UPSTAIRS STUDIO
ARCHITECTURE
Is a place of creativity.
STUDIO
Founded in 1994 above an avant-garde theatre in Coral Gables, Florida, Upstairs Studio Architecture emerged from a passion for design and a vision to transform how our profession is perceived. Our journey has taken us across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, where we’ve embraced diverse cultures and landscapes. Wherever we go, we carry with us the invaluable lessons learned in our own backyard—the elegance of tradition, the awe of nature, and the thrill of technological innovation.
Throughout the years our location and commissions have changed, but one thing is still constant today, and that is our passion and desire to make great architecture.
PHILOSOPHY
At our boutique design studio, we are committed to the thoughtful and intentional process of creating spaces that resonate with individuality and purpose. Each project we undertake is bespoke, tailored to reflect the vision of our clients, the distinct characteristics of the site, and its intended use. We believe that great design emerges from collaboration, and we prioritize a close partnership with our clients throughout the entire journey.
Our approach is grounded in three guiding criteria:
Beautiful: We strive to create aesthetically compelling spaces that inspire and elevate the human experience. Beauty is not merely superficial; it is an essential component that brings joy and meaning to everyday life.
Functional: We recognize that a successful design must serve its purpose effectively. Our designs prioritize usability and adaptability, ensuring that each space meets the practical needs of its inhabitants while enhancing their lifestyle.
Permanent: We believe in the importance of durability and sustainability in design. Our commitment to permanence means we select materials and methods that stand the test of time, fostering a sense of timelessness and continuity within the environment.
In every project, we aspire to blend beauty, functionality, and permanence, creating spaces that are not only remarkable but also enduring and deeply connected to their surroundings. This ethos guides our work and defines our legacy as a studio dedicated to the art and craft of thoughtful design.
PRINCIPAL
Maricarmen Martinez earned her Architecture Degree at Cornell University, after studying at the Vicenza Institute of Architecture in Italy and the University of Florida. Growing up in the Caribbean, she was profoundly influenced by the region’s radiant light, vernacular materials, and traditional construction methods. This rich background informs her architectural approach, infusing her designs with warmth and authenticity.
As the principal of Upstairs Studio, Maricarmen leads an award-winning design team committed to designing meaningful architecture. The architects at Upstairs Studio, Inc. are respected for their expertise in architectural problem-solving and their ability to develop innovative, quality-driven, and idea-centric design strategies. The Studio has a fundamental belief in the generation of meaningful space and its relationship to the built and natural environment. Since our founding in 1994, we have garnered international recognition for our impactful work on local projects.
Maricarmen Martinez is a registered and licensed architect, and she resides in Coconut Grove with her husband, Neal McAliley, and their two children.