About us.
ARCHITECTURE WITHOUT BORDERS
Residential Drafting Services
Commercial Drafting Services
Additions & Renovations
Permit Drawings
3D Visualization & Design Development
Construction Documentation
At CASNA Design LLC, we believe great design begins with understanding how people live, work, and experience space.
Founded by Mario Castillo-Navia, CASNA Design combines international design experience with practical construction knowledge to create thoughtful, functional, and visually compelling projects. Our work ranges from luxury residential homes and renovations to commercial drafting, additions, and permit-ready construction documents.
Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with roots in Santiago, Chile, our studio has participated in projects and collaborations across North America, South America, Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia, India, and Southeast Asia. This international perspective allows us to approach every project with creativity, technical precision, cultural understanding, and attention to detail.
Having traveled extensively across multiple continents and cultures, Mario has experienced a wide range of architectural styles, urban environments, construction methods, and ways of living. From historic European cities and modern metropolitan centers to traditional communities and rapidly developing regions, these experiences have shaped a broader understanding of how people interact with space, materials, light, density, and daily life across the world.
We believe architecture and design are deeply connected to culture, lifestyle, and human experience. This global exposure allows us to bring a unique international perspective into every project while still respecting the local character, needs, and vision of each client.
OUR PHILOSOPHY IS SIMPLE
GLOBAL DESIGN. LOCAL DETAIL
Every project is carefully developed to balance aesthetics, functionality, constructability, and the client’s vision. We believe successful design is not only beautiful — it must also work in real life.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Mario Castillo-Navia is a licensed architect in Santiago, Chile, with international academic and professional experience across multiple countries and cultures.
He completed his architectural education at Universidad Central de Chile, where he graduated with highest honors and received recognition for the best final thesis project of his graduating class. His thesis project was later published in the XIX Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism in Chile and selected as the university representative project for Archiprix 2014 World’s Best Graduation Projects.
During his academic formation, he completed advanced studies at the Polytechnic University of Madrid in Spain, one of the oldest and most recognized architectural schools in Europe, where he completed his fourth year of architectural studies.
After returning to Chile, he pursued specialization studies in Urban Design and Urban Planning, later evaluated in the United States as equivalent to graduate-level urban design studies. His final urban project received the maximum academic distinction and honors upon graduation.
Mario has also completed the NCARB Architectural Experience Program (AXP) requirements in the United States and is currently eligible to complete the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) process toward U.S. architectural licensure.
RECOGNITION & PUBLICATIONS
Finalist in The Garden Bridge Treehouse: Triumph Architectural Treehouse Award (TATA) — London, England
Publication of final thesis project in the XIX Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism in Chile
Publication of final thesis project as university representative in Archiprix 2014 World’s Best Graduation Projects
Highest Honors — Architecture at Universidad Central de Chile
Publication in Luis Vidal + Architects — “From the Process to Results”, Spain
Multiple Angi Super Service Awards
Multiple Nextdoor Neighborhood FAVE Awards
OUR APPROACH
01-UNDERSTAND
Every successful project begins by understanding the client’s goals, lifestyle, budget, and vision.
02-DESIGN
We transform ideas into clear drafting and design solutions through thoughtful planning and development.
03-DEVELOP
We create detailed drafting and construction documents ready for permitting and construction.
04-DELIVER
We work closely with homeowners, contractors, and consultants to help move projects forward smoothly and efficiently.
Charlotte, North Carolina,USA Santiago, Chile
BASED IN
We are passionate about creating spaces that elevate everyday living through thoughtful drafting and design.
LET’S CREATE SOMETHING EXCEPTIONAL