Marcy Conrad Nutt (Chickadee)

In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas speaks with Minnesota-based architect Marcy Conrad Nutt, whose work centers on bringing high-performance design to everyday projects through the principles of Passive House. Marcy’s mission is to make better buildings—homes and businesses that are energy-efficient, resilient, and supportive of the people who live and work in them. Like the chickadee, a bird that remains year-round in Minnesota, Marcy has rooted her practice in the region she calls home. Just as the chickadee withstands harsh winters while creating a steady, vibrant presence, Marcy is building architecture that endures the northern climate and enriches people's lives from the inside out.Katie and Marcy explore how her practice embodies three defining words: Responsive, Regenerative, and Transformative. Marcy shows up not only for large, complex projects but also for the smaller, everyday efforts - whether it’s answering a tricky design question, guiding a phased retrofit, or helping a contractor refine details for energy efficiency. Like a chickadee gathering seeds one by one, she sees value in every small step forward. Her work also focuses on well-being: improving indoor air quality, maximizing natural light, using non-toxic materials, and designing spaces that feel restorative rather than extractive. These choices may not be flashy, but they quietly transform the way people live.The conversation also extends into Marcy’s lifestyle platform, Yarrow Life, which invites people to think differently about how they inhabit their homes. From the products they use to the way they manage energy day to day, Marcy encourages small, consistent changes that add up to healthier lives and stronger communities. Like the steady chickadee, her approach is grounded, persistent, and deeply committed to long-term impact. Her story is a reminder that architecture is not only about designing buildings—it’s about shaping the rhythms of daily life, one intentional decision at a time.Yarrow ArchitectureWebsite: yarrowarchitecture.com Instagram: @yarrow.architecture LinkedIn: Yarrow ArchitectureTo join this flying solo movement, you can follow Flying Solo Arch on Instagram where Katie posts content to encourage your business life. Find out which bird defines your marketing strategy with the Bird Quiz on the Flying Solo Website. Listen to more encouraging content on the Gabl Media platform including podcasts with CEU and HSW credit towards your licensure renewal. Consider joining the EntreArchitect Network by becoming a member or joining the free EntreArchitect Community Facebook Group. Mark R. Page, founder of EntreArchitect and Gabl Media, has been building a community of small firm architects who are having tough conversations to improve their professional practice and live their best life every day.