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Elevating Spaces: The Creative Vision Behind Marlo + Kroft Architecture & Interior Design
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Brett Carlton and Maiata Carlton, Lancaster-based design firm Marlo + Kroft brings a fresh, character-driven approach to architecture and interior design.
When a budding interior designer fell in love with an architecture student at Penn State University, owning a creative firm together seemed like the perfect next step. For Maiata and Brett Carlton, founders of Marlo + Kroft, the path to starting their business wasn’t that straightforward. “We always thought we’d work together someday,” Brett reminisced. “We needed to get experience out in the world before it could happen.”
After graduation, Maiata set off for grad school in New York City before working a number of years in the high-end residential design industry. Although she gained a wealth of knowledge, she struggled with the reality that she could only help a small percentage of people. It was when she made a leap into the corporate commercial world that she was able to expand her skills to serve a broader range of clients—and where she met Yumin Lee Yoon, who would eventually become a trusted colleague and Marlo + Kroft’s Creative Director.
“My favorite thing is witnessing people use spaces we’ve created,” Maiata shared. “That always brings me back to why I love this work—to improve spaces for people.”
As for Brett, he found a love for architecture at the intersection of art and structure. His work over the years was focused on creatively thinking about the details and the way people function in a space. Those talents really came together in 2019 when the beginnings of Marlo + Kroft began to take shape.
“Benefiting the world with better spaces is really our core mission,” Brett explained. “We believe in approaching design differently—really leaning into listening and designing alongside our clients.” Now that the pair has relocated to Lancaster City, they are excited to dive into the local culture and bring their unique perspective to clients near and far.
Yumin, who is based in Brooklyn, shares in the vision for providing design services to people with a broad spectrum of style and budgets. “Being in a great space makes you feel better, and we believe everyone deserves to live in a well-designed space,” she added. “It really changes your attitude, how you approach life, and how you show up in the world.”
Get to know their capabilities and range of services at marloandkroft.com.
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