- THE TEAM -


ZACH FAJEN

Principal, Business Development

Zach leads sales and marketing for both construction and millwork at F&B. He is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with architects, designers and most importantly, our clients.

Zach also possesses an artistic eye having studied studio arts at Denison University, with supplemental studies at Parsons New School for Design in New York City and La Escuela de Diseño Altos de Chavón in the Dominican Republic.

Zach resides in Annapolis, Maryland with his wife Chelsea, their son River and two dogs, Gunther and Tillie.


CALE BROWN

Principal, Construction Operations

Cale is in charge of all construction operations, including estimating, pre-constuction planning and project management. His deep knowledge of construction, innate ability to multi-task, attention to detail and passion for building sciences make him an effective leader in the field.

Cale has an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources, both from the University of Maryland. 

Cale resides in Solomons, Maryland with his wife Lauren and their beloved border collie, Disco.


JENNIFER PHILLIPS

Bookkeeper/Office Manager

A native to Maryland, Jennifer previously worked for her family's ornamental ironwork's company. Jen brings eighteen years of experience in bookkeeping and office management to F&B. In her spare time, you'll find Jen on the soccer field or at cheer competitions with her daughters, Lillie and Molly.

Jen lives in Riva, Maryland with her husband Brice, daughters and family dog Roger.


CHARLOTTE FERGUSON

Director of Design, F&B/Cabriole Studio

Charlotte started her career at a design build-firm in San Francisco, CA after receiving her BA at UC Boulder and Interior Architecture Masters Certificate at UC Berkeley. She has a passion for working with clients in designing their dream home, selecting finishes and fixtures, while also helping clients obtain their greatest return on investment. She has 12 years of experience working at top architecture firms and interior design firms around the country. Upon relocating back to her hometown of Washington, DC, she dedicated her career to working in residential projects for Zoe Feldman Design as the Director of Construction. At Fajen & Brown, Charlotte is the liaison between the architects and clients in completing design development and works closely with Charles and the rest of the Cabriole team.

Charlotte lives in Bethesda and enjoys spending time on the weekends with her friends, family, and dog in Rock Creek Park. Over the holidays, she loves visiting her parents out West to hit the ski mountain and fly fish.


TAI BRIDGES

Design Associate

After graduating with majors in Psychology and Neuroscience from Ohio State, Tai took a leap of faith by relocating to Maryland and pursuing a career in design. Though still new to the industry, her passions for all things creative and collaborative find her right at home.

Tai can be found exploring the major DMV cities when not rock climbing or painting at one of D.C.'s national parks.


PATRICK WALSH

Project Manager

A DC native, Patrick takes pride in rejuvenating homes around his hometown and surrounding areas. He holds an MFA in Interior Architecture from GW's Corcoran School of Art & Design, and has worked for several of the region's premier designers and builders. Patrick feels most comfortable at the confluence of construction and design, and as a Project Manager, enjoys facilitating the decision making process for both homeowners and architects.

Patrick lives in Annapolis, Maryland with his fiance Ally and dog Theo. On the weekends you'll find them strolling the bay or trying new restaurants around town. 


NICOLE VON BALLMOOS

Project Manager

After graduating from University of Maryland, College Park, Nicole, a MD native, started a career in accounting and finance which quickly led her to realize that her passions lie elsewhere. With that, she packed up and moved to Austin, TX where she began her career in construction. Soon after her start, she quickly rose through the ranks to become a Project Manager due to her passion for building, love for design collaboration, high attention to detail and overall drive and enthusiasm for what she does. Nicole puts an emphasis on client communication and is able to efficiently and effectively move projects forward while still paying critical attention to quality and detail.  

 Nicole currently resides in Alexandria, VA where you can usually find her out at brunch or spending time doing small woodworking projects for family and friends.


JOE MANCINI

Site Superintendent

Joe started his career in construction as a laborer in Howard County working on custom homes. He quickly progressed to a carpenter, then a lead carpenter and finally a site superintendent. Joe has a garnered a reputation in the DMV among premier architects and interior designers for his attention to detail and mastery of all phases of construction. His mantra on job sites is: there are no problems, only solutions.

When Joe is not running one of our projects, he can be found in Eldersburg enjoying the outdoors or cooking a gourmet meal.


BRIAN SARI

Site Superintendent

Brian is a native of Northern Virginia. In 2013, he moved to California where he began his construction career.  Beginning as a laborer, he quickly progressed to a field carpenter working in Pebble Beach on large custom homes.  Upon moving back to the DMV in 2021, Brian started at F&B as a carpenter. His strong communication skills, attention to detail and natural leadership quickly moved him into his newest role as site superintendent.

