COLOR_QUEEN.png
INTERIOR FIREPLACE.jpeg
COVER_ASH.png
ADU W POOL.jpeg
COVER_WIK.png
ELEV SECT.jpeg
COVER_BARN2.png
COVER_MTC.png

We believe great design should be accessible to everyone.

We are residential architects serving DC, Maryland, Virginia, (and beyond). From small decks to large estates, we collaborate closely with our clients on projects of almost any size.

Let’s get started.

OUR SERVICES

  • Photo Credit: Jenn Verrier

    NEW HOMES

    We've spent our professional careers (and most of our free time) concentrating on understanding the modern home.

    Let's work together to design your place.

  • ADDITIONS

    Our services include home additions of any size or shape, curb appeal studies, porches and decks, historic renovations and retrofits, and master planning of small properties and large estates.

  • RENOVATIONS and INTERIORS

    Renovations, remodeling, and residential space planning, including: Kitchens, baths, family rooms, bedrooms, and storage. With decades of experience, there's no space we can't solve.

  • Photo Credit: Urban Capitol Photography

    ADUs

    Turn your backyard into the (second) home of your dreams, an in-law suite, short-term rental, "maker" studio, or accessory dwelling unit (“ADU”).

  • COMMERCIAL

    We also specialize in multi-family housing and mixed-use commercial buildings, including: affordable and market-rate housing, senior living, and historic retrofits. Building blocks of great cities.

OUR STORY

Joe Harris and JoseMi Jauregui met while working closely on a high-rise residential design. Joe established MEASURE in 2018, inspired by the belief that the architecture practice was ripe for re-imagination.

CACAO Studio emerged on the trails of Rock Creek Park… JoseMi and Joe, running and imagining together what a dream studio would be…We think we’ve found it.

What's your dream project? Join us in bringing it to life.

What is CACAO? As architects we look to nature for guidance, understanding, and inspiration. Our name comes from the cacao fruit, with a strong connection to Ecuador (JoseMi’s home) and a fascinating plant that is beloved worldwide. (Its seeds are used to make chocolate and cocoa butter.) High-quality chocolate, not unlike some of world’s best architecture, can be attributed to a perfect mix of terrain, climate, dedication, and human spirit.

MEET THE TEAM

CACAO and our work are as strong as the relationships we form. Built by friends, growing as a family.

Welcome to the residential side of CACAO Studio! We are a dynamic blend of diversity and unity, an international perspective grounded in local roots. Our team combines creativity with pragmatism, high-tech precision with hand-drawn craftsmanship. We thrive in the balance of contrasts. Known for our attentive listening skills, we engage in meaningful dialogue while confidently expressing our strong design convictions. More about us. Want to join our family? Reach out today!

REVIEWS

  • “From the very beginning we felt a sense of connection with Joe. We really felt he was listening to what we were saying. The next time we talked, you could tell by our conversation that he’d really soaked in the input we provided. From those kinds of conversations, it was obvious that he was very easy to work with, that he would take our story into account. Of course, he’s very talented, he had the experience and the background to really be able to pull off a (master)piece like this.”

    Ben B. / NEW HOUSE

  • "After nearly a year of searching, we found a co-op that we loved but it needed a major re-design. Joe listened to our needs and priorities, and we worked closely together to make a TV/den out of some dysfunctional storage, open up a dark foyer to a long view and natural light, and open up the dining room to a great view. Joe helped us create flexible spaces while still respecting the vintage feel of the unit. We have a great space now that works really well for our family. We couldn't have done it without him!"

    Valerie K. / INTERIOR REMODELING

  • "...An exemplary professional... Joe (has) an exceptional understanding of the rigorous process for construction regulations...He is punctual and responsive. As an unbiased testament to the quality of the produced work, the most common question from contractors (was), "Who designed these plans? They are well done!" The process of...building is a rigorous and stressful undertaking. I believe the difference-maker is to have the correct architect. I highly recommend Joe Harris!"

    Mossa B. / FULL GUT-REHAB

  • "Very helpful and friendly ... went above and beyond to make sure every detail was exactly right. We had some ideas for a renovation but just needed a professional nudge to get things going in the right direction. We love our design plans and can’t wait to see them come to life."

    Caitlin C. / INTERIOR REMODELING

  • "Thank you so much for the designs!! They are amazing, even more beautiful than we could have imagined. (We) joked that I found the best architect for my vision, because you really put together designs aligning to what I have always wanted..."

    Erin H. / EXTENSIVE ADDITION

  • "The design is so nice. It exceeds our expectations. We are even more excited for the project. I love the multiple outdoor spaces we discussed. ...Love how the utility stuff is tucked away together out of sight. The super long closet on the rear side is awesome (storage is always an issue). The overall design is so perfect for the neighborhood."

    Cherrye J. / NEW MULTI-PLEX

  • “Wow, this looks incredible! Thank you so much for this! You really captured what we were thinking. We are so incredibly pleased!”

    Eric S. / ADDITION + REMODELING

  • "We both appreciated how quickly you were able to get a good sense of our house's layout and structure (over video conference no less)."

    Jamie D. / HISTORIC RENOVATION

  • "The porch is almost finished and it looks incredible!!! Thank you so much for getting my vision :). We are so excited to use it this spring! Thank you!!!!"

    Caryn B. / NEW FRONT PORCH