Aya Maceda
R.A. Architect, Interior Designer
Aya Maceda is a Filipino-Australian architect and the co-founding principal of ALAO. Aya is a thought leader in design contributing to the built environment through the practice and design advocacy through her teaching, writing, curatorial and exhibition work, and lectures.
In 2021, Architecture Digest named Aya one of the “5 Women in the design world you should know”.
Aya is a registered architect in the US and Australia. Aya holds a masters degree in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University GSAPP, where she was also a former faculty member. She is currently a professor at Parsons School of Design. Aya is a mother and is passionate about her advocacies supporting artists, early introduction of design to BIPOC children and the environment.
“The way I practice architecture and lead my studio stems from a core Filipino value called “kapwa” (self-in-other) that is integral in my relationships with my clients, collaborators and my studio. Being in community with clients means giving a deep level of care, listening to develop designs collaboratively (not imposing them) and being passionate advocates for them. Being in community with our design team, contractors and artisans allows for a synergy that results in beautifully executed work that is joyful to build. I am an intuitive designer and I bring that layer into our contemporary and research based practice. ”
James Carse
AIA, AICP, LEED AP. Architect, Urban Designer
James Carse, a principal and co-founder of ALAO, brings a profound depth of experience and insight into the fields of architecture and urban design. With a career marked by a dedication to the intersection of human experience and spatial design, James embodies the core values of ALAO: innovation, empathy, and precision.
At ALAO, James plays a key role in translating complex ideas into thoughtful, actionable designs. His expertise spans a broad range of architectural domains, from residential and commercial projects to public and urban spaces. James is particularly adept at creating environments that foster community engagement and inclusivity, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of well-considered design.
James holds a Master of Architecture in Urban Design with Distinction from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Architecture from Tulane University. He has taught at Catholic University of America, Columbia University, Cornell University, Parsons, and Tulane University. He has collaborated with Cooper Hewitt’s education programs and served as an advisor to the American Planning Association’s International Outreach Programs. His writing and work have been published by Architect Magazine, Oculus, Harvard, and Nicolodi.
"I believe we often overlook the profound impact our environment has on shaping our habits, our bodily awareness, and our sense of agency. As an architect and urban designer, my goal is to create spaces that not only enrich and engage us but also empower us to thrive and grow."
