory, yet it heavily affects the final result. I remember my own beginnings, feeling lost and overwhelmed, thinking how much easier it would have been if something like this had existed then. This masterclass doesn’t aim to teach people how to decorate beautifully—there are enough courses like that already. I want to share how to communicate with contractors, how to recognize good craftsmen, and what to do when things go wrong on-site. I want to create a safe space for questions, mistakes, and curiosity—because design isn’t just about shaping space, it’s also about shaping relationships: with people, materials, timelines, and the entire design process. In that messy middle—between spreadsheets, people, and deadlines, I’ve found the greatest satisfaction. And in sharing that knowledge, I’ve found another purpose,” she says.

Field Know-How Masterclass

The Field Know-How masterclass is structured as a one-day, intensive learning experience, with a focus on practical knowledge. It includes real examples from design sites and guided discussions about realistic challenges. Participants will go through all the key phases of a space renovation, from structural construction work to final furnishings. The program covers everything in one coherent flow: walls and ceilings, installations, flooring, ceramics, plumbing, windows, doors, and custom-made furniture.

What may surprise many is that this seasoned interior designer once studied mass media and even taught at university. Her career began in academia, while interior design lived as a parallel passion, until she finally took the leap and opened her own studio. The decision to shift careers and launch Tu žive ljudi was not made lightly. It stemmed from a need to create something tangible, meaningful, and personal. Even as a child, Maja showed a fascination with space, playing for hours with LEGO, sketching floor plans, and helping her parents choose curtains. Today, she brings the same passion and curiosity to every client project. Her scientific and systematic thinking now shapes the structure of her educational programs.

“When choosing the studio’s name, I didn’t want anything generic. I wanted it to reflect my belief—people live in spaces, not trends. That’s why we’re Tu žive ljudi (People Live Here). I always start from the user—do they have pets, where do they drink their morning coffee, how do they like to cook? Space should reflect a person, not be just an aesthetic exercise. I’m convinced design can’t be good unless it’s rooted in reality—which is noisy, dusty, and often chaotic. That’s why field knowledge is so important.Participants will learn concrete things—conditions for laying flooring and tiles, how to organize electrical installations and lighting, how to design custom furniture, but also how to ask questions, react to problems, and be confident when proposing ideas to clients.”— she explains.

From wires in walls to pipes in the floor, real project life begins long before the final reveal. The greatest value of Maja’s work lies in how she connects all parts of the process, from concept to execution. Many people struggle with renovations, contractors fall behind, work drags on, and budgets explode. That’s why her studio offers a “key in hand” service—an all-in-one solution that includes design, project coordination, procurement, and final clean-up. The client only has to move in.

“‘Key in hand’ isn’t just an organizational model—it’s an idea of trust. It’s that moment when the client hands us full responsibility and knows they don’t have to worry about anything—from hiring workers to the last decorative detail. We manage everything—from the first sketch to the last cushion. That kind of complete service is, to me, a natural extension of design. Because good design isn’t just a pretty drawing or a photogenic render—it has to be buildable, functional, on time, and on budget. That’s why this education isn’t for those looking for a shortcut. It’s not a magic formula, but a collection of insights built over years—sometimes through mistakes, sometimes through success. You can’t learn that from a manual. You either go through it yourself—or learn it through an education that authentically passes it on,” Maja concludes.

This is just the beginning. Maja is also launching a follow-up masterclass, Business Know-How, later this year, with online versions of both courses coming in 2026.

Applications and more information about Field Know-How can be found on the brand’s dedicated platform: Tu žive ljudi Masterclass.

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