--- title: "Square One : Architecture : Design : Build — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/square-one-architecture-design-build-pfvwus-pf~278638715 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~278638715.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Square One : Architecture : Design : Build" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/a2232677061d7454_0844-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "5230 University Drive, Suite 106, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328, United States" latitude: 26.0671 longitude: -80.2723 phone: "(954) 861-0852" website: http://www.SquareOneArchitecture.com rating: 5 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 136 last_updated: 2026-11-07 --- # Square One : Architecture : Design : Build Original Houzz profile: [Square One : Architecture : Design : Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/square-one-architecture-design-build-pfvwus-pf~278638715) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Fort Lauderdale, FL - **Serves:** Fort Lauderdale, Ft Lauderdale, Ft. Lauderdale - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2016), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Bringing visions to reality. Our firms’ experience with new construction, renovation and addition projects has prepared us for any project. A deep understanding of the development process and focus on client goals has marked Square One as the trusted source for custom residential design. Founded in South-Florida by John Garra in 2005, our firms’ quality of service and client satisfaction is indicative of our reputation for design excellence and professionalism. Addressing client priorities first has made us the trusted source and is their cornerstone of success. Hiring the most talented staff, sub-contractors, and consultants promises to keep the team at the lead of excellence in design and construction. Each of our projects is formed in deliberate response to its \[articular user, location, climate, budget and schedule. Our projects can be found in South-Florida and reaching across the Caribbean beyond the Virgin Islands. John Garra (born 1971) is an architect and general contractor based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was raised in New York State and later his professional training took him to the United Kingdom at Gensler in London. Brief internships with Peter Eisenman Architect and Turner Construction implementing the design of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners provided him with a broad view and experience in the industry of design and construction. Garra completed his professional degree in architecture at the University of Cincinnati. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Drafting - Structural Engineering - Site Preparation - Coastal Construction - Landscape Design - Pool Design - Swimming Pool Design ### Areas Served - Fort Lauderdale - Ft Lauderdale - Ft. Lauderdale ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 10 million Our projects typically range from $250-400 per square foot for new construction. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Square One : Architecture : Design : Build | | Address | 5230 University Drive, Suite 106, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328, United States | | Phone | (954) 861-0852 | | Website | http://www.SquareOneArchitecture.com | | License Number | AA2600184 CGC1520000 | | Followers on Houzz | 136 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Square One : Architecture : Design : Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/square-one-architecture-design-build-pfvwus-pf~278638715) - **Website:** http://www.SquareOneArchitecture.com - **Phone:** (954) 861-0852 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - WOW Property of the Year 2013, Fort Lauderdale, Community Appearance BoardRenovation of the Year 2013, Fort Lauderdale, Community Appearance BoardMost Outstanding LEED for Retail Project 2011, USGBC - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2016), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — Exclusive Renovations, Feb. 2016** > Square One Architecture is very professional and loyal. Our company Exclusive renovations, dedicated to carpentry and cabinetry ,we been working with John,over 2 years and its been an absolute pleasure to work with. He is knowledgeable, kind, accommodating, his very meticulous and he may sure the everything's gets done the right way,in few words his great guy. We trust him. We are very impressed and we are happy to work with him. and we are delighted that we are on our calendar for more work ahead. **★★★★★ — rauthpaul, Oct. 2015** > We hired this firm to design a complete tear down and rebuild of a small house in Ft Lauderdale. We worked closely with John Garra to come up with an incredible design and then John monitored the progress of the project for us. Our experience was extremely enjoyable and we were thrilled with the finished project. John also introduced us to our builder and has assisted us in other smaller projects. We have recommended his firm many times to friends and acquaintances. A good testament to our experience is that we would do it all over again in a heartbeat. It was a very positive experience. > > We were also recognized by the City of Fort Lauderdale Community Appearance Board as "2013 Property of the Year " in recognition of outstanding effort to enhance, improve, and beautify the Fort Lauderdale community. **★★★★★ — tshen1640, Oct. 2015** > After returning from Napa Valley in California with my discoveries, I realized I really needed a proper storage for my wines. So I consulted with and engaged John Garra of Square One Architecture. The result was a wine cellar with a glass enclosure that blended into our living room décor. The backdrop of the wine cellar is a mural of vintage wine corks. Each wine bottle is supported by a pair of 6” long by ½” diameter aluminum rods; the rods were mounted coming out of the backdrop