Alex Centeno

Alex Manuel Centeno is an emerging architectural designer and builder whose work is rooted in craftsmanship, material honesty, and the relationship between architecture, nature, and culture. Originally from the Bronx, New York, and of Nicaraguan and Guatemalan descent, Alex brings a multidisciplinary perspective shaped by both hands-on construction experience and architectural design practice.

With over seven years of combined experience in construction and architecture, Alex has built a diverse portfolio spanning stone masonry, landscape construction, project management, and architectural design/build. Since relocating to the DMV in 2019, he has contributed to several notable construction projects including the renovation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, The Perch at Capital One Center, and City Ridge. His professional experience reflects a deep understanding of how buildings come together—from concept through construction.

Currently working with the design-build firm MC3 Group, Alex has contributed to a range of residential and commercial projects across multiple jurisdictions from Pennsylvania to Florida, with a strong concentration throughout the DMV region. His work includes historic additions, new construction, and adaptive design solutions that thoughtfully respond to context, craftsmanship, and user experience.

Alex earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture at the City College of New York, where he developed a strong conceptual foundation centered on architecture’s relationship to systems, environment, and human experience.

Beyond traditional architectural practice, Alex is deeply passionate about enduring and regenerative methods of construction. He actively practices carpentry with a focus on fine joinery, designing and building solid wood furniture pieces that celebrate simplicity, precision, and longevity. He has also pursued training in traditional dry-stack stone wall masonry, further reinforcing his appreciation for timeless building techniques and tactile craftsmanship.

His design philosophy is heavily influenced by these hands-on experiences, exploring how architecture can reconnect people to the natural world through regenerative permaculture, astronomy, and intentional construction practices. Through both his professional and personal work, Alex continues to advocate for thoughtful, sustainable, and deeply human-centered design approaches.

Outside of architecture, Alex enjoys woodworking, studying traditional construction techniques, exploring the outdoors, and continuously expanding his understanding of ecological and regenerative design principles.