Employee Spotlight with Niko, a Red House Architectural Designer

Everyone, we’d like to introduce you to Niko, our new architectural designer. It is truly an honor to have him join our team here at Red House. Niko brings experience, skill, and talent to us not only as an architectural designer but also as a classical musician/composer. The fun facts don’t stop there; let’s get to know Niko!

It All Started in The Hamptons

Niko grew up on Long Island, New York, specifically Hampton Bays. With an ocean view in an iconic place like The Hamptons, it was hard not to become artistic in one way or another. Growing up, Niko had two passions: architecture and music. Niko spending weekends with his dad, a property manager in South Hampton, the beautiful architecture and the process of managing the properties inspired him.

Though passionate about playing and composing classical music, Niko decided to set his career path towards architecture. He says he balanced the two interests by majoring in architecture and minoring in music at Roger Williams University, where he attended school to earn his bachelor’s degree.

After finishing school at the height of the pandemic, Niko returned to The Hamptons to begin working at a residential firm in North Fork, where his passion for residential design began. Once Covid and quarantining had ended, Niko and his new fiance returned to Providence to start a life here in The Ocean State. During that time, he was finishing an online master’s degree at Boston Architectural College. After trying his hand at commercial design, Niko wanted to get back into residential design, where he enjoyed the more intimate approach of working face-to-face with clients and seeing the difference he could make for families. Enter Red House!

To this day, he says that everyone who knows him and his music is so surprised when he says he is an architect. Niko hasn’t forfeited any musical dedication, though, and says he has a classical album in the works, hoping to release it next year if he can find the time. Keep reading to find out just how many instruments he plays!

The Rewarding Parts of Being an Architectural Designer

Niko says that, unlike his previous jobs, he loves his interaction with clients during the initial design phases. What feels so rewarding is seeing a client’s excitement firsthand when they love a proposed design or as they see their dream home come to life. It’s also a rush of relief and excitement when plans and permits are approved, and the project can move forward.

So, What Does an Architectural Designer Actually Do?

As an architectural designer, Niko is involved from the very beginning of the project until production. He starts the project by drawing the existing conditions (what the home looks like currently). He works with that layout to find creative options to improve the functionality and style of a space and to meet our client’s priorities. Once a design option is chosen and permits are approved, the plans are developed into construction documents for production. Then it’s time for the designs take shape in real life!

How Many Instruments?

When talking about what Niko loves to do outside of work, the list of instruments is quite impressive! Niko has a strong passion for playing and composing music. What does he play and write on? Well, only the piano, saxophone, cello, guitar, flute, french horn, and the duduk (Armenian woodwind instrument). Quite the list, Niko! He began playing instruments at the age of 10 when he was given a keyboard. That began a chain reaction into his extensive knowledge and passion for instruments and making music. After that, he branched out to different instruments, he started playing in bands, and the rest is history!

Aside from creating music, Niko loves to read fantasy novel and trying out new cooking and baking recipes. He really knows how to keep those creative muscles working!

Some Favorite Things

• Favorite Food: Seafood. “I love a good scallop” -Niko
• Favorite Type of Music: Film & Game Scores
• Favorite Movie: Interstellar
• Favorite Book: Raven Rise: Book #9 of Pen Dragon Series

A Top Bucket List Item

Finally visiting P-Town and experiencing the culture and festivities.

And, last but not least, the million dollar question (literally): What would you do if you won $10 Million tomorrow?

“Well, first I would probably buy a house somewhere in Rhode Island, pay off all of my student loans, and take a vacation!” Well said, Niko. Sounds like a pretty good way to start.

Again, welcome Niko, to the Red House team. We are so excited to have you aboard and to our readers; thanks for checking in and getting to know our team! Till next time!