our story
In 2013, Zach Fajen and Cale Brown established Fajen & Brown, a custom home builder serving Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia. As the construction business grew, so did the demand for premium millwork and design. In an effort to satisfy the schedule and quality demands of their clients, Zach and Cale determined that bringing millwork design and production in-house was imperative. They found a small wood shop in the Takoma Park neighborhood of Washington, DC whose owner was preparing to retire and began building custom cabinetry and furniture. This was the beginning of Cabriole Studio.
In 2018, Cabriole Studio relocated to its current home in Hyattsville, MD. It now operates independently, working hand-in-hand with the region’s most prominent architects, interior designers and contractors. A small team comprised of artful craftsmen, Cabriole Studio specializes in highly custom cabinetry and furniture that requires a creative and collaborative approach to the design and fabrication processes.
charles hamm
shop manager/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.
charlotte ferguson
Charlotte started her career at a design-build firm in San Francisco, CA after receiving her BA at UC Boulder and Interior Architecture Masters Certificate at UC Berkeley. She has a passion for working with clients in designing their dream home, selecting finishes and fixtures, while also helping clients obtain their greatest return on investment. She has 12 years of experience working at top architecture firms and interior design firms around the country.
Upon relocating back to her hometown of Washington, DC, she dedicated her career to working in residential projects for Zoe Feldman Design as the Director of Construction. At Fajen & Brown, Charlotte is the liaison between the architects and clients in completing design development and works closely with Charles and the rest of the Cabriole team.
Charlotte lives in Bethesda and enjoys spending time on the weekends with her friends, family, and dog in Rock Creek Park. Over the holidays, she loves visiting her parents out West to hit the ski mountain and fly fish.
justen kanthack
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.
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.
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.
Cabriole Studio is a division of Fajen & Brown, Inc.