Damian Nicholson

Hi

I'm Damian, I work at Thrive and enjoy building things that are simple, useful, and accessible. This is where I share ideas, experiments, and the occasional thought.

Recent posts

A concrete shed base framed in timber, sitting on the lawn in front of a garden fence

A Shed Base Doesn't Have a Retro

✦ 2 min read
I spent two days pouring a concrete shed base and felt more accomplished than months of software work. Turns out completion hits different when you can stand on it.
TypeScript code editor showing a build app configuration file with Fastify setup and environment variables

Building a blog with Fastify, SQLite, and zero frameworks

✦ 6 min read
Why I built my blog with Fastify, SQLite, and server-rendered templates instead of Next.js and Postgres. The stack, the trade-offs, and why boring tech won.
A group of people gathered around a long dinner table lit by warm candlelight

Who's Coming to Your Dream Dinner Party?

✦ 2 min read
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party? Seat anyone in history and let the world vote on your lineup. Build yours free at Dream Dinner Party.
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