Who we are
B E Y O N D T H E L I G H T
Welcome to A K A R I atmospheric design house— where the architecture of nature meets the discipline of high design.
Founded by MaryEllen Curran, A K A R I is the culmination of a life dedicated to capturing and creating space, atmosphere, and uncompromised luxury. Our philosophy is simple: we bring the restorative, silent energy of the natural world to life across both interior environments and exterior landscapes, seamlessly blurring the lines of architectural design.
Our Heritage: From Elite Hospitality to Master Design
Before A K A R I became a design house, our foundation was forged in the world of five-star luxury hospitality. As a former Chef Concierge, MaryEllen mastered the exact standards required to elevate a guest's sensory experience and command a premium atmosphere. We understand that a luxury space does not just require a product—it requires an immersive feeling.
AKARI is guided by a rare and deeply disciplined lineage of botanical mastery. Our relationship with nature’s architectural truths was forged through a study under the legendary Master Japanese Garden architect Hoichi Kurisu—Designer of the world-renowned Portland Japanese Gardens in Portland, Oregon.
Spanning an elite history that includes networking with and honoring the work of seven of the eight original master Japanese Garden Designers who physically built those renowned grounds, MaryEllen Curran’s knowledge is rooted in deep reverence. When MaryEllen was invited to lecture at the prestigious Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Japanese Masters and prestigious Garden Curators sat in the audience to listen.
When we work with living moss or design our signature floral installations, we are not just designing botanical art. We are connecting with an ancient, healing heritage of spatial equilibrium directly into the world’s most luxurious environments.
This deep understanding of VIP hospitality is seamlessly paired with professional botanical training. Living in Amsterdam for a month only added to her extensive comprehension of floral design. MaryEllen integrates master Japanese design studies alongside a life spent capturing the intricacy of nature as an international award-winning infrared photographer.
The Evolution of the Sanctuary to a Design House
For years, MaryEllen’s creative vision was anchored in aquaculture and the element of water—celebrated for creating and documenting the profound, vibrant energy of a renowned Koi sanctuary. Today, that exact same devotion to nature’s deep design has naturally expanded from river and koi pond waters to the pure, brilliant water here on Geneva Lake. MaryEllen has taken the structural design principles and the deep respect for nature's patterns developed at the sanctuary and applied them beautifully to both interior environments and exterior landscapes.
What We Create
Operating on a frequency where fine art photography and living materials intertwine, A K A R I designs bespoke atmospheric experiences for luxury resorts, boutique spas, and private fine art collectors:
Bespoke Botanical Installations: From preserved moss structures and wrapped, distinct floral presentations to dramatic, hanging glass root and tube installations.
Atmospheric Fine Art: High-contrast, monochromatic, and vivid fine art infrared prints that capture the invisible, architectural truths of nature.
The Boundless Future: Our ultimate journey is rooted in the earth, building toward the future fields of our signature Irish Moss Flower Farm.
Our Infrared Photography is a a US Trademark registered copyright for The Infrared Light Gallery®, by MaryEllen Malinowski Curran.
