About Us

Pete Dandolos | Founder, Brandywine Plaster & Co-Founder, Urban Berber Design*

​

Since founding Brandywine Plaster in 2001, Pete Dandolos has been a passionate advocate for historic preservation and restoration. With over two decades of experience, he has contributed to a wide range of landmark projects, including the Ernest Hemingway House in Key West, FL, the Flannery O’Connor House in Milledgeville, GA, and the T.R.R. Cobb House in Athens, GA. His work with preservation foundations and architectural endowments reflects his deep commitment to honoring and protecting traditional craftsmanship.

In 2010, Pete’s combined love of history and architecture led him to study and practice the ancient and nearly lost art of Moroccan tadelakt. Revered for its natural beauty, durability, and water resistance, tadelakt has been used for centuries as both a functional and decorative plaster finish—from hand-carved façades to basins and bathhouses—throughout the ancient world, from North Africa to India. The technique has traditionally been passed down through generations by master craftsmen known as *Malam*, or “teacher” in ancient Arabic.

With deep respect for these time-honored traditions, Pete has dedicated over a decade to mastering tadelakt and is now considered one of North America’s most prolific and skilled professional plaster artisans.

This passion also led to the creation of **Urban Berber Design**, a sister studio co-founded by Pete and his partner, Alexa. Together, they bring the artistry of tadelakt into contemporary interiors through handcrafted, sculptural furniture. With a shared focus on sustainability, texture, and quiet luxury, Urban Berber Design transforms an ancient craft into modern statement pieces that are as functional as they are timeless.