Our Practice
The Essence of DNA
We create enduring designs that honor the history of every site. Guided by our commitment to historical and contemporary influences, we design buildings for performance, resilience and longevity, while transforming concepts into lasting works of architecture to fulfill our client’s vision.
The Essence of DNA
We create enduring designs that honor the history of every site. Guided by our commitment to historical and contemporary influences, we design buildings for performance, resilience and longevity, while transforming concepts into lasting works of architecture to fulfill our client’s vision.
Creating Timeless Spaces That Tell Stories
With a dynamic fusion of design and innovation, we shape environments that not only harmonize with their local surroundings but also enrich the lives of those who inhabit them. Our work extends beyond the ordinary, combining creativity with precision to build enduring spaces that inspire for generations. Our creative journey is shaped by intentional pauses, authentic narratives, and moments of unexpected beauty, embodying our thoughtful approach to architectural excellence. Every design detail tells a compelling story of artistry, ecological balance, and transformative vision.
Sustainable Practice
Our studio prioritizes environmentally responsible practices to make sure our buildings endure. Our commitment to the environment includes reducing carbon footprints, selecting locally sourced materials, researching the environmental impact of materials and creating efficient building systems focused on high performance and resiliency. Throughout construction, we ensure that the home is not only a personal expression of the owner’s but is a lasting contribution to the built environment.
The DNA Process
At Doreve Nicholaeff Architecture, we believe that a home is a reflection of how you live. Our work as architects is not only to understand your vision for living, but create a home worthy of it to last for generations to come. Our design process begins with a deep understanding of our clients’ lifestyles, laying the groundwork for every decision we make. We review the site plan and evaluate each site’s unique characteristics—its topography, natural surroundings, and environmental conditions—while integrating the latest innovations in technology and sustainability. Many of our projects are situated in protected coastal regions, where utmost care is placed to protect and preserve our natural environment. We design to navigate changing climate conditions. We understand this environment and utilize our design expertise to create new and fresh ways to maintain our precious landscape through modern technologies. At DNA, we ensure that every project is developed holistically and is both inspiring and functional. We build collaborative teams with landscape architects, builders, engineers, and other specialists, creating a synergistic relationship for successful outcomes.
Big picture concepts for every size project
Our work spans from new construction and renovations to custom details and smaller structures. We pay careful attention to the balance between place and purpose. We transform dreams into bespoke living spaces that are as unique and uncompromising as those who inhabit them.
Interior Architectural Design
We are also interior architects, and work in unison with a select group of interior designers to create unique homes. Our expertise goes beyond the architecture itself, providing clients with interiors that reflect a design of both form and function.
Doreve Nicholaeff, AIA, RIBA, NCARB
Doreve Nicholaeff is recognized for her innovative, personalized approach to residential design. With every project, Doreve is hands-on, reflecting her commitment to understanding her clients’ lifestyles and translating their visions into reality. Her knowledge of architecture, design, history and theory over her three decades of work has helped inform her ability to integrate location specific modern and classical architecture to new aesthetic sensibilities for her clients. A native of South Africa, Doreve studied architecture at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. She was awarded the South African Institute of Architects’ Graduate Scholarship to study for her Advanced Masters Degree in Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She went on to work at Moshe Safdie & Associates and William Geddis & Associates where she contributed to some of Boston’s most significant historical buildings. Doreve Nicholaeff is the author of The Planning and Development of Copley Square, an architectural study of one of Boston’s most prominent landmarks. This work landed her a position at Gensler Associates in Los Angeles. Doreve realized that she missed New England and upon returning, began work at Sasaki. After seven years in commercial architecture, she opened her own studio in residential design in 1986, headquartered in Osterville, Massachusetts, where it continues to flourish.
Doreve Nicholaeff Architecture focuses on projects throughout New England but also undertakes work nationally and internationally. Doreve is licensed in Massachusetts, New York, Florida, and Rhode Island. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the Boston Society of Architects, and the Royal Institute of British Architects. Her passion for blending innovation with a respect for tradition remains a hallmark of her practice.
The Team
We are proud of our talented and dedicated team of design professionals. Guided by the same passion and expertise of Principal and Founder, Doreve Nicholaeff, the seasoned team at DNA ensures that every detail in every design exceeds expectations. Rooted in architectural history as well as contemporary architecture, the team is skillful in all aspects of the design process to develop meaningful architecture.