Founded by Brett Sichello in 2011, NIDO is a small design studio producing modern private residences across the Pacific West from its base in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. We work across British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming.
We believe that building science is the invisible engine that unlocks ambitious design, without compromising comfort or livability.
Backed by an education in architectural science, building physics, and hands-on construction experience, NIDO distills bold concepts into enduring physical reality. We approach every commission through first principles and systems thinking—designing for the local microclimate, site topography, and the long-term lifestyle of those who live within.
Trained the Standard, Then Built to It
Training other designers means Brett not only deeply understands the Passive House standard — he helped shape how an entire region of professionals approaches it. For over five years, Brett taught Passive House Canada's certification courses across Western Canada, working directly with the architects, engineers, designers, and builders now practicing throughout Western Canada.
Brett has been working in the industry for over 25 years and founded NIDO in 2011. He has designed and consulted on over 20 high-performance homes across the Pacific West, including certified Passive Houses and certified Multifamily Passive Houses.
Working directly with a specialist means no hand-offs, no junior associates relearning your project — the person who designed your home is the person accountable for it, from first sketch through post-occupancy support.
Brett is a Registered Applied Science Technologist (AScT) specializing in Building Design through ASTTBC, and a Certified Passive House Designer.
NIDO is not registered with the AIBC to provide architectural services on buildings requiring an Architect.
What Stands Behind the Design
We believe the designer should shoulder the technical risks, not the homeowner. We back our commissions with a rigorous process and four proactive oversight programs.
1. Energy Performance Modeling
We don't guess — we calculate. Our designs are backed by energy performance modeling using the Passive House Energy Modeling Software, with a builder handoff designed to help prevent design-clash change orders.
2. Permit Assurance Roadmap
A pre-design audit framework and clear communication with building officials throughout the approvals process, to ensure successful approvals.
3. Construction Oversight & Site Administration
Periodic site reviews, with Field Review Reports issued to the Builder identifying compliant and non-compliant work. Builder and Designer work as one team toward the result.
4. Post-Occupancy Smart Home Support
Remote diagnostics and annual system maintenance, to assist with smart home updates, software, and mechanical system tuning.