Meet Your Architect and Advocate

Redefining Professional Collaboration

The Visionary and the Integrator.

When you hire Tact & Grit, you hire me. Hi, I’m Olivia Dube, AIA.

The architectural process is unique in that it is fundamentally creative, yet always in service of a specific outcome. Unlike other forms of expression, this one must meet uncompromising, real-world parameters. So how do we create something new, beautiful and unique to your home or business while also acknowledging the critical gap between a concept and a buildable reality?

As your architect, I hold the tension between the creative action and the need to execute so you don’t have to. Architecture is rarely just about the drawing - it is about the endurance required to see an idea through to its final form. I call it Tact & Grit Design Co. because I believe that, that is exactly what this takes. That, is what building anything takes: a business, a home, a family, a legacy. We need both.

And when I’m not using Tact & Grit to shape your new reality, I’m using it to refine my skills on the tennis court, explore an improvised melody on the piano or to tend to (aka try and keep alive) my ever-growing collection of house plants. Same dedication, same focus.

Start the Conversation
Start the Conversation

A Purpose-Driven Approach.

“Draw what you see, not what you know” is a phrase that reminds us of the difference between developing ideas based on what feels familiar versus developing ideas that are a response to the actual variables in front of our eyes.

My role as an architect is to act as a catalyst for your project, fusing the potential of the existing building with the needs of the inhabitants. It is not about a predetermined aesthetic but rather a process of discovery where critical thinking, imagination, and curiosity shape what is possible. This approach requires a desire to challenge and a willingness to be wrong. Maintaining an open mind throughout the design process leads to spaces that respect the existing architecture while being highly curated to the functional and stylistic needs of the users.

Explore the Full Residential Process —>

Explore the Full Commercial Process —>

A Disciplined Advocacy.

My involvement doesn’t conclude when the architecture is complete. I know the most effective way of transitioning from two-dimensional drawing to three-dimensional space is through a collaborative effort between architect, contractor, and owner.

Leveraging over a decade of experience in the industry, I have found that careful communication, focused coordination, and attentive customer service determine a project's success. I provide a vital layer of support during the construction phase to navigate this dynamic process, resulting in a streamlined client experience and the satisfaction of a fully realized vision.

I am a licensed architect and hold a construction supervisor license in the state of Massachusetts. This combination of credentials uniquely positions me to be your Construction Advocate, a dedicated point-of-contact representing your interests at every stage of the construction process.

MA Registered Architect No. 952064 | MA Construction Supervisor License No. CS-120703

What clients are saying.

  • “We engaged Tact & Grit to redesign several outdated areas of our modest home and to create better access and flow. From start to finish, working with Olivia Dube was a complete pleasure. Throughout our project, Olivia was attentive, responsive, and a collaborative problem solver. She listened well and was able to translate our vision into creative, yet practical, solutions readily. She clearly knows her stuff and has a keen eye for detail. We’d work with her again in a heartbeat and recommend her services highly.”

    Jacqueline F. | Marblehead, MA

  • "Buying a new home and knowing that we needed to renovate much of it was a daunting undertaking, and a bit scary. Choosing to work with Tact & Grit made our lives so much easier and we were able to design and build our dream home. Olivia was able to help us along each step of the way. From translating our ideas into realistic and structurally sound plans, providing us with options for all of our fixtures that fit perfectly with our mood boards, to managing the construction all the way through to completion, we don't know how we would have finished the project on the same timeline and with such great results without Tact & Grit."

    Jason L. | Medford, MA

  • “Tact and Grit did a wonderful job of taking 1801 space and making it 2023 living space!  She had a vision, incorporated our ideas and input, and worked very well with our builder to ensure what was planned, was executed well.  She was very responsive when we ran into complications, and very professional in her execution.  We love our new house, could not have done it without her, from concepts, to plans, to building.  She also checked in 4 or 5 times along the rehab, once the builder started, to ensure things were done well and according to our wishes, our plan.”

    Jeff B. | Bedford, MA

  • I would recommend Tact & Grit Design to anyone interested in completing renovations to their home. Olivia is a pleasure to work with and offered suggestions in the design phase that we had not previously considered. Other opportunities came up after the demolition was completed that Olivia recognized quickly and worked with us to make the best decisions to suit our preferences. She is highly responsive and worked directly with the contractor as needed to ensure all work was being completed in accordance with the plan. We now have a much better result than we could have achieved on our own.

    Tim K. | Wilmington, MA

  • "Olivia was incredibly helpful in turning our vision into a reality. With her combination of construction experience and design expertise (as well as frequent communication), we felt like the project moved incredibly smoothly and got us to the renovation we'd hoped for. She pushed us to drill down on the reasons for our design choices which ultimately led to a better final product - we'd definitely recommend her to anyone looking for an architect and designer!"

