Bio:
The great architect, Nicole Davis, AIA is the founder of NRDesign LLC, graduated from the Savannah Collage of Art Design with her M-ARCH Degree. She earned her architectural license in 2018 and has enjoyed a practice focused on adaptive reuse and multifamily developments. Nicole has been an active member of local AIA chapters throughout her career and currently serves on the committee for Women in Architecture. Nicole was under the leadership at Vocon, a women-owned architecture firm while completing this project.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My grandfather was a carpenter and introduced me to architecture. Once I took my first architect course in college it all clicked. I love how the laws of building science balance with the artistic side of architecture.

What do you do?
I take a list of wants, needs, and ideas to create spaces that meet a client’s needs. I listen, decipher and translate. An architect could be describing as an interpreter, a creator, an artist and a problem solver.

What excites you in the work you do?
My passion is adaptive reuse, there is such beauty in old architecture. By giving these spaces a second chance, we can save history, keep pieces of our culture while revitalize neighborhoods by supporting growth and development.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by many different things, my peers, my competition, my current projects, the buildings I see around me. Even a bad example of architecture can be an inspiration to work harder, push the limits and see where a design can lead you.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Starting my own firm, NRDesign LLC is my proudest accomplishment. Working as a one woman show, trying to find my way in this profession is scary but make my mark as an architect has also been the most exciting adventure.

Featured Project Name: 
BVQ Lofts
 
Featured Project Location: 
Cleveland, Ohio
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2019

Role in Featured Project: 
Project Architect
 
Featured Project Description:
The former J. Spang Baking Company building was a commercial bakery converted into 69 apartments. BVQ Lofts utilized historic tax credits and Green Infrastructure grants which ensured the original story was preserved while allowing a new use with sustainable features to be developed inside. The project is best described as design build and the close partnership between the architect, owner and contractor was crucial in the success of this project.

Photography Credit:
Nicole Davis