mural in precise spacing. In total, there are over 1,300 rods providing for a wine storage capacity of over 700 bottles. Of course, the wine cellar is environmentally controlled for long term storage and aging. What John and his team accomplished was a fully functional wine cellar within our living space and when you stand in front of it, it is absolutely a Work of Art. **★★★★★ — 341hollylane, Oct. 2015** > John brought many new, creative ideas to the table. For example, thanks to his design eye we moved the front door from it's original spot and ended up with a gorgeous front entry that really makes the house. The neighbors love it almost as much as we do. We never thought of it until his suggestion. That's the kind of architect you need. **★★★★★ — Claudia Lopez, Oct. 2015** > We purchased a 1950 house with a complete rebuild in mind. John Garra from Square One Architecture was hired for the project. John was able to translate our ideas into reality. He transformed an old house into a 21st century masterpiece, with great sensitivity to the neighborhood. In addition to John's architectural acumen, he was very professional, trustworthy and responsive. We entrusted the project management task to him. Our home was featured in the October 2013 issue of tropic, Florida Living and Design Magazine. **★★★★★ — CASA CONDE & ASSOCIATES, Oct. 2015** > We have worked on various projects with Square One Architecture. They are true professionals, honest and genuine. We have referred them to various clients and they have delivered. Our firm will not hesitate working with Square One Architecture again!! **★★★★★ — Openhauss, Oct. 2015** > Excellent communication skills and professionalism. Always giving suggestions to make the project better. > Highly recommend John and his team it has always been a pleasure do work with him. **★★★★★ — tel315, Oct. 2015** > We used John's architecture services and were most pleased. John is so welcoming, easy to talk to and authentic. He's very good with alternative suggestions to meet space and building challenges yet with a fiduciary duty of someone who's writing the check. We found John to be most trustworthy and professional. I highly recommend his services. ## Selected projects - [Miami City Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/miami-city-home-pj-vj~4417990) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Warm Tropical Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/warm-tropical-modern-pj-vj~4417922) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [WOW Award Winner - Fort Lauderdale](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wow-award-winner-fort-lauderdale-pj-vj~1359886) - Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL - Photos: 19 - [Coastal Resort Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-resort-home-pj-vj~1358342) - Location: Miami, FL - Photos: 21 - [Modern House of Art](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-house-of-art-pj-vj~1358284) - Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL - Photos: 13 [See all 5 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/square-one-architecture-design-build-pfvwus-pf~278638715) ## Ideabooks - [Brin](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102903564/list/brin) — 5 ideas - [Ana & Assi](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89741222/list/ana-assi) — 10 ideas - [Entries](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83026068/list/entries) — 11 ideas - [Key West](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/82774658/list/key-west) — 11 ideas - [South Miami Avenue](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/79403416/list/south-miami-avenue) — 12 ideas - [Sliding Wall Concept](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72361126/list/sliding-wall-concept) — 7 ideas - [Chub Cay](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69897433/list/chub-cay) — 3 ideas - [RehabXperience](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/69009298/list/rehabxperience) — 17 ideas - [john6457's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55232050/list/john6457-s-ideas) — 1 idea [See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/john6457) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the design.** *(in Photo Questions)* Where can I purchase a light fixture like the one used here? Thank you. A: Hello Beth. I am delighted to receive your positive feedback. Here is a direct link to the manufacturer where they have an on line store. https://www.ligne-roset.com/us/modele/lighting/suspension/bloom/1535  Let us know if we can be of assistance in designing with you. **Q: What is the printed material on the back of the wine wall?** *(in Photo Questions)* Printed material? A: Yes, it was refrigerated. We used and recommend a ducted WineGuardian unit. They provide good customer service to size the unit properly, especially having glass walls. Glad to hear we have inspired. **Q: Beautiful home** *(in Photo Questions)* Where is the sectional from. Love it. A: Thank you for your positive comments. Our client has very good taste made their own furniture selections so, I am not sure of their source. Please let me know if you have additional questions. **Q: Flooring** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the flooring used throughout the home. A: Cynthia, the flooring is a beautiful marble called Afyon White. It came from a great distributor that provides off the shelf products or completely customized orders, www.marmiro.com. Let us know if you have additional questions. **Q: Elegant Lighting Choices !** *(in Photo Questions)* Where are the reading lights from ? Thank you A: Yes, these are elegant, akm333. Our client has very good taste and I believe they selected them on their own. Please let me know if you have additional questions. **Q: Beautiful Room !** *(in Photo Questions)* Are the curtains on a track ? Thanks A: Yes, akm333, the curtains are on a nice low profile track. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-07.*