Marcelo Sáenz was born in Quito, Ecuador. Guided by an early and profound passion for design, he pursued a degree in Interior Design at Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial in Quito, where he graduated with a gold medal as the top student of his class. He began his career working as an interior designer for nearly two years before advancing his education with a master’s degree in Interior Design from the University of Salamanca in Spain.

Upon returning to Ecuador, Marcelo launched his own interior design firm, leading a wide portfolio of commercial projects across the country. His work positioned him as a key figure in developing new branding and franchise concepts for some of Ecuador’s largest retail chains, including pharmacies, banks, baby stores, and luxury residential common areas. He also oversaw interior design and renovation projects for renowned hospitality brands such as Hilton and Wyndham, delivering comprehensive, turnkey solutions.

In the next chapter of his career, Marcelo and his husband, Adrian, founded BeDESIGN, a high-end design showroom representing top European brands of furniture, closets, kitchens, and lighting. After commissioning extensive market research from a New York–based firm and identifying Houston as the optimal location, they opened the flagship showroom in the city. Today, as co-founder and lead designer of BeDESIGN, Marcelo works closely with architects and interior designers, guiding them in the selection of the finest Italian furniture while curating sophisticated vignettes across the 22,000-square-foot showroom.

Marcelo later partnered with the University of Salamanca’s master’s program team to establish BeDESIGN Madrid, expanding the brand internationally. This collaboration has opened new opportunities in interior design and enabled the placement of BeDESIGN’s curated furniture collections in unique and highly refined projects throughout Spain.

Driven not only by a passion for design but also by a commitment to giving back, Marcelo has been actively involved in philanthropic work. He has supported initiatives benefiting underserved children in Ecuador and currently contributes to several Houston-based cultural and nonprofit organizations, including the Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston, Houston Grand Opera, and Houston Symphony, among others.