ALAO is an award-winning architecture, interior design and urban design practice working at the intersection of Design and Social Advocacy. The practice is led by Aya Maceda (architect and interior designer) and James Carse (architect and urban designer), and works throughout a wide range of project scales.

alao architecture topography model for architecture design project
We approach every project with a focus on human scale, ensuring that each space feels inviting and accessible, regardless of its complexity or size. By attentively considering how people move and interact within their environments, we design spaces that intuitively align with human activity.
alao architecture cofounders Aya Maceda and James Carse sitting in their office
Our expertise spans a diverse array of architectural services, including residential design, commercial spaces, public architecture, and urban planning. In residential design, we create homes that are personalized and responsive to the unique lifestyles and needs of our clients, enhancing their everyday experiences. For commercial projects, we craft spaces that balance operational efficiency with a welcoming atmosphere, fostering meaningful customer engagement. Our public architecture efforts, including cultural institutions and community spaces, are centered around promoting inclusivity and social interaction. In urban planning, we shape sustainable and vibrant urban environments that support dynamic, human-centered communities
alao architecture plans of multi storey building
At ALAO, our design approach synthesizes the urban scale and the intimate scale of the human body. We craft form to guide movement and visual flow, while rigorous attention to architectural details refines how individuals interact with sapce. Our process is rooted in storytelling, sketching, physical models, and an iterative design approach that encourages exploration and discovery. By collaborating closely with our clients, we aim to create environments that lay the foundation for a rich, connected community life, shape how people perceive and engage with their surroundings, and resonate on a deeply personal level—making them inviting, functional, and memorable.
alao architecture hand drawn watercolor plans for a large-scale project
At ALAO, we envision a future where architecture profoundly connects with the human experience, blending beauty and precision through an intricate and thoughtful design process. Our practice is driven by a humanist ethos, dedicated to crafting thoughtful designed environments that deeply resonate with individual needs and personal experiences.
alao architecture wooden models for residential and advocacy projectalao founder aya maceda doing a site visit for an residential architecture and interiors project