NODO
Network of Observation, Design & Outreach

A rope with a knot in the center

We are a women-led research and design consultancy that supports humanitarian and community-led initiatives through thoughtful tools for reflection, strategy, and storytelling.

WHAT we do

Vital work happens on the field —
but it often gets lost in translation.

Our objectives are to assist you in
creating meaningful change through:

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Research and Mapping

Through a mix of desk research, direct observation, and interviews, we generate context-aware insights that highlight overlooked dynamics and inform future work.
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Storytelling

We shape and share meaningful stories — choosing the right format for each context — to make underrepresented communities and initiatives visible and accessible to wider audiences.
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Design with communities

Supporting participatory design processes, we help teams connect with communities, analyse input, and propose grounded strategies that reflect real needs and voices.
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Impact evaluation

We translate complex, technical work into accessible formats — from visual reports to infographics — making impact understandable across disciplines and sectors.
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Full documentation in Finsweet's Attributes docs.

WHY it matters

Humanitarian and community-based initiatives are often fast-moving, resource-strapped, and deeply rooted in place. The impact is real - but the documentation, evaluation, and communication often fall behind.

That's where we come in!

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CONNECT

We connect the dots between
voices, strategies, and stories.

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BRIDGE THE GAP

With participatory tools, we elevate the values of communities.

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AMPLIFY

We help local voices be heard,
even beyond reports.

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CLARITY

We translate impact into accessible, meaningful language.

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WHO we are

A collaborative team of humanitarian architectural designers and researchers, trained in sustainable emergency architecture. We believe that local knowledge is power and that meaningful work deserves to be understood

Elisabetta's picture
Elisabetta gravina
Architectural designer and urban researcher from Italy, exploring how thoughtful design and research can help communities shape their own futures.
Louise's picture
louise ripper
Architectural designer and humanitarian worker driven by environmental justice and participatory practice, creating people-centred solutions for resilient communities
Vittoria's picture
vittoria rocci
Humanitarian architect and researcher focused on participatory design, emergency architecture, and inclusive community strategies across diverse cultural contexts.

To know more about us, find our CV here

WHO we are

A collaborative team of humanitarian architectural designers and researchers, trained in sustainable emergency architecture. We believe that local knowledge is power and that meaningful work deserves to be understood

ELISABETTA GRAVINA

Architectural designer and urban researcher from Italy, exploring how thoughtful design and research can help communities shape their own futures.

LinkedInElisabetta's picture

LOUISE RIPPER

Architectural designer and humanitarian worker driven by environmental justice and participatory practice, creating people-centred solutions for resilient communities

LinkedInLouise's picture

VITTORIA ROCCI

Humanitarian Architect And Researcher Focused On Participatory Design, Emergency Architecture, And Inclusive Community Strategies Across Diverse Cultural Contexts.

LinkedInVittoria's picture

To know more about us, find our CV here

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The next knot starts with you,

Let's connect and see how we can work together.

Contact us