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Terra’ is more than mere ground; it embodies the past, origins, and identities, while ‘Novel’ signifies the future, emergence, and what arises from the past. ‘Terra’ holds our stories and cultures; within it reside our histories, interventions, and collective memories, while ‘Novel’ represents the new that can exist in symbiosis with what came before. Novelty is not extravagance, but a new quality emerging from the land. ‘Terra’ is the context, and ‘Novel’ is the text.
In a unique moment in history, we are witnessing the impact of human activities on our environment daily. Despite their negative consequences, this moment also presents an opportunity to reconcile with our surroundings through the thoughtful use of materials and techniques, collaboration with local communities, and exploration of what each context can offer. Through this approach, we envision an architecture that harmonizes with its setting and creates places that respect human proportions and emotions.
Novel Terra is an architectural design and research studio with experience across a wide range of project scales and geographical regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Our practice integrates multiple design disciplines, from architecture and interiors to urban design. We prioritize responsible sourcing and innovative techniques to craft vibrant, joyful, and resilient living spaces. By uniting our vision with a diverse range of services, we endeavor to create places that sustain, inspire, and endure.
We are based in Providence, Rhode Island, and are actively managing projects throughout the Boston area, across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Southwest Florida, and Europe.
Nathaniel Carden
Principal AIA
Nathaniel brings over a decade of experience in architectural practice, working across a wide range of project types, scales, and geographic contexts. He holds a dual undergraduate degree in Architecture and Finance, and a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Oregon, with a specialization in sustainable urban design.
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His professional career has taken him across both the East and West Coasts of the United States, as well as Europe, where he has contributed to award-winning projects. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
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At Novel Terra, alongside his contributions to the creative process of projects, Nathaniel brings rigorous technical expertise to the studio’s work. He leads key aspects of business strategy, quality assurance and control, regulatory coordination, and construction observation, ensuring clarity and consistency from early design through project delivery. His approach is defined by precision, rigor, and a commitment to projects that meaningfully contribute to their cultural and physical contexts.
Mahla Ebrahimpour
Principal SAR/MSA
Mahla is a registered architect in Sweden and the Netherlands, with a diverse international background shaped by education and professional practice across Europe and the Middle East. She holds a Master’s degree in Architecture in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, followed by a Master of Architecture from the National University of Iran.
Before founding Novel Terra, Mahla worked in a range of international contexts. Her latest role was as a project architect in Amsterdam, where she contributed to internationally recognized and award-winning projects. Additionally, she has taught at the Amsterdam University of the Arts, Academy of Architecture, reflecting her ongoing engagement with architectural discourse and education.
Mahla’s work is grounded in interdisciplinary design and research, with a strong focus on integrating social, cultural, and ecological dimensions into architectural practice. She brings meticulous attention to detail, sensitivity to context, and a sustained interest in innovative materials and techniques. Through a reflective and research-driven process, she approaches each project as an opportunity to explore spatial and material relationships and to remain open to unexpected directions that enrich the artistic process.
Honors & Awards
2025 Finalist_Europan 18, Re-sourcing, St Gallen, Switzerland, COMMON GROWS
2024 Honorable mention_Buildner, Iceland Ski Cabin, SNOWFIRE
2023 1st place_Europan 17, Living Cities/2, Skellefteå, Sweden, SAFESCAPE
2021 1st place_CBDX series competition, B(OR)DERL(AND)S, ECOTONE
2021 Publication_ University of Calgary, School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape, CBDX: B(OR)DERL(AND)S
2020 Honorable mention_CBDX series competition, Cities for All, MAED^UP
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