A B O U T

dl-Design Studio was founded on the principle of designing with purpose and building with meaning—transforming stories, needs, and aspirations into spaces that truly resonate. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, we specialize in residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, higher education, and mixed-use developments, striving to elevate everyday life through intention, craft, human connection, and collaborative dialogue.

Our Process

Listen. Plan. Refine.

Through careful listening, considered strategy, and continual refinement, dl-Design Studio creates spaces where design and daily life harmonize—balancing functionality, beauty, and meaning in every detail. We approach each project as a layered journey, where thoughtful planning meets creative exploration. Whether designing a modern home, reimagining a renovation, or shaping a commercial environment, we transform ideas into spaces that are purposeful and deeply personal.

Projects progress through clear, intentional phases—consultation, programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration—so that every decision is deliberate and every detail is considered. Along the way, we collaborate closely with you: clarifying priorities, gathering inspiration, and refining each element. Optional services, including 3D renderings or feasibility studies, can provide added confidence and clarity at every step.

  • Blake Interiors

    I had a great experience working with Lincoln on the upfit of our home furniture retail store. Lincoln is incredibly knowledgeable in his field and very organized, making the whole process seamless. I had many ideas that were not standard for commercial projects, but Lincoln always went out of his way to come up with a solution.

    Kelsey Carlton, Owner

  • LEED Certified Modern Home

    My wife and I bought a home on a beautiful lake just a short distance from our offices, removed the existing home, and needed an incredible design for this unique property. We decided to retain Lincoln and Liz based on some of their previous work, and both of them were LEED certified (an organization and green building standard I helped start in the early 90s). They quickly caught our vision and desires, and made many improvements by blending in their own expertise and experience. At each iteration of the design, we became more and more excited about our future home and how it seamlessly integrated into the property, promising wonderful views and an incredible indoor/outdoor living experience. Sadly, our plans changed, and we sold the property, but we have purchased 10 acres in Washington state with an even more incredible view, and we will be incorporating many of the design features into our retirement home. Lincoln and Liz are highly recommended if you want to do something outside the ordinary and want architects who are easy to work with.

    Bob Thompson, Owner

  • Yellow Dog Bread Co

    This is our second project with Lincoln, and I can't recommend him enough! For this project, Lincoln helped us design a renovation plan for 3 bathrooms, an expanded laundry room, an open concept living / kitchen, a mudroom, and a playroom, all while utilizing our existing footprint. His knowledge helped us think through potential problems and do the appropriate cost analysis for how to best get what we want and within our budget. He was generous with his time and was willing to meet at our house with our young children during the COVID pandemic. He has called several times to just check in. I can't say enough about how much we appreciate him and the work he has done! We will continue to use Lincoln for any of our future projects!

    Tanya Andrews, Owner

  • Two-Story Home Addition Renovation

    When we decided to embark on a long-desired and much-needed renovation of our house, we had many ideas and no concrete direction to go forward. We started working with Lincoln, and he took up the challenge of getting blueprints for our vision! We appreciated his design vision and expertise, attention to detail, and follow-up immensely. He was able to take our ideas and convert them into reality. Lincoln listened to us, and successfully managed collaboration in the design phase (especially difficult during the pandemic since this was done via video calls) and was able to deliver a great product to us in the end! He was also very accommodating and made an effort to incorporate some of our more whimsical ideas! We have a finished design and blueprints, complete with all the details we require to start construction. We know that Lincoln will continue to be an ally and advocate for us during that phase as well.

    Adjit Rudran, Owner

  • Accessible Addition

    My husband uses a wheelchair and this was a huge consideration when we decided to remodel. Lincoln did a fabulous job by listening to our concerns and using his in-depth knowledge of ADA regulations. He created an innovative design which exceeded our expectations. We're thrilled with the plans and how he follows up with site visits while the contractors are working. Whether you're remodeling because you have a disability or are "aging in place", he is definitely the person to hire.

    -Karin Nielson - Owner

  • Sun Room Extension

    Lincoln is very professional and extremely detail oriented. We were able to get a highly suitable plan for major renovations in our house and Darrell was instrumental in our satisfaction with the final plans. He made time to come to our house prepared to go over progress on a regular basis until we were happy with a final design. He is also very knowledgeable on all aspects of construction which was very helpful in our decision making. I highly recommend Darrell without any hesitation!n goes here

    -Troy G. - Homeowner

  • Nator Development Inc

    This design firm is excellent! Most professional and honest. We partner-up to do design build projects because they understand the financial parameters of the clients, yet they always seem to provide a unique design that always seems to impress.

