Who we are

At Studio Ovo, authenticity is at the core of our mission. We prioritize integrity in all aspects of our work, from our relationships with clients to executing their unique visions. We believe in the raw beauty of natural materials and celebrate the way they age and patina over time. We embrace modern design that is warm, tactile, experiential, and non-toxic. As a woman-owned architectural firm, our design practice is inclusive, approachable, and always centered on creating spaces that are both stunning and functional. We are passionate about making the process of designing and building easy, enjoyable, and deeply personal for each client, ensuring that the end result feels genuinely theirs.

  • Founder / Design Principal

    Caroline Nassif is the founding architect at Studio Ovo. An Egyptian American with over 19 years of experience in the San Francisco Bay Area, Caroline began her career designing student and multi-family affordable housing at Pyatok Architects in Oakland. She then spent a transformative decade at Lundberg Design under Olle Lundberg, leading award-winning projects across various sectors, including single-family homes, restaurants, office remodels, wineries, and spas.

    Caroline’s approach to design is shaped by curiosity, empathy, and highly attuned listening skills, attributes rooted in both her professional journey and personal story. Her family immigrated from Cairo to Houston when she was nine, requiring her to navigate an unfamiliar culture and often create ways to make herself understood.

    Starting a new architectural project — from permits and budgets to understanding drawings — can feel like stepping into a foreign world for many clients. Caroline is dedicated to demystifying the design process, creating a shared language, and collaborating closely to bring her client's visions to life.

    A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s five-year Bachelor of Architecture program, Caroline also holds a dual B.A. in the Plan II Liberal Arts Honors program. She is a licensed architect in California, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects. Outside of her practice, Caroline enjoys knitting, watercolor, playing the ukulele, cooking with her toddler, and exploring San Francisco on urban hikes while listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

  • Studio Director / Project Manager

    Misa brings 9 years of experience managing high-end residential, restaurant, and retail projects, beginning at Swatt + Partners (formerly Swatt Miers Architects) and most recently at Lundberg Design, where she met Caroline. Her passion is in managing complexity in support of beauty. To Misa, design involves a constant interplay of detail and vision, carefully wading through a labyrinth of considerations and problem-solving exercises without losing the central idea, all while ensuring her clients have a trustworthy and compassionate guide to help them through the process. 

    Misa earned her B.A. in Japanese from Dartmouth College, where she spent two summers abroad immersing herself in the language and culture of her heritage. During this period of reconnecting with her roots she fell in love with the modular simplicity and connection to nature that is central to traditional Japanese architecture. This influence, combined with an upbringing steeped in creativity thanks to her artist mother and a deep love of math and spreadsheets, eventually led her to the Architecture program at California College of the Arts in San Francisco where she could pursue the perfect fusion of the technical and the aesthetic. 

    When she is not at her desk, she can be found chasing around her two children, teaching herself how to garden, or dreaming of long hikes through the redwoods.

What we stand for

We embrace modern design that is warm, tactile, experiential, and non-toxic. We celebrate the natural beauty of materials and honor how they age and patina over time. We are committed to architecture that is deeply PERSONAL, genuinely APPROACHABLE, and always ACHIEVABLE.

Our Approach

Every project starts with collaboration and shared goals, guided by an inclusive design process. We take great care to make the design and construction journey easy and enjoyable for our clients. 

Our services are available as a traditional turn-key architectural package or a customizable à la carte option, allowing you to choose the level of involvement that best suits your needs. Our goal is to support you throughout the process.

Services Menu

  • Start your design journey with a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation, where we’ll explore your vision and determine if we’re the right fit. This is an opportunity to address questions about the process for design and construction, how permitting works in your jurisdiction, how to estimate the length of construction, what the code allows us to do on your property, and any other concerns you may have. We’ll then dive into your unique story, goals, and aspirations through collaborative conversations.

  • Take the next step with a one-hour on-site consultation. This session allows us to tour your project location, discuss design ideas, and offer expert insights tailored to your needs and the specifics of your site. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of the possibilities and the next steps to take.

  • We begin by creating a concept that reflects your vision and sets the stage for success. Our team develops architectural plans, elevations, and 3D models to outline the project’s scope and identify potential design or permitting issues. Our goal is to provide drawings that can be used by a contractor to provide rough cost estimates.

  • From initial concept to project completion, we provide full-service architectural design tailored to your vision. We guide you through every stage of design, from defining and refining project details—such as selecting materials, finishes, and fixtures—to managing architectural plans, contractor and consultant selection, and engineering coordination. We manage the permitting process, working alongside expediters as necessary to ensure there are no unnecessary delays. Using advanced modeling tools, we produce clear visualizations and renderings that help your project evolve. Together, we explore creative options, refine ideas, and balance aesthetics with functionality. We often collaborate with skilled artisans and fabricators, both local and global, to design custom architectural elements. Your involvement ensures the final design meets your unique style and needs. With a focus on thoughtful planning, we ensure your design stays true to your vision while keeping the project on track, on time, and within budget.

  • This is where vision becomes reality. Our team collaborates closely with contractors, makers, and artisans to execute the design with precision and care. We respond to questions from the contractor as they arise, review every item before it is ordered and installed, and problem-solve if unexpected issues are discovered. We oversee every detail to ensure the project is built to the highest standards, staying true to the original vision while navigating challenges with expertise and agility.

  • A project isn’t truly complete until every detail is in place. Our tailored service ensures your space is fully functional and beautifully finished, sourcing everything from furniture and art to linens and plants. Every element is thoughtfully curated to align with your vision, resulting in a harmonious and inviting space.

  • Even after the project is complete, our commitment doesn’t end. We provide guidance on maintaining and caring for your space, ensuring its beauty and functionality endure over time. From answering questions to addressing any evolving needs, we are here to support you long after the build is done.

Our Expertise

  • Your home should be a reflection of your life. We seamlessly blend functionality and beauty, creating timeless spaces that feel good to live in. From layouts to the finest details, our homes are designed to endure, age gracefully, and bring joy for years to come.

  • Workspaces should inspire and enable people to do their best work. We create commercial spaces that balance elegance, functionality, and practicality. Whether it’s a collaborative office or a space requiring privacy and quiet, our designs reflect your brand and business goals.

  • We design restaurant spaces that embody the essence of the cuisine and support the chef’s vision. From the dining area to the back-of-house flow, we ensure every element enhances the dining experience. Opening a restaurant is bold and thrilling, and we’re here to make the design process just as rewarding.

  • We thrive on creating unique spaces that defy conventional design. From boutique wine shops to bookstores, our work transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary environments that linger in memory. Every detail, from materials to lighting, is thoughtfully crafted to tell your story.