Now welcoming select residential & hospitality commissions for 2026. Learn More →
The Studio

A Philosophy of Tactile Restraint

Founded on the belief that spaces shape our emotional well-being, Atelier Mara creates architectural sanctuaries balancing light, proportion, and bespoke materiality.

Our Design Credo

We reject ephemeral trends in favor of enduring architectural integrity. Our work emphasizes natural stone, patinated metals, hand-troweled lime wash, and solid timber.

By collaborating with master artisans globally, every console, door handle, and lighting pendant is designed to age with graceful patina.

Studio Benchmarks

  • ✓ Over 14 years of architectural leadership
  • ✓ 220+ residential and commercial commissions
  • ✓ Member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA)
  • ✓ Turnkey international procurement and white-glove delivery

Our Design Principals

Portrait of Mara Castellano, Founding Principal

Mara Castellano

Founding Principal & Design Director
Trained in Florence and practicing in San Francisco for over a decade, Mara leads each commission from first sketch to final install. Her work is rooted in the belief that proportion and light are the architecture of feeling.
Portrait of Theo Lindqvist, Senior Designer

Theo Lindqvist

Senior Designer & Millwork Lead
A joiner by training, Theo translates spatial concepts into buildable detail. He coordinates our workshop artisans and ensures every cabinet, stair, and threshold meets the studio's exacting tolerance.