Jennings + Santa-Rita Architects, PLLC

I had the pleasure of working with Jennings + Santa-Rita Architects on our project and give them high recommendation. Their staff are very knowledgeable, ethical, thoughtful, and incredibly professional.

Walter and Lori are absurdly good at what they do. We first hired them years ago to design a remodel. We were immediately impressed by their expertise in creating modern spaces that fit seamlessly in the Ozarks. They honored our preferences and made the process fun by encouraging us to keep a dream journal/wish list for the project. Then, when our focus for the project shifted, the team jumped into action to help us make quick design decisions. We've relied on them to help us make sense of what seemed like complex construction repairs and their responsiveness was almost beyond belief. In every stage of the project, Walter and Lori showed that they were invested in the project as if they were the homeowners too. I don't know how we would have managed things without their guidance. If you have the chance to work with them, consider yourself lucky!

I can't wait to work with Walter and his team again! We are a waterfront luxury home builder in Sarasota, Florida. We have worked with renowned architects and designers throughout the country. What makes this firm so great is that the process, price and deliverable is all second to none. We worked with Walter to do the interior architecture on a $4 million new custom home. Walter flew in for a few days, met with the clients, met with me and then developed an incredibly detailed set of plans for the interior of our project. The details were so intricate that I was initially concerned, but the plans were so easy to follow(and accurate) that it gave our subs the clarity they needed to properly bid and perform their work. The client always says to me that the moment they met Walter they knew that they were on the right track to build their "Forever Home". This recommendation should mean a lot coming from a luxury home builder. We see it all and we know what should be expected of a professional design team. Jennings + Santa Rita Architects is the pinnacle.

I don't recall a single problem we had with the architects when we built our home. We built in the Low-Country of SC and they are in Arkansas and this never present a problem. They understood our building program, designed accordingly and were available every step of the way to resolve problems with the builder (and there were a few), make design changes based on our whim and to be ever vigilant of building costs and integrity of design.

We own an E. Fay Jones house, designed and built circa 1962. The house sat vacant for multiple years before we purchased it, and we have had two goals: to preserve, protect and restore the house, especially after some unsympathetic alterations by previous owners. We have been working with Maurice Jennings + Walter Jennings Architects since shortly after we purchased the home. So far, the bulk of the project has been replacement of a bedroom balcony; remediation of basement water leaking; chandelier design, construction and installation; future plans include roof and skylight replacement; restoration of built-in furniture that had been removed, and completion of unfinished basement. Simply put, I give their office my highest and unqualified recommendation. Walter has been wonderful to work with. He helped us to establish priorities in the project, has understood and responded to our budget limitations, and provided unparalleled expertise. As you are probably aware, this is the successor firm of E. Fay Jones, and we have relied on their office's extensive knowledge of Fay's work and process over and over. Walter Jennings has been our primary contact, and he is extremely responsive, listens carefully to our questions and concerns, and problem solves with skill and efficiency. As an example, Walter's office redesigned a concrete planter that had failed, in a way that solved the original drainage problem while retaining the intended look of the planter. Similarly, the original balcony failed because of water damage. An inadequate replacement existed when we purchased the home. Walter's office redesigned the waterproofing on the balcony, which allowed us to rebuild with the flagstone surface that Fay Jones intended. The original plans for the home did not include the design for the balcony railing. We only had some blurry photos from the house's original construction. Using the photos, along with their knowledge of Fay's work, Walter and his office created a design we love--one that is perfect for the house and for Fay's work. Walter has not only been our architect, but has helped us identify contractors and tradespersons. As the work was being done, Walter responded to questions and concerns almost immediately. In other words, he has been a valued and trusted guide through the restoration process for a couple who started out knowing little to nothing about the process. Our goal has always been to return the home to Fay Jones' vision for it, and Walter has been essential to helping us achieve that. We feel that his office cares as much about the home and project as we do. I am giving a project estimated cost, but that really only applies to part of the restoration. This is an ongoing project, and the smartest decision we have made has been to work with Walter's office.

Working with Walter Jennings to design and oversee construction of our home was a gratifying experience marked by patience and professionalism. Following careful observation of how we live and integrating this with our dreams, he created a living space tailored to our needs, unique to our area and timeless with its design incorporating natural materials and light. He assisted in selecting the best contractor and was available throughout construction. He remained conscious of our budget with appropriate suggestions or alterations. We are thoroughly pleased with our stunning home and appreciate Walter and Maurice Jennings+Walter Jennings Architects.