baci baci

BACI BACI

Design studio for buildings, interiors, exhibitions, objects

Guided by research, we see design as an opportunity to experiment on the real world.

Baci Baci strips additional layers back to dig deeper. Daily ritual, unexpected interactions. Places for people: to sit; shelter; experience; convene.

Founded by Nicola Cortese, Baci Baci is a New York-based studio with projects in buildings, interiors, exhibitions: permanent, temporary and undetermined.

Steeped in collaboration, conversation and cultural engagement—our projects begin in the present, return to the past, and extend to the future.

CONTACT

SERVICES

Interior Design (Concept-Construction)

Exhibition & Installation Design

Custom Furniture & Millwork Design

Furniture Specification & Procurement

Concept, Test Fit, and Feasibility Development 

Community Engagement

Scenography

Art Direction & Interior Styling

Visualization

Project Management 

Research & Design Journalism

BIO

Nicola Cortese is the Founder and Principal of Baci Baci.

B.ARCH, M.ARCH
License (Aus - ARBV): 800199

Prior to founding Baci Baci, Nicola was the Lead Interior Designer at Margaret Sullivan Studio, working predominantly with public libraries across the US; Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Hartford Public Library, and Anne Arundel County Libraries to name a few, as well as other mission-driven clients; Theatre for a New Audience, Student Leadership Network and the Center for Fiction.

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Nicola practiced architecture at numerous firms in Melbourne and Tokyo, focusing on mixed-use and public buildings, before moving to NYC. In building her research-based approach, she undertook a Design Research, Writing, and Criticism Residency at the SVA and taught within the architecture programs at RMIT University and The University of Melbourne.

COLLABORATORS

Baci Baci is built on the foundation of a longstanding collaboration with Lauren Crockett and Stephanie Pahnis. For all architectural and Australian project enquiries, please reach out to SENS, our collaborative practice.

READ

Stay tuned for the launch of our Substack, Secondhand Tours.

WITH GRATITUDE

We acknowledge the Lenape people, the traditional custodians of Lenapehoking, where Baci Baci practices, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, custodians of Naarm, whose Country shaped our learning.

WORK

For current projects, visit our Instagram or email us for our Studio Profile & Portfolio.

Baci Chair Studies

Small is the domain of the detail. Inspired by details all over the world and always a sense of play and humor—we design custom objects, furniture, and millwork as singular items, or as part of a holistic design project. Collaborating with craftspeople and artists to create both collectible and everyday items.

Brooklyn Theatre Lobby Renovations

Medium is the domain of interior spaces. Whether we’re designing an exhibition, a library or a house, we bring the same level of creativity and experimentation. Our interiors are adaptable—embracing improvisation and DIY culture that encourages evolution over time.

Neversink House

Large is the domain of buildings. We work with architects to design buildings that are completely integrated from the smallest to largest detail. Interiors that are distinctly architectural. We seek out opportunities for reuse and reinvention, never defaulting to a tabula rasa.

Studies in Public Motion

Extra-Large is the domain beyond buildings. We’re a research-heavy practice, working on projects that are both speculative and concrete. We question and experiment on the systems that impact the built world and relish the opportunity for design to start conversations.

Reinvention, adaptation, experimentation are what brought us here and will continue to lead us, all projects and every object.

Baci Baci’s structure is informed by S, M, L, XL—the mammoth compendium by Rem Koolhaas/OMA and Bruce Mau.