“My passion lies in creating aesthetic and highly functional spaces that are affordable to everyone.”

About

Marina Architects is a design practice based in Durham, North Carolina. The studio offers services ranging from space planning and interior furnishing to full-scale renovations and new builds. The work is guided by an individual approach to each project, with a strong focus on context, thoughtful space planning, intentionality, and refined aesthetics.

Marina Architects was founded in 2023 by Marina Mustakova in Russia. Since her move to the United States, the practice has evolved into an international studio. Marina holds Bachelor’s in Architecture with Honors and Master’s in Environmental Design from her homecountry, Russia. She recently completed Master’s in Advanced Architectural Studies at North Carolina State University, where she was focused on Public Interest Design. Her research, The role of housing in developing a sense of belonging among international migrants, was nationally recognized with the ARCC King Student Medal in 2025.

While primarily focused on residential design, the practice remains open to diverse project types and design challenges, with a growing interest in Public Interest Design, particularly Affordable and Social Housing.

Marina Architects works both nationally and internationally.