Nicole founded Seattle-based MAKE Design Studio in 2008 to create spaces that fulfill her passion for design, construction and green building. While Nicole was first attracted to architecture for its power to inspire, her experience in net zero energy and green building projects is also a driving force behind MAKE’s commitment to projects that step lightly on the land and create a strong connection to community and place.
Over the past 20 years in architecture, Nicole has acquired experience with LEED, LEED for Homes, Living Building Challenge, Built Green, Passive House and NetZero Energy projects. She lectures on green building strategies, net zero energy building design and architectural design at universities and conferences.
Nicole received a Master of Architecture from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture from North Carolina State University. After graduate school, Nicole spent 2 years working as a carpenter to become a better architect. Her field experience has proven an invaluable tool in merging innovative sustainable building strategies and complex architectural detailing with the realities of construction. Nicole is a Registered Architect in the State of Washington, a LEED accredited professional and SEED (Social Economic Environmental Design) certified professional. Nicole is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Architects Without Borders (AWB), The 1%, and Literacy Bridge.