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Our journey together

Your home is more than just an edifice, it functions as the backdrop to the triumphs, tribulations, and day-to-day routine of your life. Because of this, we believe you deserve a home that reflects your unique spirit – a home conceived through personal reflection, thoughtful design, and quality craftsmanship.

We have devoted ourselves to transforming this belief into a reality by combining architecture, interiors, and landscape design to create a holistic approach to realizing homes that surprise and delight our clients.

From our first meeting, Carib and Gabriela were interested in designing a beautiful home specifically for our family and site. They listened deeply to our needs and wants, walking us through a number of options, and refining our final choice. This collaborative process resulted in a home that continues to charm us every day.

— John & Catherine

How we help

We are distinguished by our creative problem solving, attention to detail, and continual striving for beauty. Over the last decade, we’ve fine-tuned our three-phase process that begins by exploring a range of design possibilities, continues with the detailed documentation of the project, and concludes with the administration work necessary to deliver the finished home.

Throughout this process we honor the craft that brings our designs to life. To that end, we’ve developed a Project Team Approach that forms a productive relationship between the client, builder, and architect – one that fosters trust, facilitates the design and construction process, and culminates in a beautiful space to be cherished for generations to come.

Your life afterwards

Regardless of the beauty of the finished project, what truly matters is the life you live within it. That’s why we take great pride in the knowledge that our homes populate the memories of people’s childhood. That, what began as a discussion around the dining room table, results in the lush landscape of our clients’ daily experiences – an oasis and sanctuary for them throughout their life.

When I get home after an exhausting, stressful day of work, the space lifts my spirits and brightens my mood. When I walk in to my kitchen on a lazy Sunday, I feel like I'm on vacation. It literally sparks joy for us every week.

— John & Mara

Meet our team

To make this possible, we've gathered a tight-knit team of passion-driven individuals who are devoted to their work and tackle every project with an open mind, a clean sheet of paper, and a thirst for creative solutions. We are bound together by our common appreciation of good design and realize it transcends any specific style or preference. For this reason, we are excited to collaborate with our clients to create the unique homes that are tailored to their life and personality.

Carib Daniel Martin
Principal Architect

Carib Daniel Martin

Principal Architect

“Preconceptions are the death of good design.”

Carib grew up in small-town southern Illinois. From a young age he inexplicably knew he would be an architect. In the fifth grade he started designing homes for all his classmates. By the time he was in high school he had his first real clients. Carib went on to graduate Pratt Institute, in New York, where he achieved the “Circle Award of Excellence.” Around the turn of the century he arrived in DC and, within a few years, the Washington Post called his work “eloquent protests against the global status quo.” His mother, on the other hand, simply calls it “interesting.”

 

To contact Carib, call our office or email him at carib@caribdanielmartin.com.

M. Gabriela Leniz
Principal Designer

M. Gabriela Leniz

Principal Designer

“Good design transcends stylistic preferences.”

Growing up in Caracas, Gabriela’s parents built an architect-designed home. Experiencing the design and construction process first-hand fascinated her and ultimately inspired her to follow a similar career path. To that end, Gabriela studied architecture at the Universidad Central de Venezuela. After working with a local renowned architect, and itching for an adventure, she left and established herself in DC where she devoted herself to the residential design field. Today, Gabriela can be found arguing with Carib on the right species of wood for a kitchen cabinet, or the best shade of white paint ... the same debates their clients have.

To contact Gabriela, call our office or email her at gabriela@caribdanielmartin.com.

Sue Bryan
Project Architect

Sue Bryan

Project Architect

“Don’t make it an addition, make it part of the original house.”

Sue was raised in the suburbs of New York. At eight years old, she worked beside her father and grandfather to build a barn and, at that moment, she knew she wanted to be an architect. Following her dream, Sue journeyed to the University of Virginia where she fell in love with the “South”. Afterwards she settled in DC, attended the University of Maryland graduate program, and raised a family – all while pursuing her passion for residential architecture. When not busy managing a project, Sue is most likely relaxing on her boat with her toes in the waters of Lake Murray.

To contact Sue, call our office or email her at sue@caribdanielmartin.com.

Nick Wilson
Project Designer

Nick Wilson

Project Designer

“Architecture should engage all of your senses, not just your eyes.”

 

Born into a family of builders, architects and dancers, Nick grew up in a creative environment. His joy in working with his hands, lead him to Virginia Tech School of Architecture, and later, a farm in rural Maryland. These experiences taught Nick to appreciate both modern design and traditional techniques. This appreciation was displayed in the AIA Emerging Professionals Exhibition through his proposed transformation of a grain silo into a library. When not at his desk dreaming up new spaces, or sketching coworkers, Nick can be found on one of his many bicycles exploring the limits of endurance and fashionable spandex.

 

To contact Nick, call our office or email him at nick@caribdanielmartin.com.

Lisa Quandt
Project Architect

Lisa Quandt

Project Architect

“A home should be as unique as its inhabitants.”

 

A DMV native, Lisa’s builder/developer father introduced her to construction sites early on. While visiting relatives, her idea of architecture as a career that could blend art and practicality blossomed during neighborhood walks in Chicago. She stayed in the Midwest to attend Iowa State University (not Ohio!) before returning to pursue residential architecture - winning beautification and historic preservation awards in the process. Lisa now resides in Del Ray with her two kids, two dogs, and one husband. When not working, Lisa is usually outdoors: gardening, boating, biking, playing with family, and accidentally stepping in dog poo more than she’d like!

 

To contact Lisa, call our office or email her at lisa@caribdanielmartin.com.

 

J.C. Comeau
Project Designer

J.C. Comeau

Project Designer

'Search for timelessness in design.'

 

J.C.’s interest in architecture was sparked through conversations had while walking with his architect father. The talks would inevitably turn to the houses they passed and how their charm improved the neighborhood or, for the not-so-nice houses, what could be done to improve their lot. Eventually, this interest led him to Virginia Tech where he studied architecture and design, before returning home to Arlington. With newfound perspective, J.C. walks those same streets once again, focusing on the impact an architect can have on the streetscape, those who walk along it, and the lives of those who reside within the varied homes.

 

To contact J.C., call our office or email him at johnchristian@caribdanielmartin.com.

 

Katie Zimmerman
Office Manager

Katie Zimmerman

Office Manager

“If it doesn't bring you peace or joy, it's time for a change.”

 

Raised in western Maryland, and continually redecorating her bedroom, Katie proved to be an organizer and planner early on. Curious about the world and its cultures, Katie attended Ithaca College and designed her own major in International Relations. After adventuring in the deserts of Egypt, Jordan, and Phoenix, Katie landed in DC as a small business administrator. Through her work, she helped construct company foundations, refined business infrastructures, and envisioned scaffolding to assist successful teams thrive in their profession. When she isn't color-coding spreadsheets, or achieving “inbox zero,” she’s likely spoiling her cat, Nellie, or redecorating her living room ... again.

 

To contact Katie, call our office or email her at katie@caribdanielmartin.com.