“ I had no idea you were back here!” We may not be the most conspicuous presence in this Dupont Circle neighborhood of embassies, museums, and galleries, but we relish our reputation as a hidden treasure.

When we moved six years ago into this historic carriage house tucked into a courtyard off Massachusetts Avenue, it seemed purpose built for us. No structural changes were needed to convert what had once been the stables into the workshop and storage rooms that now occupy the ground floor. The spacious quarters above were easily transformed into our reception rooms, display areas, studios, and offices.

Everywhere there are frames. The walls of our hallways and stairwells are lined with nests of frames and mirrors — our own creations and antiques. The great room, with ceilings high enough to hoist carriages, now accommodates the Studios’ largest projects, such as the 15th Century Italian polyptych that was recently reassembled, restored, and displayed there.

From time to time we organize exhibits from our collection that travel to campus venues, as well as museums and galleries. We are currently at work on a retrospective of frame design.