In this episode of Homes Built with Love, we sit down with Justine Nigro, founder and principal designer of Hive Design Co., to talk about the power of design in creating homes that change lives.
Justine brings both technical expertise and deep compassion to her work. With a background in architectural design and years of experience in residential projects, she has chosen to use her skills for something bigger: helping to address Canada’s affordable housing crisis. Her partnership with Home Suite Home Affordable Housingis more than a professional collaboration — it’s a personal mission rooted in empathy, creativity, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe, beautiful place to live.
Over the course of our 15-minute conversation, Justine opens up about:
• Her journey into design — how she discovered her passion for architecture and why she gravitated toward projects that have a meaningful social impact.
• A heart for housing solutions — why working with people experiencing poverty and homelessness matters to her personally, and how design can play a critical role in restoring dignity and hope.
• Innovative tiny home models — how Hive Design Co. is working with Home Suite Home to create smart, sustainable one-bedroom and two-bedroom pocket homes. She shares insights on designing compact spaces that are both functional and welcoming, where every square foot carries purpose.
• Design challenges and opportunities — from zoning hurdles to balancing affordability with quality, she explains how thoughtful design can overcome barriers and create scalable solutions for communities.
• The future of housing design — where she sees innovation heading, how young designers can get involved, and what excites her most about blending creativity with community care.
Listeners will hear Justine’s genuine passion come through as she speaks — not just about floor plans and blueprints, but about people, stories, and the human side of housing. She reminds us that homes aren’t just structures; they are vessels for security, stability, and belonging.
This conversation is a window into the collaborative spirit that fuels Home Suite Home’s work. By pairing innovative design with grassroots compassion, we’re building more than houses — we’re creating pathways out of poverty and giving people a fresh start.
Whether you’re in the housing sector, curious about design, or simply interested in stories of hope and community impact, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how professionals like Justine are using their talents to spark change.
Tune in, and be inspired by how design with heart can help reimagine what affordable housing looks like in Canada.
To support this Podcast, visit our store Hope Essentials at https://homesuitehome.org/product-category/hope-essentials/
Website: https://homesuitehome.org
