About The Small Form Project
The Small Form Project began as a simple idea: to see how far thoughtful design and a tight footprint could go.
In 2023, we decided to convert our backyard garage in Jersey City into a modern Accessory Dwelling Unit — a small, self-contained home that could generate income, reflect our values, and explore what it means to live and build intentionally.
What started as a construction experiment turned into a full creative project: a mix of architecture, design, and entrepreneurship. We documented every stage — from permits and framing to finishes and furnishing — to share what we learned about building small, designing with purpose, and creating a sustainable second income.
Today, the ADU stands as both a private short-term rental and a living case study. Guests can stay in the finished space, and readers can follow the process through essays, cost breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes updates.
The goal of The Small Form Project is simple:
To show that building smaller can still mean living — and earning — bigger.
Whether you’re a designer, a homeowner, or someone curious about how spaces and ideas take shape, you’re in the right place.