Get IN. with Nate Spangle They Build Homes Around the Way Families Live | Abbey and A.J. Robertson, aaNovo
Mar 9, 2026
Abbey Robertson, co-founder and principal designer at aaNovo who leads client-driven 3D design, and A.J. Robertson, co-founder who moved from tech to finish carpentry and preservation. They talk about shifting from flips to full renovations, balancing historic preservation with new builds, using 3D renders and AI for design, building-science for healthy homes, and practical, budget-first planning tips.
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Divide Roles Early In A Couple-Led Firm
- Do separate roles when scaling a husband-wife firm: Abbey handles design and A.J. handles construction to build expertise and avoid overlap.
- They refined this split after early projects which let them raise quality and take on higher-end work.
Old Houses Breathe Differently Than New Builds
- Historic homes often performed well as breathable assemblies; adding modern insulation without strategy can trap moisture and damage old structures.
- Respect existing construction and use building science to balance occupant comfort with material longevity.
Engineer Healthy Buildings From Day One
- Plan healthy-building strategies from day one; don't rely on add-ons like air purifiers to fix assembly problems.
- Use redundant systems and meticulous application so materials and mechanicals protect occupants long-term.