When Marlo met Kroft
Who is Marlo and Kroft?
Marlo and Kroft is a collective of architects, interior designers, and makers who believe that the spaces we inhabit—and everything within them—have the power to shape how we live, feel, and connect. Our shared vision is rooted in the belief that great design goes beyond aesthetics or function; it should evoke emotion, tell a story, and leave a lasting impression.
We approach every project by uncovering the unique personality of a space and allowing that to guide the design. When form, function, and feeling are in sync, spaces come alive. By collaborating closely with our clients, we craft environments that are not only beautiful and highly functional, but deeply personal and meaningful.
So… why the name Marlo and Kroft?
Marlo and Kroft isn’t just a name—it’s what drives everything we do. Marlo represents the creative energy and vision behind our ideas. Kroft is about the craft, the care, and the precision that turn those ideas into real, functional spaces.
Together, they reflect the balance at the heart of our team. Every person brings their own strengths, but together, creativity meets purpose, and vision meets execution. Marlo and Kroft is more than just a brand—it’s our way of working, thinking, and designing spaces that inspire and connect.
Maiata Carlton, NCIDQ
Principal Interior Designer + Co-Founder
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“Be better” isn’t just Maiata’s mantra—it’s her daily fuel. Her drive to grow as a designer took her straight to the hustle and bustle of New York City, where she dived headfirst into everything from high-end residential to commercial and hospitality projects. Each step added new layers to her design story and pushed her creativity to new heights.
Starting Marlo and Kroft opened a fresh chapter where Maiata could truly shape her vision. She’s all about uncovering the unique personality of every space and turning it into something original and heartfelt. What gets her excited? Designing spaces that actually make people’s lives better. For her, it’s all about finding the why behind the design—once that’s clear, the how naturally falls into place.
Maiata is an NCIDQ accredited designer.
Brett Carlton, AIA, NCARB
Principal Architect + Co-Founder
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Is Brett a modern Renaissance man? You bet. From construction sites to closet designs and ultra high-end homes, he’s done a little bit of everything—and loves every minute of it. Originally from New Orleans, fate (and Hurricane Katrina) nudged him north to Penn State, where he not only earned his architecture degree but also met Maiata—though he’ll jokingly say she made the first move!
After a stint designing commercial projects in D.C., Brett made his way to NYC and got to design jaw-dropping homes for some pretty exclusive clients. Now, at Marlo and Kroft, he blends his knack for clean, modern design with deep knowledge of materials and details. Always curious, Brett’s on the lookout for new products and smarter building ideas that don’t just look good—they make life better for the people using them.
Brett is NCARB certified and a member of the AIA.
Yumin Lee Yoon
Principal + Creative Director
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Born, raised, and design-trained in New York City, Yumin brings big energy and sharp instincts to every project she touches. With a background in architecture and interior design, she’s worked across a wide mix of spaces—from lovingly restored landmark homes to fast-moving start-ups, boutique hospitality brands, and commercial spaces that have to look good and work hard. Most of her work lives in NYC, with a few creative detours through Chicago, London, and wherever her passport takes her.
A passionate traveler with an eye for detail, she’s especially drawn to the way great design can turn a temporary stay into a memorable experience. Before joining Marlo and Kroft, she led the creative vision for a hospitality brand built around the spirit of the modern nomadic traveler. Now, she brings that same sense of curiosity, connection, and comfort into every project she leads.