    -T. Dickens - PE, GC

  • Attic Reno

    Lincoln was able to transform our attic into an amazing office space. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an architect.

    -Chris, Owner

  • Mountain Retreat

    Lincoln and I worked together in the last quarter of 2021 on a house project for some rural property we own in Central North Carolina. The goal was to make a single-story home, using Eco-Panel SIP panels, from a local NC supplier. Lincoln did a great job listening to my wishes and requirements, and he worked hard to make the design match my strict budget. His communications were clear and his deliverables were timely, and it was apparent he heard all that I said with each iteration. He also educated himself on the Eco-Panels, and pro-actively communicated with the supplier, to make the house dimensions match the standard sizes. That effort paid off when we received the reasonably-costing quote from the supplier. Through no fault of his whatsoever, this house will probably not be built after all. However, I do recommend Lincoln.

    -J. Wilkinson

  • Ranch Revival

    Lincoln, drew up some initial plans, to remodel our older 60's ranch home for our downsizing. We wanted to continue with the mid-century design of the home. Lincoln was spot on, as to what we wanted to accomplish with giving us stylish designs and to gain access to the backyard. Lincoln was very easy to work with and presented a very informative slide show of 3 possible designs along with drawings. Unfortunately, we could not start the project due to my husband's health. I can definitely recommend Lincoln for your design needs.

    -Kathy M. Homeowner

  • Real Estate

    Lincoln is a professional in every sense of the word. He is knowledgeable and is committed to excellence. His attention to detail is an understatement. It’s reassuring that one can find such an outstanding and reliable person devoted to customer satisfaction. Darrell will not only get your project done, but he’ll get it done right!

    -Berkie Angeles, Broker

  • Log Home Office Addition

    Lincoln designed an addition to a traditional log home creating a practical, energy efficient plan that will add value and efficiency to the property. He showed flexibility in managing the interior space meeting the structural code and satisfying the owner. This approach was a good choice for us.

    -Dr. C. Gray, Homeowner

Our Team

D. Lincoln Mayer, RA
NCARB-certified Architect, Licensed in North Carolina

A native of Central New York, Lincoln Mayer earned his Bachelor of Professional Studies in Architecture from SUNY Buffalo School of Architecture & Planning. After interning at The Sear-Brown Group in Rochester, he moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, to pursue a Master of Architecture with a concentration in Urban Design from North Carolina State University in 2003. Lincoln’s thesis “Kinetic Architecture—De-mountable, Transformable Structures for Relief Living” highlighted his passion and natural draw toward flexible, innovative designs that enhance how people experience their surroundings.

Lincoln has worked at both boutique firms and national practices, including NCDG and BSA LifeStructures, a range of residential, commercial, and institutional projects. He founded dl-Design Studio in 2017, driven by the belief that everyday environments can become meaningful experiences. From custom homes and renovations to commercial environments, Lincoln thrives on turning ambitious ideas into practical, inspiring spaces while ensuring each design reflects the client’s vision and delivers lasting value.

Liz Kolepp-Mayer, AIA
NCARB-certified Architect | Licensed in North Carolina

A Raleigh, North Carolina native, Liz Kolepp-Mayer earned her Bachelor of Architecture from North Carolina State University in 2006. While in school, she interned with the local office of NBBJ, where early exposure to large-scale projects sparked her passion for thoughtful, human-centered design. After graduation, she began her career at BBH Design in Raleigh, contributing to award-winning projects including the North Carolina State Yarborough Chiller Plant and serving as lead designer on the WakeMed Main Campus Bed Tower Expansion—a five-story, 103-bed hospital addition. Liz has also served as Project Architect and Designer for Wake Tech Community College’s Perry Health Sciences Building, a 98,000-square-foot facility for nursing education.

Today, Liz serves as a part-time consultant to dl-Design Studio, contributing her design insight to select projects while providing ongoing creative support across the studio’s portfolio. She approaches every assignment with curiosity and care, transforming complex design challenges into environments that are both functional and elegant.