To whom it may concern:
I reached out to Jason and Adrienne at from [in] form in order to solve a spatial and aesthetic problem. There were conditions in my apartment that I wanted changed, but were too big and too complex to do myself. I was aware of them through Jason's architecture teaching at RISD, where I was a graduate student in Fine Art, and he had worked on a great project in my building for a neighbor. I was concerned that maybe my project was too small for a architecture firm, but initiated a meeting, and they assured me that no project was too big or too small.
They helped me redesign the layout of my loft apartment, centered around the relocation and redesign of an existing spiral staircase. The spiral stair was not only an eyesore, but it was poorly located, blocking light and taking up prime real estate on my second floor. As an artist myself, I had very specific ideas what I wanted and didn't want, and Jason and Adrienne were wonderful and patient with me in that I expected to be very involved in the design process. We were able to work together to come up with a gorgeous solution, which is now the most beautiful feature of the apartment, and draws light into the darker area of the loft instead of blocking it. They were willing to take all of my drawings and ideas into consideration on the design. They took my ideas and made them "real" and made them "work". They oversaw in-detail the complicated preparation, fabrication and installation of a custom steel and wood staircase. It was impressive. Their design also reconfigured the flow the the entire space by carefully placing it in a new location that I had not imagined, ultimately doing much more than just serving as a staircase. They were indispensable in regard to navigating rules and regulations, permits, city codes, and inspections. They were on-time and on-budget, and readily available if I had any question, request, or concern. Working with them was a very satisfying experience, as both an artist AND a homeowner. I had set out to replace a staircase, and though my conversations with them about what I hoped to do, ended up with an entire remodel, a new bathroom upstairs which I never thought was possible, and a re-configured kitchen which is a vast improvement. I would say their design directive is expansive and visionary - them came in to see about a stair, and ended up looking into solving a number of challenges in my space with just a few moves. They are also keen and focused when it comes to the details and practicalities. They were very flexible when I wanted to adjust or modify their initial designs. They made it possible, almost, for me to be a guest designer, which I realize is no small feat. Working with them was informative, engaging, and a true collaboration. Jason's experience as a master craftsman and a builder is the perfect compliment to their architecture and design skills, and is rare and valuable.
Their firm is very personal and warm, and it seems that community and shared creativity is a high priority for them. They have a great team, and I would absolutely work with them again. In fact, I'm not sure I would work with anyone else. I have brought them/their team in since then on some smaller tasks and for a variety of questions and advice. I recommend them very highly.
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