- 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.
Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, 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.
JAVIER MARTINEZ
Site Superintendent
Javier is a Silver Spring native whose construction career began immediately after graduating from high school when he followed in his father's footsteps to become an electrician.
Javier worked as an electrician for 12 years before leaving the world of subcontracting and transitioning into general contracting. He worked as a site superintendent for another well-respected local builder for several years before joining F&B.
As a member of the F&B team, Javier captains the job site as the overseer of subcontractors, in-house staff, pace, quality and all other things site related. He enjoys being involved in the transformation of old and outdated houses to contemporary and thoughtful homes. Javier recognizes the importance of a team effort in order to achieve a project’s goals, all while cultivating an enjoyable work environment, which he learned from his father.
Javier resides in Frederick, Maryland and when not working, you can find him coaching his child’s soccer team, cooking, and spending time with his fiancé, 3 kids and 2 cats, Lilo & Canelo.
MIKE MCNUTT
Site Superintendent
Mike is a Texas native who started as a construction laborer in the summer of 1995 while waiting for football practice to begin. From there, his natural curiosity led him to try his hand at many different trades throughout the years, including work as a plumber, electrician, commercial irrigator, furniture/cabinet maker and custom home framer. Additionally, Michael earned an AS in Computer Science from Wharton County Junior College in Houston Texas. Some of you may remember Mike as he worked at F&B as a finish carpenter until 2019. Five years later, Mike has come full circle to return to the team as a Site Superintendent.
In his role as Site Superintendent, overseeing the construction of custom homes gives Mike the ability to utilize all of his past experiences and stimulate him intellectually.
Mike has 3 beautiful children and a loving wife which keeps him just as busy off the jobsite as on it.
PAUL SPANGLER
Site Superintendent
Paul began his career in the building industry over 25 years ago. As a finish carpenter, he has worked in some of the area's largest and most desirable homes. He has a deep passion for woodworking and has honed his skills over the years. Additionally, of the highest quality.
Paul is a stickler for adhering to a schedule while maintaining the highest standards of quality, and he understands the importance of positive relationships with his trade partners and field crew in doing so.
Paul is a DC native who now resides in Kensington, Maryland. As an outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys spending time hunting and fishing on the Eastern Shore.
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.