ALAO is a Cobble Hill–based, award-winning architecture and interior design
practice crafting homes and commercial spaces that inspire joy and embody a
sense of brightness, openness, and comfort. We start with a conversation to
understand how you live and what you value as the foundation to create
environments that feel deeply personal and enduring.
Led by Aya Maceda, architect and interior designer, and James Carse, architect and
urban designer, ALAO works closely with homeowners throughout Brooklyn on
brownstone renovations, additions, apartments and second homes, as well as
multifamily, institutional, office, and retail projects. The studio is known for a hands-on,
collaborative process that helps clients navigate complex projects with clarity, care, and
confidence—from early conversations through construction.
ALAO approaches design as a shared effort, guiding clients while ensuring that each
project reflects their needs and priorities. The goal is not to impose a singular vision, but
to create spaces that feel intuitive, comfortable, and a joy to be in—whether it be homes
that families return to, gather in, and grow with over time; or commercial spaces that
reflect the values of the company.
Alongside client work, ALAO is committed to expanding access to architecture through
advocacy efforts that support artists’ communities, provide design education for
children, and offer design services to organizations and communities with limited access
to architects. Whether working on a private home or a public-facing project, the practice
is guided by the belief that thoughtful design can improve daily life and help people feel
rooted to a place.