    Dan W. | Newton, MA

  • "Olivia helped us turn our racquetball courts into beautiful pickleball courts. We tried to manage the project ourselves, but became overwhelmed with the scope of the project. After contacting Tact and Grit, Olivia was able to take control of our project and bring it back on schedule and back on budget. Olivia's knowledge of building codes and her design ideas played a major role in the success of the project. I absolutely plan on using Tact and Grit on future projects."

    Rick C. | Woburn, MA

  • From start to finish, Olivia expertly guided us through the design and renovation process, making it as seamless and headache free as possible. She was able to listen to our needs and desires for improving the functionality and aesthetics of our home. We wanted an addition that would maintain the character of our 1910 home and she delivered! Her vision for reimagining the layout of our space and her incredible attention to detail resulted in a space that is both beautiful and highly functional. We couldn’t be happier with both the process and the results.

    Cindy & John D. | Medford, MA

  • Oliva was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her dedication, communication, creativity, humor, and passion were outstanding. She was an advocate for us when we needed her to be and listened closely to our vision. She was also a joy to work with and is an all around wonderful person! Thank you for helping us bring our dreams to reality and we hope to work with you again in the future!

    Fern & Hilary B. | Boston, MA

  • Olivia exceeded every expectation, taking our initial ideas and elevating them into a stunning, cohesive design that feels both intentional and inspiring. She not only honored our vision but enhanced it in ways we never could have imagined, bringing creativity, warmth, and practicality to every corner of our renovated home. Throughout the process she was an absolute pleasure to work with—collaborative, thoughtful, incredibly attentive to detail, and always willing to share in our frustrations and talk us off the ledge when the renovation stress kicked in. The final result has transformed how we live in our space, and we truly couldn’t be happier; our home is more beautiful, functional, and uniquely “us” than we ever dreamed.

    Chiara M. | Melrose, MA

  • Olivia did an amazing job with our kitchen and outdoor patio renovation. She was extremely helpful throughout the entire process, from creating initial concepts, to planning the space and designing the finishing touches. I appreciate how she explained her intentions for everything, and paid such close attention to the many details. She answered all our questions with patience and professionalism, and worked closely with us to create a space that was functional, beautiful, and met our specific needs. Olivia was wonderful to work with and we couldn't be happier with our new kitchen and patio. She brought our ideas to life and we are grateful for her talent, hard work and creativity. Highly recommend for anyone looking for thoughtful, high-quality architectural and design work.

    Stacey & Greg M. | Hamilton, MA

Portfolio of Work

5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring An Architect

  • There are many ways to solve a problem. An architect uses their professional expertise to navigate code compliance and filter out ideas that don't optimize the existing building's potential as it relates to your needs and budget. But the nuance is what makes the space truly yours. Seeing two to three options side by side creates a direct comparison that makes the dialogue surrounding the pros and cons of your decisions more interactive and productive. It provides a tangible way for you to weigh your priorities and truly envision yourself in the space.

  • Designing with intention means the architectural vision is shaped with consideration for your financial goals. Integrating contractor feedback early on can set a project up for success by reducing surprises when the full drawing set is priced. A proactive architect will identify the project milestone where these budget conversations are most productive. Gathering these insights can alert you to necessary design changes or an adjustment to project funds prior to the detailed development of the project.

  • An architect’s involvement during construction is vital to the success of the project. You can think of their role as the protector of the design vision as the drawings get translated into three-dimensional space. It is inevitable that questions will arise and changes may need to be made. A single decision in the field often has a domino effect. Your architect should have a consistent presence during the construction phase so that implications can be understood and resolutions made in a timely manner.

  • Architectural services vary from firm to firm. Selecting finishes and fixtures in a manner that is integrated with the architectural process allows you to see a cohesive design prior to any construction beginning. This approach reduces the pressure of making rushed decisions when a contractor is ready to lay tile or a plumber needs to install the rough valves for the shower fixtures. A methodical design process that is structured for both architecture and interior design often leads to a more streamlined construction phase and cost clarity.

  • When you hire an architect, you are collaborating with that individual for many months or even years. The matters of your home and business are personal and deeply significant. Establishing a foundation of trust with a design partner who is supportive of your goals will profoundly shape your experience throughout the process. Your architect should serve as a dedicated advocate who both supports your vision and challenges decisions when necessary to protect the success of the final product.

Good problem solving leads to great design.

Let's Work Together
Let's Work Together