Set on a 207-acre estate in Saratoga Springs, New York, Yaddo is a nonprofit retreat for artists that upholds a mission to nurture the creative process in a supportive environment.

After an 86-year history, and 5,500 artists-in-residence, Yaddo required its first formal Facilities Master Plan to establish planning, maintenance, and upgrading of Yaddo’s buildings and grounds.

Dovetail Design Strategists synthesized all the work the organization had done to date into a clear design brief and launched a competitive selection process to find a team that could address the master plan while preserving the unique, home-like atmosphere for which Yaddo is known. Dovetail’s guidance led the institution to an outstanding design team which has gone on to enjoy a long and productive relationship with Yaddo.

Now a National Historic Landmark, the completed Master Plan by the winners of Dovetail’s competitive selection process has allowed Yaddo to expand its capacity by 25%, invest in new live-work studios and a performance studio, and restore its historic buildings and grounds.