--- title: "KOAL, PLLC — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/koal-pllc-pfvwus-pf~1923306338 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1923306338.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "KOAL, PLLC" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9133526807f12ddc_1352-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "42 Gilford E. Drive, Suite 4, Gilford, New Hampshire 03249, United States" latitude: 43.5475 longitude: -71.4072 phone: "(603) 215-7055" website: http://koalpllc.com rating: 5 review_count: 5 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 12 last_updated: 2026-08-17 --- # KOAL, PLLC Original Houzz profile: [KOAL, PLLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/koal-pllc-pfvwus-pf~1923306338) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Gilford, NH - **Serves:** Concord, Laconia, Franklin, Gilford, Belmont, Loudon, Northfield, Boscawen, Gilmanton, Tilton, Tilton-Northfield, Sanbornton, Andover, Canterbury, Webster, Salisbury, Hill, East Andover, Lochmere, Maine, South Newbury, Vermont, Winnisquam - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (5 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2020–2021), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 25 Ideabook Saves - Online consultation - Offers Custom Work A full-service architectural firm offers both residential and commercial design solutions. Client Oriented, Architect Led. That is the philosophy behind KOAL, PLLC, which offers full architectural services throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut. Client Oriented. We strive to build strong and lasting client relationships by providing the highest quality project possible within the client's budget. Listening to our clients allows us to orient our services in a way that will achieve the important goals specific to each client's project. Architect Led. Each client benefits from two decades of design and construction experience, including the practice of sustainable architecture through a LEED Accredited Professional. Harnessing this knowledge allows for responsible budgeting oversight. Evaluating alternative systems, materials and methods ensures you the best value for dollars spent without sacrificing the intrinsic aesthetic value of the project. We are committed to the client's needs with creative, careful and competent architectural services, delivered on time and on budget. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Drafting - Home Restoration - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Attic Conversion - 3D Home Design - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Concord - Laconia - Franklin - Gilford - Belmont - Loudon - Northfield - Boscawen - Gilmanton - Tilton - Tilton-Northfield - Sanbornton - Andover - Canterbury - Webster - Salisbury - Hill - East Andover - Lochmere - Maine - South Newbury - Vermont - Winnisquam ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | KOAL, PLLC | | Address | 42 Gilford E. Drive, Suite 4, Gilford, New Hampshire 03249, United States | | Phone | (603) 215-7055 | | Website | http://koalpllc.com | | License Number | NH 02760 | | Followers on Houzz | 12 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/koalarchitecture?mibextid=LQQJ4d - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-blajda-b1a6551b/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [KOAL, PLLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/koal-pllc-pfvwus-pf~1923306338) - **Website:** http://koalpllc.com - **Phone:** (603) 215-7055 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - U.S. Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional - AIA NH Member - Licensed Architect in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut - Approved builder for the Department of Veteran Affairs - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2020–2021), for Service. **Affiliations** - [U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/u-s-green-building-council-usgbc-pfvwus-pf~1797160658) - [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 5 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 5 reviews **★★★★★ — HU-844888495, Dec. 2020** > Worked With Koal, PLLC for Two project now. Don and his team are great as they not only provide drawings from all views and floor plans but also good input to make my Farmers porch (done in 2019), and a future addition and garage look like it always had always been part of the house. (see Blains pictures under Kaol, PLLC photos). > > I was worried i would get a contractor who would build but it would not look good, hiring an architect help alleviate that worry. With plan in hand the contractor had no issues with permits from the town. > > > RTBLAIN **★★★★★ — Renee Waterhouse, Dec. 2020** > I had plans drawn up for for work on a property in NH. > > Donald Blajda at Koal was very easy to work with. Listened well to request. Helpful. Everything was done on time. Would work with again or recommend. **★★★★★ — Bruce Dyke, Nov. 2020** > The KOAL team assisted me with both design and formal plan development for a deck replacement and sun room addition on my house. They took the time to listen to my ideas and provide guidance and recommendations specific to various design elements and options. Their personalized service and attention to detail was extremely helpful in ensuring I get the desired result from my project. **★★★★★ — Mark Bemis, Sept. 2019** > My wife and I have thoroughly enjoyed working KOAL. Don is very professional. He responds promptly, listens carefully, and his advice is spot on. He has moved our project along faster than we thought possible and has been so supportive in helping us to make our dream become reality. Project completion date stated in the review is estimated and limited to design services. Our project is not yet in construction. **★★★★★ — Robert Smith, Sept. 2019** > Don Bladja and his team at Koal PLLC have provided remarkably professional and creative work product for our home development efforts. It has been a joy to see our vision unfold with Don as he deftly works with our builder, his structural engineering partner, our cabinet maker, and others on our complex project. He has taken a very rough plan, started by another architectural firm with which we were unsatisfied, mixed in quite a number of unique and complicated requests from us along with forbidding site restrictions and has turned it into a detailed set of drawings that has "wowed" all with whom we have shared. > Our builder and his tradesmen have easily implemented our shared vision straight from Don's plans. Many of our complicated requests, including a float room, sauna, elevator, and golf simulator/theater/business conference room combination (to name just a few) started as simple ideas scribbled on a napkin. With Don's expertise and experience, he quickly showed us many alternatives; turning our crazy simple sketches into detailed plans that worked within our uniquely challenging house footprint. