Frances Mildred is an architectural and interior design practice founded by Brian Papa and Lauren MacCuaig. Rooted in a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and thoughtful design, our practice is driven by a commitment to creating spaces that feel timeless, personal, and enduring.
Over years of collaboration, our principals have developed a mutual respect for their complementary backgrounds—fueling a shared passion for improving the built environment through a hands-on, considered approach. This ethos permeates every aspect of our work, from the earliest ideas and client conversations to material selection and color palettes. At its core, our work is driven by intentionality and a genuine respect for the making process.
Our practice is dedicated to serving our clients. Our highest ambition is to reimagine their needs and aspirations through an intensely collaborative process—one that engages a diverse network of partners and skilled makers. At every stage, we design with longevity in mind, crafting spaces that evolve gracefully, embracing the natural wear, age, and patina of time.
With a history of successful projects, we continue to rely on the expertise of our collaborators—both within our studio and among our trusted partners and contractors. These relationships are built on a shared commitment to quality, aesthetics, sustainability, and, above all, a deeply held belief in designing for life.
Our Team
Frances Mildred is made up of architects, designers, artists, engineers, and tinkerers. Our diverse backgrounds strengthen our design conversations, allowing us to approach challenges from multiple perspectives and craft unique, thoughtful solutions.
Brian Papa, AIA
Director
Brian is driven by a deep appreciation for how things come together—the interplay of materials, the precision of craftsmanship, and the beauty that emerges from thoughtful assembly. His work is rooted in a belief that the way something is built is just as important as how it looks, resulting in spaces that feel both intentional and enduring.
Lauren MacCuaig
Director
Lauren has always been drawn to the tactile and sensory qualities of design—the interplay of materials, textures, colors, and space. Her work is guided by an intuitive understanding of how these elements come together to create environments that feel layered, personal, and alive. She began her studies at the Maryland Institute College of Art, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus on Textiles and Drawing. This foundation in fine art fostered her appreciation for craft, composition, and detail, which she later expanded through graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. There, she pursued both Architecture and Landscape Architecture, deepening her perspective on the built environment and its relationship to nature.
Lin Cui
Dean Daneluzzi
Sarah Klein
Susan Korey
Thomas Kuei
Ava Lunder
Anabelle Malamug
JC Nelson
Juan Hernandez Rivera
Jonny Steen
Brendan Tucker