Founded by Brett Sichello in 2011, NIDO is a design studio producing modern private residences across the Pacific West. The studio is intentionally small to ensure deep involvement—collaborating with discerning clients to create intelligent, enduring, and beautiful living environments.
We believe that building science is the invisible engine that unlocks ambitious design. Grounded in Passive House principles, our process allows us to deliver modern residences woven into the surrounding landscape—without compromising comfort or livability.
What drives our work is how well-crafted space triggers an emotional response while actively supporting health, calm, and restoration. Sensory experience reaches far beyond the visual and is shaped just as much by what lies beneath the surface: exceptional thermal stability, pristine indoor air, and acoustic calm.
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.
That depth carries into every project. Brett has designed over 20 high-performance homes across the Pacific Northwest, including Certified Passive Houses and Certified Multifamily Passive Houses, each modeled for its own microclimate — lakeside wind exposure, wildfire-interface zoning, heavy snow loads, high summer heat, and difficult mountainous terrain.
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.
Every project is a balance. Strict Passive House compliance isn't right for every budget or aesthetic vision therefore we evaluate your goals, budget, and design priorities first, then build a plan that hits the outcomes that matter most to you.
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.
Complete Risk Reversal for Your Peace of Mind
Designing and building a custom home is notoriously complex. 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. Guaranteed Performance Modeling
We don't guess — we calculate. Our designs are backed by advanced energy performance modeling using the Passive House Energy Modeling Software and a seamless builder handoff specifically designed to prevent design-clash change orders before ground is ever broken.
2. Permit Assurance Roadmap
Navigating municipal regulations shouldn't stall your dream. We utilize a highly refined, pre-design audit framework, and throughout the approvals process provide clear communication with building officials whether it be municipal, provincial, or federal to ensure successful approvals.
3. Construction Oversight & Site Administration
Designing, drawing, and creating equipment specifications is only half the battle. We conduct periodic site reviews followed up by Field Review Reports which are issued to the Builder to identify both compliant and non-compliant work while using a solutions based approach. The Builder and Designer must work as a cohesive team to achieve the final results we expect on all of our projects so the Client-Designer-Builder relationship is incredibly important.
4. Post-Occupancy Smart Home Support
Sophisticated homes require ongoing care. We provide a proactive remote diagnostics program and annual system maintenance to assist with smart home updates, software, and mechanical system tuning.