FM Studio is the husband-and-wife team exemplifying homebuilding excellence
Touching all corners of the design-build experience, FM Studio Design & Construction LLC (FM Studio) encapsulates elegance, expertise and charm with every project. The company was established in 2016 by passionate husband and wife team, Francisco and Miriam Reyes, who initially met while studying architecture at college. Today, FM Studio is recognized throughout the Atlanta area as a luxury design and construction company, specializing in boutique, contemporary residential projects working in collaboration with some of the most prestigious names in the industry. From expert architecture to custom builds and renovations, FM Studio champions a design philosophy centered around personality, practicality and true craftsmanship, breathing life into Atlanta architecture and redefining the meaning of modern homebuilding.
With next year marking its tenth anniversary, the company continues to thrive and flourish; emphasizing the value of project quality over quantity while upholding close, long-lasting relationships with its clients and partners alike. To find out more about what makes FM Studio so unique within its field, Modern Home Builders sits down with Founder Francisco Reyes, who discusses some of the company’s most exciting projects, as well as what lies ahead in its future. He starts our conversation by sharing insight into his own construction background and how his experience led to the founding of FM Studio.
“I studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture,” Francisco begins. “From 2004 to 2016, I worked at several commercial architecture firms in Atlanta. My last position was at Perkins and Will, an international firm. In my final three years with the company, I served as the onsite architect for a construction project in Philadelphia. This experience inspired me to pursue both construction and design in architecture; that’s why we incorporate both aspects here at FM Studio. It’s incredibly rewarding to design something and then see it come to life during the construction process.
“FM Studio is a small boutique construction company. We manage a limited number of projects each year, which allows me, as the Construction Manager, to oversee every aspect of our work. This hands-on approach enables us to dedicate ample time and attention to detail for each project, setting us apart with our high level of quality.”
For FM Studio, construction goes beyond a mere trade: it’s an art, a carefully curated craft that celebrates the smallest design details. Each of its homes perfectly captures the beauty of life, striking an exquisite yet innovative balance between visual charm, durability and efficiency, particularly in terms of energy preservation – all of which comes as standard.
“We strive to create homes with a tight envelope, ensuring they are as energy-efficient as possible,” Francisco explains. “This includes using high-quality insulation and energy-efficient appliances, as well as focusing on how the exterior framework and windows are finished and sealed. When it comes to materials, budget plays a significant role, but we maintain a baseline standard for all our projects that we do not compromise on. If a client approaches us seeking a ‘basic’ package, they can always expect to receive an energy-efficient home equipped with quality windows, a well-sealed envelope, and excellent insulation. The finishes can be tailored to fit the client’s budget and preferences.”
Throughout the last decade, FM Studio has completed an array of projects, each differing in style but all sharing that architectural excellence and exceptional attention to detail for which the company is known. One of its recent projects is named Trotti, located in Kirkwood, Atlanta. This project was designed in coherence with its surrounding environment, built on a long, narrow lot with an old pecan tree taking center stage.
“Trotti involved the purchase and redevelopment of an existing property,” Francisco elaborates. “We took on the demolition of a dilapidated original structure and then designed, constructed, and successfully sold the new home. The design was specifically made to the unique characteristics of this corner lot, with the foundation built around a mature pecan tree, even when having significant space constraints. Overall, this project was very successful for us in terms of design, construction, and delivery, and the client even made the purchase after viewing a walkthrough on an iPad.”
This home is just one example of a project where FM Studio delivered the entire design-build process. In other developments, such as its Paces Valley home in Buckhead, the project was designed by an external architect who appointed FM Studio to bring the client’s vision to life. Another example is a Mews House located in Old Forth Ward, designed and developed by architect Alex Wu, which won the AIA Honor award in 2019.
And just around the corner, perhaps the company’s favorite project of all, 54 Boulevard, a challenging job that pushed all the boundaries of traditional construction.
“54 Boulevard was a unique and challenging development project for us,” Francisco reflects. “We acquired the property, which was a small, oddly-shaped, empty lot in a densely populated urban area of Atlanta. So, this location presented numerous restrictions, not to mention the heavy traffic, making it difficult to stage materials and bring in multiple subcontractors simultaneously. Coordination was crucial.
“In the end we were able to deliver a project that had all the features expected from a ‘typical house’, like a yard and a two-car carport-plus an awesome rooftop deck but in a tight lot in Urban Atlanta. It is a three-story home, and it definitely stands out.”
Building further upon its existing legacy, it’s evident that great things are on the horizon for FM Studio. Armed with a stellar reputation and unparalleled standards of client care, the company is set to continue developing its close-knit relationships, further augmenting its success across Atlanta for many more years to come.
“We’re currently in the process of designing one of our largest spec homes to date; we’re looking at around almost 5000 square foot home in the heart of Brookhaven, which is very exciting and rewarding for us,” Francisco reveals.
“As far as the future, we’re really excited about keeping our current number of projects while looking to grow at a steady pace,” Franciso concludes. “This way, we can continue to focus on delivering high-quality work and ensure our usual attention to detail. While we are happy with our current operations, we are also open to the possibility of adding one or two talented individuals to our team in the future.”