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Don and his team. We only wish there were more than 5 stars to rate Koal PLLC, so you would more fully understand how impressed we have been! ## Selected projects - [Lakeshore Luxury Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeshore-luxury-living-pj-vj~7462467) - Location: Laconia, NH - Photos: 15 - Description: These cottages, which are available to book on AirBnB, are located in the best possible place for a Lake Winnipesaukee vacation. Designed for comfort and relaxation, and with awe-inspiring views of the lake, these condos are sure to make for an unforgettable trip to the Lakes Region in New Hampshire. Visit 808weirs.com to learn more or to book a stay. - [Russo Renovations](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/russo-renovations-pj-vj~6364177) - Location: Gilford, NH - Photos: 17 - Description: At this luxurious lakefront estate, we had the opportunity to enhance the interior and give it a modern flare. With all new hardwood flooring, a kitchen island, steel wire guardrail, and a fireplace built into the wall below the TV, this old house has everything you can expect from a new house. - [Lake House - Lake Winnipesaukee](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-house-lake-winnipesaukee-pj-vj~5788096) - Location: Gilford, NH - Photos: 12 - Description: We had the opportunity to design a brand new lake house on Lake Winnipesauke. This building heavily utilizes stone veneers, both on the interior and exterior. Tile walls also provide additional thermal protection. With our expertise, there is not a spot on this house that has not been touched by design. - [Rustic Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rustic-custom-home-pj-vj~2638335) - Location: Sutton, NH - Photos: 4 - [Contemporary Second Story](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-second-story-pj-vj~2686199) - Location: Sutton, NH - Photos: 2 - [Arnstein Garage Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arnstein-garage-addition-pj-vj~7458277) - Location: Meredith, NH - Photos: 2 - Description: For ease of access and convenience, we replaced the existing detached garage with a new, attached garage. A breezeway ties the garage to the existing house and also contains the staircase to the upper level, where you will find a guest bedroom and a craft room. - [Industrial Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/industrial-bathroom-pj-vj~2686748) - Location: Kensington, NH - Photos: 1 - [Welch Island Renovations](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/welch-island-renovations-pj-vj~7458418) - Location: Gilford, NH - Photos: 1 - [Privitera Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/privitera-residence-pj-vj~7458398) - Location: Belmont, NH - Photos: 2 - Description: We made the most of the space in this rectangular, one-story home by creating a comfortable and accessible interior. Complete with two bedrooms, an open living room and kitchen area (appropriately titled the “Great Room”), and a screened porch attached to the master bedroom, this is the perfect retirement home. - [Accessory Dwelling Units](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/accessory-dwelling-units-pj-vj~5788120) - Location: Epsom, NH - Photos: 12 - Description: The new law, which went into effect in New Hampshire on June 1, 2017 created the "accessory dwelling unit". It is defined as a residential living unit that is within or attached to a single-family dwelling, and that provides independent living facilities for one or more persons, including the provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel of land as the principal dwelling unit it accompanies. Originally a two story, single family home, an accessory dwelling has been… - [Hafeez Indoor Pool Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hafeez-indoor-pool-addition-pj-vj~6458638) - Location: Windham, NH - Photos: 1 - Description: The addition includes an indoor pool with skylight. The interior is cultured stone on walls; tile floor; and tongue and groove wood ceiling. The roof structure above the pool serves as an outdoor deck with IPE pavers creating additional outdoor living space. - [Blain Garage Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blain-garage-addition-pj-vj~6364155) - Location: Pembroke, NH - Photos: 2 - Description: This barn-style garage addition is perfect not only for car storage, but for bringing the appearance of the house together. The overall façade of the house now stands out better from street view in addition to providing storage for cars and other items that was missing before. - [Disbury Renovations](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/disbury-renovations-pj-vj~7458234) - Location: Gilford, NH - Photos: 3 - Description: We took this existing residential home in Gilford and maximized its space to build it into something more. Above the existing garage, we added a new floor with a spacious master bedroom, bathroom, and walk-in closet. This new floor wraps around to the front and ties the whole building together. - [Acre Crossing - Residential](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/acre-crossing-residential-pj-vj~7498156) - Location: Lowell, MA - Photos: 16 - Description: Photo Credit: Danica B Photography, “Acre Crossing”, 2024, via danicabphotography.com [See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/koal-pllc-pfvwus-pf~1923306338) ## Ideabooks - [koalpllc's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74289487/list/koalpllc-s-ideas) — 6 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/koalpllc) ## Community Q&A **Q: Grout darkening around tub** *(in Design Dilemma)* The bathroom is 6 months old. The grout close to where the tub/shower meet has been getting darker. What could be causing this? Other areas get wet and darken but go back to the light color in a couple of hours at the most. The grout is not sealed, contractor said it dint need to be (Mapei grout). Thanks! A: While the writing on the substrate is not visible in the picture it does to be a different color than the gypsum board used on the wall. The green colored gypsum board is often referred to as "green board" and is a moisture resistant gypsum board recommended for use in bathrooms. Since the contractor took the time to switch products and the product on the wall does appear to be gray in color I would give him the benefit of the doubt that he did use a tile backer board. The waterproof membrane recommended by Mapei is a liquid and rolled on and is light blue in color. However, there are many other products. Is it possible that the membrane was applied after this picture was taken? --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-17.*