Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Nicola.
Hi Nicholas, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I jumped into architecture when I first graduated in 2006. I grew up on the Central Coast of California and moved down to Orange County for a position with a firm that exculsively designed casinos. For two years I worked on the Cosmopolitan Casino. I would fly from Orange County to Las Vegas every week to work with the engineers and owners. This was my first major project out of school and I had to learn a lot in a very short amount of time. Over the years, I ended up working across multiple design firms spanning all forms of buildings. For example, I designed hotels, hospitals and cancer centers, retail, office buildings, industrial buildings, and airports. Within the last few years, I began working on a new luxury resort project in the Bahamas. After working hard and buildng a great relationship with the client, they became interested in working with my in an exclusive capacity. I ended up taking over the project independently and thus started my own firm. I had previously received my architect’s license for California, so this was the next big step I had always envisioned for myself. My wife and I worked together to build up our company from scratch. Just like any startup firm, I began working at my house, and about a year and a half later, we now have a small office with two staff members. We work very hard, but I always say this has been the best decision I ever made professionally. I love working with my clients and we are excited for the future of our firm.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part, the road has been smooth. I’m very happy that we have our luxury resort project that has kept us consistantly busy since the firms inception. Most architects that start out do not have a project thrown into their hands. It can take months for a client to put their trust in you when you are first starting out, especially when you don’t have a proven track record of successful projects exclusively under your name. The only struggles are dealing with the business end of the firm. Architects in school are not taught how to handle the daily operations of a firm. I am very grateful that my wife is extemely educated in business and provides that support for me.
We’ve been impressed with Nicola Office of Architecture, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a full service architecture firm located in South Orange County. We work with our clients from beginning concept, all the way through construction. We mainly take on all commercial work with a specialty in hospitality. However, we can definitely work with clients on a residential project if the opportunity arises. We provide full architectural services along with interior services, if a client has a tenant improvement project.
At Nicola Office of Architecture (NOA), our journey is driven by a love for design and a passion to transform and craft extraordinary, unforgettable spaces. Our multidisciplinary architecture firm specializes in creating distinctive architectural solutions for the luxury hospitality sector and beyond. From destination defining high-end resorts to bespoke boutique hotels, we have a proven track record of delivering exceptional design. Design that speaks of a hand crafted narrative, transcribing physical space into the future stories and memories of the guest experience.
Our portfolio includes collaborations with some of the finest names in the industry, and we are passionate about continuing to raise the bar in architectural excellence. We believe in crafting artful moments along the journey.
At NOA, we shape the now with tomorrow’s vision
What were you like growing up?
I am an only child with a big imagination. If I wasn’t riding around on my BMX with friends, or playing Nintendo with them, I would spend my time drawing. I loved drawing comic book characters. I would find comic book covers, or trading cards with interesting scenes and would draw those scenes in my own sketch book. I always submitted for school art contests and would typically win within my class. I also would create my own comic books using legacy characters like Batman and the Joker.
I also love photography. Its still basically a hobby, but I also use it as my creative side outlet. I have been taking photos since college. Since I moved to Orange County, my photos, (mostly architectural, landscape, and street photography) have won numerous awards. I also have had my photos published in art magazines and have been curated on art gallery walls throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. I also have small side business on Etsy called “Within the Moment” where I sell my photography. My Instagram handle is nick_nicola_wtm
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.noabuildingdesign.com
- Instagram: nick_nicola_wtm
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-nicola-aia-ncarb-leed-bd-c-99375242/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WithinTheMoment
