Building Design Services in Durham, CT

“John R. Schroeder, AIA, you have given us our dream home and by that I mean a home more beautiful than we could have imagined and yet completely suitable to our hectic everyday lives as a family with four young children. You listened to our random ideas and put them together into a design that is better than the sum of its parts and what's more, it was completed on schedule (I didn't think this ever happened!).”

“Dave is a highly skilled architect with a deep knowledge of the style and structure of the building(s) he is asked to design and draft. Dave is easy to work with and has a keen sensitivity for his clients' tastes. He spends considerable time listening and understanding the "wants" of his clients and balancing the practicality and realistic options for construction. I would enthusiastically recommend him to anyone interested in designing and building a "house of one's dreams". You will not regret the time and effort he contributes to your project.”

“Great design and professional follow up that culminated in a beautiful outdoor living area. Design included a pergola, stone patio, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, and re-landscaped pool area”

“My husband and I were interested in a house, but saw some things that needed to be changed that were a deal breaker for us. I reached out to Stephanie and she fit it in her busy schedule to meet with us. Stephanie came to the house we were interested in and took a great amount of time walking through taking measurements and discussing all our options. She was very helpful , knowledgeable and full of insight.”

“We worked most directly with Sara Nelson and could not have had a better experience. Sara and her firm were responsive, resourceful and highly creative with great attention to important and meaningful details that are a trademark of their work.”

“Whitney has now worked with my wife and I on three homes. The homes increased in size, complexity. and sophistication. He has also worked with us on follow up additions and remodeling. Clearly, we have been pleased with the our association and have enjoyed the experience of developing our homes with Whitney. I would note that throughout our time together he brought great ides and fresh approaches yet always, always took into consideration our input and desires - so in effect we have had a comfortable joint collaboration. He has been easy to work with, on time, on site, and his oversight has been well focused. We are thinking again of a new, now smaller home and Whitney will be our resource once again. We would certainly recommend him to anyone wanting a creative work of art.”

“We worked with Pat on two renovation projects, post-Irene and post-Sandy. We were impressed by her innovative designs, attention to detail, and her ability to secure the necessary local approvals. She has been instrumental in turning our 1920s beach cottage into a more beautiful and functional space, while preserving its original charm. We are thrilled with the outcome and wholeheartedly recommend her.”

“We found Duo Dickinson from a search on the web for "award-winning small house architect." His name was the first to pop up. Duo has a splendid website, which includes essays from his prolific writing, radio programs and books. One theme evident with Duo is his work is about the client, not him. He also has a long resume of houses small and grand. And several of his books praise small homes, and practical remodeling fundamentals. We chose to interview him first and never looked at any other architect. After a first date, we were asked to complete a long survey defining who we are and how we see ourselves living in our new home. Then Duo began conversations with the zoning board. Not waiting until we had a plan but from the concept. Duo is also candid and upfront about costs - his and the project's. At this point, since our first meeting in January, we have completed a lengthy survey, sent scores of jpeg photos of designs we like, edited several phases of sketches, and have had three meetings with Duo. He has had several conversation with zoning officials and met with them twice so far. The rest of our work has been done via email. As of now, June, we have reached our latest and most comprehensive version of the cottage. A model is being built to present to neighbors and related zoning boards. The process has been fun, thorough, efficient, and personal. When we ask for a change we get it. His communication is excellent. He is responsive, smart, astute, but plain-speaking. We feel fortunate to have Duo to present our plans in the upcoming approval process. We know we are in capable, kind, experienced and talented hands. And best of all, the cottage will be splendid.”

“Complete remodel of mid-century home interior. Chris Arelt is a grad of Yale School of Architecture, and his knowledge and creativity show in the results of this project. Ask him for photos of our award-winning kitchen. The details and custom cabinetry are superb - he listened to our needs and wants, and got it right!”

“Joe Buchek worked with us to create the design of our dreams for a re-do of our first floor. He offered several options and we ended up with a terrific renovation. We highly recommend him.”