CARA is a Los Angeles–based architecture and interior design practice working across residential, multi-unit and mixed-use projects. Led by founding principal Chantal Aquin, AIA, we bring precision, experience and clarity to every space.
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Chantal leads each project directly, giving clients a rare level of principal access. Our team is nimble, experienced and collaborative, bringing logical problem-solving and a rigorous approach, regardless of scale.
We approach architecture as a process of clarity and craft, from first concept to final detail. That’s why our work strikes a balance between practical understanding and design intent.
At CARA, we go beyond beautiful-looking buildings. We strive to create places that perform responsibly in a changing climate, support the people who use them, and contribute to their environment.
We build on solid foundations of knowledge and experience so that the spaces we create are buildable, sustainable and resolved.
An elevated approach to uplift the everyday, enrich communities and make a lasting positive difference.
Our Values. We believe in the transformative power of design to create delightful and fulling architectural experiences.
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Every project begins with strong foundations: code, structure, contextual logics, timeframe and client budget. These objective standards shape our framework.
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Great architecture is about dialogue. We consider the needs of clients, communities and future users to create places of enduring value for everyone.
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The spaces we design support social connection, sustainability and resilience in a changing climate. Our work benefits both the built environment and the natural world.
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We collaborate with purpose. From early ideas to final delivery, we work closely with trusted teams to solve problems and shape outcomes. Together.
Our Difference. We combine senior expertise, technical rigor, and efficient processes to protect your investment and deliver projects that perform commercially and architecturally.
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Every project is led directly by founding principal Chantal Aquin. Clients benefit from senior-level expertise at every stage, without layers of delegation.
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We navigate zoning, code, and entitlement issues early. This proactive approach reduces redesigns, prevents delays, and keeps projects moving smoothly.
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From unit layouts to amenity programming, we design for commercial outcomes. Our solutions maximize sellable or rentable area without sacrificing quality.
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By aligning architecture, interiors, and consultant input under a single approach, we minimize scope gaps, RFIs, and costly disconnects.
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Our clear processes identify and resolve technical, cost, and construction risks upfront, ensuring delivery is predictable as well as creative.
Chantal Aquin, AIA, NCARB
Principal
Leadership. Founding Principal Chantal Aquin has over 25 years of expertise across residential, mixed-use, commercial and institutional architecture.
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Known for her collaborative and detailed approach, Chantal takes pride in aligning design vision with technical and practical realities. She engages with general contractors early in the process to support clear communication and cost alignment. She also leads consultant teams with purpose and care, delivering well-considered outcomes through a streamlined and fully supported process.
A Licensed Architect in California, Chantal has held key roles at Koning Eizenberg, Keating, HED, Safdie Architects and Lamar Johnson Collaborative, with a particular focus on multi-residential projects. Notably, she was Director of Design for Metropolis, the largest mixed-use development in Downtown Los Angeles to date.
Chantal holds a Master of Architecture from SCI-Arc and a BA in Environmental Design from Université du Québec à Montréal, and is fluent in English, Spanish and French.
Creating community.
Sunset Apartments
Services. We provide full architectural and interior design services, as well as valuable peer reviews of project design and construction documentation.
© 2025