Member Spotlight: Nancy Dougherty, AIA, Principal of Studio 1200
Please meet your AIA Newark and Suburban Architects colleague Nancy Dougherty, AIA, Principal of Studio 1200!
Nancy Dougherty is a LEED accredited, licensed Architect with over 30 years of experience. Nancy is a partner at Studio 1200, an award-winning Architecture and Interior Design Firm located in Short Hills, NJ. She has built a reputation for designing beautiful and well-functioning places and spaces of diverse work types, with a focus on downtown buildings that revitalize their communities. Nancy is widely respected for her design acumen, technical expertise, and finesse in shepherding projects through the Land Use approvals process. A passionate researcher on the history of each site, Nancy is also laser-focused on the critical details of each project, resulting in unwavering confidence and trust among her clients.
A graduate of Barnard College, with a Master's in Architecture from Columbia University, Nancy is licensed in multiple states and has been recognized by NJBIZ as one of the top 50 Women in Business. Recent projects include the redevelopment of a prominent site in Flemington, NJ, and mixed use / multi-family housing projects in Bernardsville, Jersey City, Millburn, Morristown, and Summit. Studio 1200 is also known for its corporate interiors, downtown retail, and single-family residential work.
Nancy's dedication to community extends well beyond architecture. She holds positions on multiple local organizations, including Greenwood Gardens and the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race, and is also a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters.
For business inquires please visit Nancy's website at http://www.studio1200.com/m/
Email Nancy's office: [email protected]
Give them a call: 973.376.5111
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We were thrilled that Nancy opened the door to her studio and share her thoughts on her practice and the profession. Please enjoy the Q&A!
What was your favorite recent project?
Any project that invigorates buildings and brings new life to the community. I love diving into the history of a building and finding that magical element that will transform it. We have several projects like that at the moment, including Wells Fargo in Morristown, the Millburn Movie Theater and the former Colgate Stables in Harding Township.
How long did it take before you felt comfortable in your role as an architect?
It takes a long time - there is a constant evolution of learning as we have to be generalists while also being competent in all the technical aspects. Mastering the zoning and legal aspects of land use has been thrilling as it has allowed me to lead an entire development team through the design process.
What would be your dream job or a project you'd like to work on?
The adaptive reuse of a big, cool, old industrial building that includes intergenerational living, a community hub and the arts.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
Supporting Greenwood Gardens and South Orange/Maplewood’s Coalition on Race.
What are 3 facts about you that make you unique?
My first language was Italian.
I lived in a thatched cottage in England and invited the Queen to my 9th birthday party.
I love MIKA.
Who or what are your inspirations for architecture?
Louis Kahn.
Deborah Berke’s adaptive reuse philosophy.
John Pawson.
Who or what are your inspirations for life?
My non-binary 28-year-old medical student.
Pat Sapinsley, my first employer and Managing Director of Cleantech Initiatives at the Urban Future Lab at NYU.
Being creatively stretched by PJ Cappolina.
What’s exciting about what you are doing now in the office?
Being considered an expert and a creative force in the redevelopment efforts of the local community.
What advice would you give to recent graduates entering the professional world?
Never say “I’m not interested.” Every work assignment is an opportunity for growth.
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Nancy's Projects:
23 South Street – In development
Studio 1200 has become very familiar with the corner of South and DeHart Streets in Morristown. In 2021 we completed the gut renovation and restoration of the Wells Fargo building on this corner, working with Hampshire Real Estate Companies, who was both the landlord and the lead office tenant. Studio 1200 was subsequently retained in 2022 for 23 South Street, the site immediately across the street.
Studio 1200 was hired to assist the ownership in the final Site Plan approval process. Our work included updating the prior design and then continuing on as the Architect of Record. During that process, we scaled back the overall mass of the building to satisfy the Zoning Board, detailed expansive top floor apartments with wrap around private terraces, and completed the design for the rooftop amenities, the retail storefronts, the residential lobbies, and the apartment layouts. Finally, we were able to incorporate a large scale mural on the alley facade, which will be developed by a local artist once the building is up.
Initial conceptual design, planning and zoning work for this project was conducted by Kimmerle Newman Architects. KNA’s scope of work included urban design, massing and façade studies that incorporated the use of local precedents such as red brick and zinc panels, which echo similar treatments at the Morristown Library proximate to the site, and other details that can be found elsewhere along South Street.
Single Family residence, Summit, NJ – Completed in 2019
We transformed a majestic but dilapidated center hall colonial into a gorgeous home for a prominent local couple and their 4 lively kids. We started by moving the kitchen to the dining room so it could enjoy views of the backyard while incorporating the original massive fireplace. We repurposed the remaining rooms on the first floor to accommodate a modern, more casual lifestyle. We added a covered porch with fireplace and TV that has become a favorite hang out spot for adults and children alike. The second and third floor renovations included new bathrooms throughout as well as space reconfiguration to provide better storage, an upstairs playroom, and his and her offices. The basement was updated to include have a nanny suite, a spacious gym and plenty of space for the kids to play. We were able to maintain and restore all of the classic elements in the house including the grand central stair, the stained-glass windows and well-appointed fireplaces.
Flemington Borough, NJ – In development
We have been spear heading the design of a major redevelopment in Flemington, NJ. The site is prominently located at the north end of Main Street and will be a gateway to the historic downtown once completed. Our design includes approximately 90 apartments, a dozen townhouses, and a free-standing structure with retail and community space. We began the design process focused on Flemington’s train history, as the town was an early industrial hub with 3 separate train lines running through it. Our architectural vocabulary includes Flemington brick as well as other materials that honor Flemington’s historic past. The project will be anchored by a neighborhood park that may host local events. Finally, the goal will be to incorporate outdoor sculpture and environmental graphics that celebrate the local community.
Tyrconnell Park, Summit, NJ – In development
We collaborated with a local developer to design this 3-story, 46-unit, high-end multi-family project in Summit. Based on their family’s Irish heritage, the design has incorporated a rusticated stone base and a combination of brick, stone and stucco on the exterior. The building also celebrates the silk mills that once lined Morris Avenue, when Summit was one of the largest silk producers in the country. This project will be 100% valet and is one of the first suburban multi-family projects in this area to have triple stacker parking completely underground. The project will include well appointed amenity spaces and feature a sizeable roof deck with solar panels. With its proximity to downtown Summit and easy access to major highways it will be a transformational project for Summit’s western gateway.
Wiss, Florham Park, NJ – Completed in 2021
This accounting firm hired us to design their new headquarters at a larger 35,000 sq. ft. location. They wanted an open, collaborative space, infused with energy, that would attract talent and set the tone for the next generation. The lobby featured here connects the east and south wings with a sense of community. This interior “courtyard” featuring house-shaped steel structures sets the stage for a central “home” celebrating their philosophy of open communication. We also designed the office spaces, meetings rooms, fitness center, collaboration areas, huddle/phone rooms, game room and coffee bar. Details include a sculptural wall featuring stacked abacuses and a custom wall-covering displaying letterpress numbers, all symbols of their accounting business.
Are you interested in taking part in our Member Spotlight Series? Contact Robert Epstein, Component Director, for more information: [email protected]
