Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcos.
Marcos, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into architecture began early, growing up in Woodstock, New York, in a family of artists, builders, and craftsmen. When I was 10, my parents remodeled and expanded our home. I vividly remember sitting at the table, watching the architect present hand-drawn blueprints and design concepts to my parents. That moment sparked something in me—the creativity, vision, and ability to imagine a space before it existed fascinated me.
During construction, my father, a construction coordinator at IBM, partnered with my uncle, a general contractor, to complete the finish carpentry and cabinetry. Living nearby, I visited the jobsite regularly and began to understand how drawings guide construction and how structure and light shape space. That experience ultimately led me to pursue architecture.
During my academic years, I traveled solo through Europe with just a sketchpad and camera, studying both modern and historic architecture. One defining moment was sketching the fractured rock formations near Mont Blanc, which continues to influence how I approach form and materiality. Another was standing beneath the oculus of the Pantheon in Rome, watching the light stream into the space and feeling a powerful sense of calm, harmony, and spiritual balance. These lessons continue to shape my understanding of space and light. My studies also took me to Denmark, where Scandinavian craftsmanship and minimalism left a lasting impression, and to Spain, where I absorbed the richness of Spanish modernism. These experiences continue to shape my work, blending global influences, craftsmanship, and balance into each project.
After graduation, I worked with design-build firms in Upstate New York, managing both design and construction on projects ranging from historic brownstones in New York City to modern homes in New Jersey. Those years reinforced my belief that architects need to fully understand the realities of construction in order to create work that endures.
In 2005, I moved to Southern California to further pursue this architect-led design-build philosophy. I became a licensed general contractor in 2008 and founded Alloi shortly after. In 2011, I earned my California architecture license, and in 2018, I completed certification with the International Passive House Institute in Germany, enabling me to apply advanced high-performance design strategies that prioritize comfort, wellness, sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Moving to Los Angeles was not without its challenges. I arrived without a professional network and had to build relationships one client and one project at a time. Educating clients on the architect-led design-build process was another challenge since the fully integrated approach was still unfamiliar to many. Each project required not only design but also leadership, coordination, and trust.
The most significant test came in 2008 when I launched Alloi during one of the most difficult economic periods for the construction industry. Starting a firm at the height of the recession forced me to approach the business with discipline and precision. Every decision mattered. Those early years shaped my philosophy about building both a practice and a company that prioritize quality, integrity, and long-term relationships.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Alloi?
At its core, my work is about creating calm, balanced spaces that feel deeply personal to the people who live in them. Through Alloi’s integrated design-build process, we guide clients from the first conversation through every phase of design and construction. My goal is always to protect the integrity of their vision while balancing cost, complexity, and craftsmanship. In the end, we are building more than homes. We are creating enduring places to live, grow, and come home to.
With the recent fires devastating communities in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, our commitment to integrating Passive House strategies has taken on an added layer of urgency. These high-performance features not only enhance energy efficiency and indoor comfort but also contribute to fire resiliency and smoke-safe environments. Superior air filtration, airtight construction, and thoughtful material choices provide healthier indoor air quality, quieter spaces, and a greater sense of safety for families living in fire-prone areas.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Outside of architecture, I have always found parallels between my work and my passion for mountaineering. On a climb of Cotopaxi in Ecuador, a sudden blizzard forced me to turn back just shy of the summit. Visibility collapsed, winds howled, and fresh snow buried the crevasses we had carefully navigated earlier in the day. That experience taught me something I carry into both life and work. Preparation is essential, but adaptability is equally critical. Whether navigating an exposed glacier ridge, exploring new design concepts and materials, or managing a complex build, the mindset is the same. Respect the conditions, trust your preparation, and remain ready to adjust when needed. Growth often comes through challenge, and I have found that some of the most meaningful outcomes emerge when you lean into uncertainty and stretch beyond what feels comfortable.
Pricing:
- Every project is unique, and so is our approach. After our initial consultation and questionnaire, we develop a custom proposal tailored to your specific goals, site conditions, and design priorities. We start with a fixed fee for the Concept Study to explore early design concepts and align the project scope with your budget. From there, full architectural services are priced based on the scope and complexity of your project, allowing us to adjust for the level of detail, technical requirements, and customization needed to bring your vision to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alloi.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alloi_us/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alloi.us/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alloi-architecture/
- Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/alloi.us/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alloichannel
