our story
The cabriole leg is a classic furniture form defined by a graceful double curve — outward at the top, inward toward the foot — balancing strength with elegance. Originating in 18th-century European design, it has come to symbolize craftsmanship, proportion, and enduring style.
At Cabriole Studio, the name reflects our approach to our craft: refined yet grounded, sculptural yet functional. Like the form itself, our work honors timeless craft while embracing modern expression — where structure, material, and artistry come together in perfect balance.
Cabriole Studio was born from a pursuit of craftsmanship.
In 2013, builders Zach Fajen and Cale Brown founded Fajen & Brown, a custom home construction firm serving Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. As their projects grew in scale and sophistication, so did the demand for exceptional millwork — cabinetry and furniture that matched the precision and artistry of their homes.
To meet this demand, Zach and Cale brought millwork design and fabrication in-house, acquiring a small woodshop in Washington, DC’s Takoma Park neighborhood. There, they began producing bespoke cabinetry and furnishings that set a new standard for detail and quality. From that workshop, Cabriole Studio was born — built on the belief that thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship belong at the heart of every space.
In 2018, Cabriole Studio relocated to its current home in Hyattsville, Maryland, where it now operates as an independent studio. Today, a small team of skilled artisans collaborates with many of the region’s leading architects, interior designers, and contractors — many of whom consider it the area’s finest producer of custom millwork.
Cabriole Studio continues to specialize in highly custom cabinetry and furniture, combining creativity, technical precision, and an enduring commitment to craft.
charles hamm
creative director/cabinet maker/furniture maker
Whether working closely with an architect or interior designer, or spearheading a project on his own, Charles is responsible for the design and fabrication of custom cabinetry and furniture for Cabriole Studio.
Following his graduation from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Charles received a formal education in cabinet and furniture-making at the North Bennet Street School in Boston. Before joining Cabriole Studio, Charles worked at The Craftsmen Group where he specialized in historic door and window reproduction. Some of his work can be found at the Dumbarton House Museum, the Vice President’s Residence at the Naval Observatory, the Rayburn Senate Office Building, the Old Post Office/Trump Hotel and the Apple Carnegie Library.
Charles lives in Silver Spring with his wife, three daughters and their dogs, Riggs and Potato.
brian cummings
architectural draftsperson/project coordinator
With more than 45 years of experience in the construction and woodworking industries, Brian brings a deep foundation of technical skill and leadership to Cabriole Studio .
After graduating from the Technical Institute in New Amsterdam, Guyana, Brian began his career as a carpenter with the Guyanese government, where he spent a decade honing his craft. Upon moving to the United States, he served as a Cabinet Shop Foreman in Temple Hills, Maryland, before spending the next 25 years managing complex woodworking and construction projects — including 21 years as a Project Manager for a leading millwork company.
Today, Brian applies his extensive knowledge and steady guidance to every Cabriole Studio project, ensuring that each piece is built with precision, integrity, and care.
Brian lives in Port Tobacco, Maryland with his wife. A devoted Washington Commanders fan, he enjoys spending his free time outdoors, especially tending to his yard — a pastime that, like his work, reflects his love of craftsmanship and pride in doing things well.
justen kanthack
production coordinator/cabinet maker/furniture maker
The product of generations of carpenters, Justen spent his formative years apprenticing as a trim carpenter under his father. After receiving his BFA in Furniture Design from Minneapolis College of Art & Design, he continued his studies at the Denmark International School in Copenhagen.
Prior to joining Cabriole Studio, Justen worked extensively in the DMV in custom home building, architectural millwork, historic reproduction, metal fabrication and furniture design. In addition to his high craft and time spent fabrication knowledge, Justen’s focus is on pursuing efficient and streamlined production processes, and ensuring that our work enhances and reflects the narrative of our clients’ homes and lives.
Justen is currently renovating his home in Petworth, which he shares with his wife, son, and two grumpy cats.
juan cruz
cabinet maker
Juan’s experience includes a decade working as a carpenter in residential construction and another 10 years as a lead carpenter where he supervised a team of eight . Eventually, he decided to leave the field and enter the shop, where he has worked as a cabinet maker and installer. Juan’s systematic approach to production makes him an essential part of the crew.
Juan resides in Hyattsville, MD with his two younger sisters and two nephews.
isac da costa
cabinet maker/installer
Originally from Brazil, Isac is a skilled carpenter whose expertise spans fine trim work, custom detailing, and precision installation. He divides his time between the shop and in the field at Cabriole Studio, bringing consistency, care, and craftsmanship to every phase of a project.
Known for his reliability and strong work ethic, Isac plays an essential role in bridging design and execution — ensuring that each piece, whether built in the shop or installed on site, meets the studio’s exacting standards.
Isac lives in Germantown, Maryland with his wife and their cat, Mel. On weekends, he enjoys exploring new restaurants or hosting friends and family for a traditional Brazilian barbecue..
marcos osario
With more than 25 years of experience in the carpentry and millwork industry, Marcos brings deep technical expertise and craftsmanship to every project he takes on. His career began in commercial millwork at Columbia Woodworking, where he built custom cabinets and fabricated Formica countertops for large commercial interiors, along with performing onsite installations.
Marcos went on to spend 11 years with IDI, specializing in the fabrication of bookcases, kitchens, walk-in closets, and architectural panels crafted from mahogany, cherry, MDF, and solid hardwoods. He later joined The Craftsman Group, working alongside current Cabriole team members Charles, Justen, and Jose for six years on a major restoration project for the U.S. Congress. His work there focused on repairing historic windows and doors and replicating intricate moldings and panels.
In addition to his shop experience, Marcos has extensive residential expertise. He has served as a lead carpenter on full-scope renovations, managing everything from demolition and framing to layout, installation, and finish work. His skills include kitchen and bath layout, door and window installation, crown and casing trim, and complete start-to-finish remodeling.
Marcos is known for his precision, reliability, and commitment to delivering high-quality craftsmanship on every job.
andrus kiik
cabinet maker
Andrus has an extensive 20 year background in sculpture, theatre production, retail display and cabinetmaking. Andrus is Estonian, and he carries deep pride in his historical Baltic lineage and craftsmanship. Specializing in woodworking, metal fabrication, acrylics, and fine finishing, his wide range of skills can bring life to any concept. His favorite step is the final one - seeing the satisfaction on the faces of clients.
When not knee deep in saw dust, Andrus can be found slowly renovating his 1920’s bungalow. His two cats really don’t help much, but provide emotional support.
Cabriole Studio is a division of Fajen & Brown, Inc.