STUDIO DEMARIA designs architecture rooted in place. Spaces that are grounded, intentional, and deeply attuned to their surroundings. Based on the California coast, the work is shaped by the edge where land meets sea, drawing inspiration from the region’s natural beauty, its climate, and its layered history. The light, the fog, and the rhythm of daily life all inform the studio’s approach.
STUDIO DEMARIA believes that architecture should belong to its site, to its context, and to the people who use it. Good design responds to the environment, emerging naturally from its surroundings.
STUDIO DEMARIA looks to California’s architectural heritage for guidance: the honesty of early missions, the comfort of classic bungalows, the simplicity of mid-century forms. These references help shape work that feels both familiar and fresh, rooted yet forward-looking.
STUDIO DEMARIA believes that materials matter. We favor natural elements like wood, stone, plaster; paired with thoughtful details and clean lines. Our buildings are designed to age beautifully, to adapt, and to last.
STUDIO DEMARIA approaches every project with care and intention. Whether a home, a retreat, or a commercial space, the process begins with understanding the people and places behind the work. The goal is always to create environments that feel calm, purposeful, and deeply human.
STUDIO DEMARIA builds with intention, grounded in people, place, and time.
STUDIO DEMARIA is a full-service architecture and consultancy firm based in Carmel, California. Founded by Justin DeMaria, the studio is guided by a philosophy of quiet sophistication and enduring beauty, creating site-responsive spaces that feel timeless and deeply connected to place.
Each project at STUDIO DEMARIA reflects a deep reverence for place, a commitment to thoughtful living, and an aesthetic that is both grounded and transcendent.
Justin DeMaria, AIA LEED-AP
Justin DeMaria is a Carmel native who has spent most of his life working on high-end homes on the Monterey Peninsula. His architectural career began locally with Mary Ann Schicketanz, followed by time at the renowned AD-100 firm Olson Kundig in Seattle. In 2025, he returned to Carmel to launch his own practice, quickly establishing himself as a respected architect in the community.
Justin comes from a long line of stone masons. His family first arrived on the peninsula in 1918 when his great-great-grandfather Giuseppe Marotta sailed from Sicily to help construct the Crocker Mansion. Their craftsmanship contributed to landmark projects ranging from the Hearst Castle to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Cabin in the Rocks.
In between projects, Justin creates custom furnishings and objects for his own personal use. This private passion eventually grew into Hanlon, a Bauhaus-inspired product line.
Nicholas Holzer
Emmett is a detail-oriented instructor who’s spent the past decade helping people develop new tools, habits, and mindsets. Their approach is clear, practical, and always infused with curiosity and care.
Conor Denison
Emmett is a detail-oriented instructor who’s spent the past decade helping people develop new tools, habits, and mindsets. Their approach is clear, practical, and always infused with curiosity and care.