Studio Ater is a multidisciplinary design firm dedicated to crafting refined, thoughtful, and timeless spaces tailored to each client’s unique needs. Founded by Jesus Aguilar in New York City, the firm’s name is inspired by the Latin word ater, meaning matte black—a color symbolizing its subtle and sophisticated design philosophy.

With over 15 years of expertise in architecture and interior design, Jesus combines contemporary and historical influences with a profound respect for traditional building techniques and materials. His approach is rooted in deeply understanding his clients’ lifestyles, enabling him to create harmonious spaces that are both functional and memorable.

Jesus holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and a BFA with Honors in Architecture/Landscape/Interiors from OTIS College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. Before founding Studio Ater, he honed his craft at award-winning firms such as The Los Angeles Design Group, DSH Architecture, Fievre Jones, and OPerA Architecture. Currently, he serves as an adjunct professor at The School of Public Architecture at Kean University and has previously taught at OTIS College of Art and Design, and UIC.

At Studio Ater, we emphasize simplicity, warmth, and materiality. By employing raw, natural materials and exceptional craftsmanship, we create understated elegance in both our architectural and interior projects.