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 work is driven by a commitment to making spaces that are lived in, shaped by daily life, and quietly remembered.
The team at Frances Mildred shares a passion for improving the built environment through an investigative approach to design. We respect the process of making while remaining firmly centered on our clients. Through close collaboration, we work to understand, interpret, and ultimately realize their aspirations, encouraging exploration and discovery throughout the process.
We design with longevity in mind, embracing the natural wear, patina, and character that emerge when spaces are thoughtfully designed for life. Our spaces become part of our clients' story, evolving with them, reflecting both who they are and who they’re becoming.
Our Team
Frances Mildred is made up of architects, interior designers, artists, engineers, and tinkerers. We bring our diverse backgrounds to every design conversation, allowing us to approach challenges from multiple perspectives and develop creative, 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.
Cait Clark
Lin Cui
Dean Daneluzzi
Susan Korey
Thomas Kuei
Anabelle Malamug
Trevor Messinger
JC Nelson
Juan Hernandez Rivera
Juan Russo
Brendan Tucker
Darryl Weimer