Early Beginnings

Marc Brahaney grew up around construction sites with his father, who was a builder. Midway through his college career, he realized his true interest lay in design and problem-solving in three dimensions. He changed his major to architecture, later earning his master’s degree.

“I was curious about human relations and how they fit into an environment,” Marc recalls of his shift in focus. After graduation, he worked for an architectural firm in New Orleans before returning to Princeton to join Short and Ford Architects (now Mills & Schnoering). In 1988, Marc founded Brahaney Architectural Associates, P.C. (BAA).

Janet Lasley’s path began when, as a college student, she helped friends build a log cabin and discovered her passion for the building trade. After years of gaining hands-on experience and honing her skills, she launched Lasley Construction Inc. (LCI) in 1985—one of the few woman-owned and operated construction companies in the nation at the time. Janet believed in preserving the character of existing housing while adapting homes to the needs of modern families, ensuring that both heritage and functionality thrived.

A Natural Partnership

By the mid-1990s, clients working with either BAA or LCI often asked the two firms to collaborate. The partnership came together naturally, and Lasley Brahaney Architecture + Construction was born. The firm specialized in design-build—uniting architecture and construction under one roof—and focused on custom residential additions and renovations in the Princeton area.

Janet set a high bar for craftsmanship, seeking out employees who took pride in their work and believed in exceeding expectations. Marc shared this philosophy, emphasizing that improving a homeowner’s quality of life was both an honor and a responsibility. Together, they built a reputation for creativity, quality, and care.

The Design-Build Approach

“Inspiration for our work today comes from clients and their families,” Marc explains. “Often, the home itself provides inspiration as well. Typically, a client comes to the process with an idea of what feels right to them, and we’re good at probing for more details to arrive at multiple design options that can transform the existing space. We aim to add light and flow, and to integrate the renovations and additions into the existing structure.”

This thoughtful, collaborative approach has led to Lasley Brahaney’s reputation for solving some of the most challenging design problems in town, always with a focus on attentiveness, imagination, and detail.

Commitment to Community

Beyond the drafting table and job site, Marc has devoted significant time to local organizations. He recently completed a 17-year tenure on the board of trustees of Princeton Day School and served from 2009 to 2023 on the board of Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central and Southern New Jersey. He has also supported Princeton Community Housing, where he contributed to a successful capital campaign in 2023. Today, Marc serves on the board of the Watershed Institute.

In 2015, the Brahaney family established the Janet May Lasley Life Fund (JMLF), inspired by Janet’s spirit of resilience, connection, and positivity. The fund works through the Trenton Health Team to provide non-medical support for individuals and families fighting cancer, helping improve health outcomes and sustain community well-being.

Recognition

Today, Lasley Brahaney employs a team of 15, including architects, carpenters, project leads, and administrative staff. The firm has been recognized with Best of Houzz for 12 consecutive years, and several projects have earned the NARI Contractor of the Year Award (2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025).

Client reviews highlight the firm’s ability to balance creativity and practicality, maintain budgets and timelines, and deliver homes that feel as seamless as they are beautiful.

Longevity

This year marks the firm’s 35th anniversary, a time to look back and celebrate the values that guide Lasley Brahaney: care, balance, and the belief that building well creates spaces—and communities—for people to truly thrive.