When Brian is not working he can be found at his cabin in the Shenandoah valley with his wife, 3 kids and dog (Panda). 


CHARLES HAMM

Shop Manager, Cabriole Studio

Whether working hand-in-hand with an architect or interior designer, or spearheading a project on his own, Charles is responsible for the design and fabrication of custom cabinetry and furniture for Cabriole Studio, a division of F&B. 

Following his graduation from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Charles received a formal education in cabinet and furniture-making at the North Bennet Street School in Boston. Before joining Fajen & Brown, Charles worked at The Craftsmen Group where he specialized in historic door and window reproduction. In addition to his numerous residential projects with Cabriole Studio, his work can be found at the Dumbarton House Museum, the Vice President’s Residence at the Naval Observatory, the Rayburn Senate Office Building, the Old Post Office/Trump Hotel and the Apple Carnegie Library. 

Charles lives in Silver Spring with his wife, three daughters and their dogs, Rigg and Potato.


JUSTEN KANTHACK

Cabinet Maker/Furniture Maker, Cabriole Studio

The product of generations of carpenters, Justen spent his formative years apprenticing as a trim carpenter under his father. After receiving his BFA in Furniture Design from Minneapolis College of Art & Design, he continued his studies at the Denmark International School in Copenhagen.

Prior to joining Fajen & Brown, Justen  worked extensively in the DMV in custom home building, architectural millwork, historic reproduction, metal fabrication and furniture design. In addition to his high craft and time spent fabrication knowledge, Justen’s focus is on pursuing efficient and streamlined production processes, and ensuring that our work enhances and reflects the narrative of our clients’ homes and lives.

Justen is currently renovating his home in Petworth, which he shares with his wife, two sons, and two grumpy cats.


ANDRUS KIIK

Cabinet Maker, Cabriole Studio

Andrus has an extensive 20 year background in sculpture, theatre production, retail display and cabinetmaking. Andrus is Estonian, and he carries deep pride in his historical Baltic lineage and craftsmanship. Specializing in woodworking, metal fabrication, acrylics, and fine finishing, his wide range of skills can bring life to any concept. His favorite step is the final one - seeing the satisfaction on the faces of clients.

When not knee deep in saw dust, Andrus can be found slowly renovating his 20’s bungalow. His two cats really don’t help much, but provide emotional support.


JUAN CRUZ

Cabinet Maker, Cabriole Studio

Juan’s experience includes a decade working as a carpenter in residential construction and another 10 years as a lead carpenter where he supervised a team of 8 carpenters. Eventually, he decided to leave the field and enter the shop, where he has worked as a cabinet maker and installer. Juan’s systematic approach to production makes him an essential part of the crew.

Juan resides in Hyattsville, MD with his two younger sisters and two nephews.


ZACH FULLENKAMP

Cabinet Maker, Cabriole Studio

Zach cut his teeth building scenery in the performing arts industry for 15 years, most recently as the Associate Technical Director at Arena Stage where he supervised the Scene Shop of 8 carpenters. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, he has also spent time as an independent contractor on projects around the DMV.

Zach possesses a wide breadth of knowledge and experience across many disciplines, including finish carpentry, metal fabrication, mechanical and automation systems, and artistic collaboration. He brings a keen eye for detail, an ambition for production efficiency, and an aesthetic discernment that is put to work in the services of the client and project.

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Zach currently lives in the Capitol Hill neighborhood with his wife, and enjoys playing music, reading books, and cycling in his spare time.


JAVIER ELIAS

Carpenter

Javier’s high-energy level and 30+ years of experience ensure that projects move according to schedule while being executed at the highest standards. Javier is always looking for ways to improve himself and those around him. His inquisitive attitude and eagerness to help make him the ideal team member at F&B. In his spare time, you can find Javier working with his wife on weekends at their booth at Eastern Market.


- WHAT WE VALUE -

STANDARDS AND TRANSPARENCY

Our team members are held to the highest design and construction standards. We know the value of the customer and treat you accordingly.  The Fajen & Brown business is built on trust and referrals. Our transparent approach will give you full access to your estimate so that you understand the costs behind your project. We also provide you with the full bios of our employees to ensure that you are comfortable with our presence in your home. Fajen & Brown is an open book. 

COMFORT

You will find total peace of mind in any project with Fajen & Brown. We are licensed, insured and bonded everywhere we do business. No client will ever feel exposed when working with Fajen & Brown. 

YOUR SATISFACTION

Our goal is to merge top quality construction with a superb client experience. Our continued success is based on a proven track record of customer satisfaction. Our process from consultation to completion is meant to be an enjoyable one.