To better understand what clients are looking to achieve with their project, we ask them to complete an intake questionnaire designed to capture their project scope. We also ask clients to gather inspiration images related to their project goals, then we discuss them in depth to get a deeper understanding of their vision and sensibilities.

Before beginning design work, we perform a thorough review of the site to fully understand the existing conditions, assess project feasibility, and identify any permitting issues. For additions and renovations, we document existing structures through photography and drawings, ensuring that our proposed alterations are tailored to the existing context.

With the understanding of our client’s goals and complete site analysis in hand, we begin the design process with high-level site plan and space-planning concepts, then work our way into greater detail as the client chooses their preferred direction. If budget is a chief concern, we can approach builders at the end of this phase for preliminary pricing estimates before proceeding to the next level of design detail.

Once we reach a general design direction with the client, we delve into the more detailed design of individual spaces in the project. We create both drawings and 3D renderings to help clients visualize the space so they can make informed design decisions. When the design is finalized, we prepare a set of Construction Documents with the details and dimensions a General Contractor needs to provide pricing with their subcontractors and suppliers. As an integrated Architecture and Interiors practice, our drawing sets include the comprehensive details necessary for contractors to provide accurate pricing up front, minimizing unexpected costs downstream.

With Construction Documents in hand, we guide clients through the contractor selection process by walking different general contractors through the project, answering their questions, and then helping clients analyze the contractors’ various proposals in order to make a choice. If it becomes clear upon interviewing several contractors that construction costs are going to come in higher than a client’s budget, it presents an opportunity for us to perform Value Engineering in order to recalibrate the design scope. This is also the phase where any special permitting takes place—such as Historical, Zoning, or Board of Health reviews. We help usher the process along by providing the appropriate drawings and presenting to Boards as required.

Once a General Contractor has been selected and the permit is in hand, construction begins! Our team is there by the client’s side all the way through to help steer decision making and keep the design intent intact. This is also the phase during which many of the final interior finish and fixture selections are made. We work closely with clients to make those decisions and ensure that they arrive on site by the time the contractor is ready for them.

Doug Jack, principal and founder of Nidify Studio, is a licensed Architect and LEED Accredited Professional whose extensive architectural experience is complemented by a background in craft fabrication. 

After earning a Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University School of Architecture, Doug worked as a carpenter in coastal Maine, then returned to school for a Master of Design Studies in Technology degree at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

Since then, he has worked on a range of award-winning and published projects in residential, commercial, academic, and exhibition design under the tutelage of renowned architects such as Ann M. Beha FAIA and Maryann Thompson FAIA.

Doug has taught Undergraduate and Graduate design studios at Boston Architectural College since 2011. He remains active in the academic community and has served as a Guest Critic on studio reviews at Harvard, UPenn, RISD, Northeastern, Roger Williams, and MassArt.

Victoria Capaldo, an associate at Nidify Studio, has a deep passion for and experience with sustainable architecture and community design. 

She completed a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from UMass Amherst before earning a Master of Architecture from Boston Architectural College, where her thesis on domestic space making and innovative housing solutions garnered a Master's Thesis Excellence award.

Before joining Nidify Studio, Victoria worked for prominent co-housing architect Laura Fitch, collaborating on workshops and designs for cohousing communities across the globe, from Greece to Brazil. Victoria also brings professional experience in commercial, municipal, and educational design projects.

Originally from California, Aslyn brings west coast energy to the Nidify team. Her experience spans architecture, interiors, and experiential design. She has a degree in Architecture from Northeastern University and has worked as an Interior Design Consultant at Circle Furniture as well as an exhibit specialist at the WNDR Museum in Boston. She has also interned at WORKac in NYC.