When Maricarmen Martinez opened Upstairs Studio Architecture in 1994, she had little idea of what the firm would go on to do nor the significant role it would come to occupy in Florida’s creative architecture scene. Today, almost three decades later, Upstairs Studio Architecture is among the leading architecture studios in Florida, having established itself as an agent of innovative, forward-thinking and sustainable design solutions.  

Upstairs Studio Architecture is an award-winning design studio dedicated to research, education and the construction of contemporary architecture. When Martinez started the business, she was fueled by a desire to make great architecture, which explains how she came to settle on the three pillars that ground her work: the beauty of tradition, the wonder of nature and the excitement of technology. Over the years, her team has embraced these guiding values and have become experts in creating work that embodies them. 

This, in part, speaks to the quality leader that Martinez is in her role as principal of Upstairs Studio Architecture. Together, Martinez and her team have completed projects in various parts of the world, including in North America, Europe and the Caribbean. Their global experience has helped them hone their aesthetic and carve their approach to designing contemporary – but functional – work that is both inspiring and comforting.  

Everyone at Upstairs Studio Architecture takes great pride in the studio being a place of creativity. Their projects are distinctly minimalistic, in a way that allows the materials and surroundings to take center stage. A key focus for the team is the creation of meaningful spaces that honor the built and natural environment, which they seek to incorporate in all their designs.  

This is why Upstairs Studio Architecture embraces the latest technology to ensure that their constructions are energy efficient and water conserving. As sustainability is a priority, they use sustainably grown and procured materials.  

In 2021, Luxury Lifestyle Awards awarded Upstairs Studio Architecture the title of Best Luxury Architect Studio in Florida, USA. Additionally, Home Builder Digest ranked it among its ‘15 Best Residential Architects in Coral Gables, Florida’. The firm’s other accolades include wining Urban Design & Architecture Design Awards Residential Low Rise Concept in 2020 (for project: Hammock House), and being selected as one of 8 finalists in Dwell magazine’s Best of Design 2018 (for project: South Miami Bungalow).   

Caribbean-born Martinez obtained her architecture degree from Cornell University, after pursuing other studies at the Vicenza Institute of Architecture (in Italy) and at the University of Florida (USA).