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F5: Architect Eddie Maestri’s Dream Car + His Favorite Role

06.25.21 | By
F5: Architect Eddie Maestri’s Dream Car + His Favorite Role

Eddie Maestri headshot

Eddie Maestri, AIA, started designing homes in Dallas in 2004 before officially founding Maestri Studio in 2008. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, he’s a registered architect in Texas and Oklahoma. Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), Eddie holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design, as well as a Master of Architecture, from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, with a certificate in Health Systems & Design. While there, he had the opportunity to spend a semester in Italy, focusing on architectural and urban studies as well as expanding his talents in freehand drawing and art.

Eddie delivers custom architecture and design tailored to his clients’ styles and needs, influenced by the grand, yet approachable, architecture of his hometown. He guides the firm’s team throughout the process of every project, encouraging a collaborative design studio with independent and innovative thinking. His work has been featured on several AIA and neighborhood home tours throughout the Dallas area, as well as in numerous local and national publications. Eddie prides himself on his appreciation for design, attention to detail and building strong client relationships.

Today Eddie is joining us for Friday Five!

man with two small boys

Photo: Eddie Maestri

1. Being a Dad
I’ve wanted to be a dad since I can remember. I spend as much time as possible with my twin eight-year-old boys, Ethan and Elliot – carpool, assembling endless LEGO sets, watching way too many terrible cartoon movies, lazy weekend mornings and soaking up as many adventures as I can.

sketch

Photo: Eddie Maestri

2. Sketching
One of my first memories is drawing with my Dad on a chalkboard in my room. My parents built a house when I was little, and ever since I just loved to draw houses and buildings. My love of sketching really took off when I did a study abroad in Italy during college, and I learned that by sketching a space I could learn so much about it. I’d often put the basic outlines on paper and just study the space to memory, so that I could fill in the blanks later when I had more time. I remember sitting on the side of the Grand Canal in Venice and soaking in the rhythm, patterns and little quirks of a grand home there. I still bring a sketchbook with me whenever I travel, and rely heavily on sketching to convey design vision to my clients… a part of the design process that I truly love.

convertible car parked in front of building

Photo: Eddie Maestri

3. Classic Mercedes
I’ve always loved the lines of Classic Mercedes SL’s – from the 1960’s Pagoda to the mid-1980s. Ever since I had a silver convertible Hot Wheels of one, I have dreamed of owning my own. I found the perfect one a few years ago on Craigslist… 2nd owner and 63,000 miles. It’s been a fun project and great for weekend drives with my boys since it has a small back seat. And it’s very dapper!

man holding Palm Springs

Photo: Eddie Maestri

4. SoCal Modernism
The lines, graphics, scale, landscape and optimism of Modernism just give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I love Modernism in general, but something about adding in those tall palms and the bright SoCal sun make it the absolute perfect combination. From LA to Palm Springs, I just love these buildings. I completely nerd-out on collecting vintage, mostly Moderism N-Scale buildings, and have enjoyed putting together scenes of “SoCal” with my boys.

tunnel

Photo: Eddie Maestri

5. Travel
I am a complete Wanderlust. Traveling to new places helps give perspective and always inspires me. The architecture, interiors, details and landscapes of new places are captured in my memory and sketchbook, and ultimately find their way into my design projects in some shape or form. One of my favorite and most inspiring trips was to Japan last year.

Work by Eddie Maestri:

living space and kitchen

Photo: Jenifer McNeil Baker

living space

Photo: Aaron Dougherty Photography

living and dining space

Photo: Aaron Dougherty Photography

mid-century house exterior

Photo: Aaron Dougherty Photography

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she's likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.