Architectural Design Services in Stoneham, MA

““You can't turn a sow's ear into a silk purse” - Maybe not, but Doug Okun and Associates did succeed in turning what was once attic space in a Victorian house into a third floor modern suite. Indeed, by moving walls, and re-configuring space, he managed to create two bedrooms, a bathroom, a sizable closet and a gracefully curving staircase from the second floor. What had been dark, even claustrophobic, rooms became the bedroom level of a two story condo unit in a very desirable location in Somerville, Massachusetts. Doug worked closely with his contractor to see us through an at times arduous permitting process. In every respect he was indispensible.”

“Joe Fournier did some great architectual design work on two large projects we did. A large remodel on one property and an almost complete rebuild on a second property. Joe acted as GC on the second job and did a wonderful job keeping things moving, helping us get good decisions made in a timely fashion and working closely with all the trades to ensure the work was coordinated and of high quality. The transformations to our properties were hugely successful and Joe was instrumental in helping us get to a place where the homes work so much better for our lifestyle. Highly recommend Joe's work (and already have several times).”

“We worked with Foley Fiore Architects on a custom home in a suburb west of Boston. As the general contractor's site supervisor I worked very closely with them and can attest that their approach is collaborative, solutions oriented and client driven. Their staff is highly professional and pays tremendous attention to detail and client service. We look forward to working with them again.”

“I am delighted to give my strongest possible endorsement to the architectural work of Shelly Wood Ziegelman. We worked together on four projects in the past six years: my extensive house renovation and, at Harvard University, two office redesigns and space planning for a first floor public space. The results were all spectacular (see below). In all four projects Shelly maintained excellent working relationships with contractors, trades people and involved Harvard personnel. This is a remarkable testament to Shelly's warm respect for everyone she works with which, naturally, is repaid in kind. In summary: I live every aspect of my life in wonderful surroundings that have been created by Shelly Wood Ziegelman. I consider this a great blessing and I am delighted to recommend Shelly to anyone who wishes to be similarly blessed. My association with Shelly began with extensive renovations on my house: extension of internal dining room and bedroom areas to include space previously devoted to exterior porches; conversion of the attic into an entirely new space for office or guest accommodations; creation of a ground floor bathroom; and complete renovation of a second-floor bathroom. Shelly's designs were elegant and beautiful, enhancing and modernizing the spaces while remaining true to the 100-year-old style of the house. The newly created third floor space incorporated light, space and a spectacular view and is now the nicest space in the house. Shelly worked seamlessly with me, matching her suggestions to my taste while concomitantly minimizing cost. She is extremely knowledgeable. For example, she knew specific features to accommodated my elderly mother's physical limitations. Shelly always kept the issue of her time and the costs of her services in clear perspective, up front, so there were no surprises. I next asked Shelly to assist in three projects related to my professional circumstances as Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University. (i) She did a total gut re-design of my office, creating a lovely, light, well-configured space accessorized with the perfect furniture and curtains that provided privacy without blocking light. (ii) When I moved, Shelly designed my new office, in a smaller space and an unforgiving location, again to spectacular effect. Everyone who enters, including my colleagues, says "what a wonderful office". Essential features were somehow included in a light, open space. (iii) My move also placed me on a wide, empty airport-like corridor. I asked Shelly to help create a friendly space, which she did. In all three projects, Shelly maintained an excellent working relationship with involved Harvard personnel (including architect John Hollister), exhibiting all of her unique professional skills in full force. Nancy Kleckner Herschel Smith Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology Harvard University”

“Glen is absolutely wonderful. I can't wait to hire him for my next project. He has such great new ideas”

“Alan designed a beautiful addition for me. Alan was amazing from beginning to end. Alan is very knowledgable about his field and carefully explained the parameters of what could and could not be done with my project. He listened patiently and was willing to do several re-dos of the design providing me with different and creative options. Alan went over and above of what is expected making several visits to the planning and building department to ensure we complied with the town and building regulations. He also made numerous site visits. He is utterly reliable, prompt and willing to be creative to stay within your budget. Alan isn't happy unless you are happy and works tirelessly until that is achieved. I would highly recommend him.”

“Full architectural design, material procurement, construction management and interior design for high end ski home. Amazing attention to detail; high quality; responsiveness. Overall a great project experience. High recommend services.”

“I have hired Ernie DeMaio on numerous occasions over the last 20 years for both residential and commercial architectural services. To me it's very basic. He delivers a great product for a fair price. On time. Everytime. He can handle anything from large scale commercial projects to simple sun room additions. His designs incorporate all that I request and more, he gives me all the details & specifications I need to build it easily, and my clients are always happy at the end. I would gladly recommend Ernie to anybody.”

“Paul Rovinell and I first worked on a project together over 10 years ago. Paul hired me to design a kitchen. He has since hired my firm to collaborate on many more kitchens throughout New England. I always admired his restrained aesthetic and his efforstless falir for modern spaces. When it came time for me to transfrom my UGLY 1960 time capsule Paul graciously accepted the challenge. We had so much fun designing it! He listened and delivered. My husband and I were THRILLED with the result. Paul is an architectural force. So orignianl and creative - I cannot say enough - Paul is a true talent.”

“Diane Lim brought fresh, creative, thoughtful design skills to a tricky remodeling project that involved joining two very different condos in a Back Bay building into one unit. We had worked with her once before on a kitchen remodeling project, which turned out great! She knew our style, which is why we went back to her for this most recent project. Throughout both projects, she was highly professional, knowledgeable, and on-time with her work. With an open and positive outlook, Diane listened to our ideas, and communicated well with our contractor. I have already recommended her to friends, and wholeheartedly recommend her now..”