--- title: "Innovative Collaborations, Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/innovative-collaborations-inc-pfvwus-pf~815173891 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~815173891.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Innovative Collaborations, Inc." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/386332550755c7d7_2695-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "369 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, United States" latitude: 42.3489 longitude: -71.0465 phone: "(617) 695-3777" website: http://www.innovative-c.com rating: 4.4 review_count: 7 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 55 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Innovative Collaborations, Inc. Original Houzz profile: [Innovative Collaborations, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/innovative-collaborations-inc-pfvwus-pf~815173891) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Boston, MA - **Serves:** Boston, Cape Cod, Cambridge, Quincy, Newton, Somerville, Malden, Waltham, Brookline, Revere, Medford, West Roxbury, Weymouth, Arlington, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Watertown, Needham, South Boston, Melrose, Wellesley, Milton, Belmont, Dedham, Hingham, Stoneham, Winchester, Martha's Vineyard, Concord, Westwood, Nantucket, Charlestown, Nahant, Florida, Allston, Brighton, Caribbean, Chestnut Hill, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Newton Center, Newton Highlands, Newton Upper Falls, Newtonville, North Waltham, Rhode Island, Roslindale, Waban, West Newton - **Houzz rating:** 4.4 out of 5 (7 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2018–2020), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Offers Custom Work - 20 years in business Architecture – Interiors – Fixture, Finishes & Purchasing – Construction Project Management - Construction Control & Owner Advocate Innovative Collaborations was co-founded by Architect & Artist Martin Alexander Smargiassi. The architecture firm is multidisciplinary with a portfolio of both international and local projects, which include new construction, adaptive reuse, building conversions, renovations, & additions, ranging from small scale residences (lofts, single-family renovations) to large scale residential developments (290-unit residential complexes). ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Structural Engineering - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design - Landscape Plans - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Earthquake Retrofitting - Rooftop Deck Installation - Dock Design & Construction - Design-Build Firms - Home Builders - Interior Design - Kitchen & Bath Remodelers - Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers ### Areas Served - Boston - Cape Cod - Cambridge - Quincy - Newton - Somerville - Malden - Waltham - Brookline - Revere - Medford - West Roxbury - Weymouth - Arlington - Jamaica Plain - Lexington - Watertown - Needham - South Boston - Melrose - Wellesley - Milton - Belmont - Dedham - Hingham - Stoneham - Winchester - Martha's Vineyard - Concord - Westwood - Nantucket - Charlestown - Nahant - Florida - Allston - Brighton - Caribbean - Chestnut Hill - Maine - Massachusetts - New Hampshire - Newton Center - Newton Highlands - Newton Upper Falls - Newtonville - North Waltham - Rhode Island - Roslindale - Waban - West Newton ### Typical Job Cost $200,000 - 100,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Innovative Collaborations, Inc. | | Address | 369 Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, United States | | Phone | (617) 695-3777 | | Website | http://www.innovative-c.com | | License Number | MA, RI, FL, NH, MI | | Followers on Houzz | 55 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Innovative-Collaborations-Inc-118554208168063/ - LinkedIn — www.linkedin.com/in/martin-a-smargiassi-ncarb-b24bb6b4 ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Innovative Collaborations, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/innovative-collaborations-inc-pfvwus-pf~815173891) - **Website:** http://www.innovative-c.com - **Phone:** (617) 695-3777 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Recognized internationally, been featured in major magazines & received multiple awards; including Discovery Channel, New England Cable News, The Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, Banker & Tradesmen, Green Building and Design and many more. - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2018–2020), for Service. **Affiliations** - [AIA Custom Residential Architects Network](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-custom-residential-architects-network-pfvwus-pf~629398549) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [AIA New Hampshire (AIANH)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-new-hampshire-aianh-pfvwus-pf~563076311) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) - [The Boston Society of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-boston-society-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1888823119) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 — 7 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 7 reviews **★★★★★ — IC Development, Inc., Feb. 2022** > Our Development Firm, Hired Innovative Collaborations' Team for a multiple unit Development in Newton. They were one stop shop handling Zoning & Planning, Architecture, Interiors, Fixture & Finish Selection, Purchasing, Construction Management and Construction Control. It was a pleasure working with a very experienced full integrated firm that meticulously handled entire project and protected our investment. Outstanding Results! We highly recommend this team! **Comment from Innovative Collaborations, Inc.:** > Pleasure working with @IC Development! Thank you for your business and vison, makes our job rewarding and impactful. **★★★★★ — Natalia, Nov. 2020** > We would like to thank Martin Smargiassi and the team at Innovative Collaborations for building/designing a home of our dreams. For the past 5 years we were looking for a home that offers aesthetics, skillful and breathtaking design, high quality finishes with great attention to detail. Finally, we found one! We adore this place every day and our guests are just amazed. Martin and team also did a great job helping us get familiar with every single detail of the place after we moved in. Undoubtedly, Boston needs more houses matching this quality and design. **Comment from Innovative Collaborations, Inc.:** > Natalia, It was our pleasure to Design and Build La Casa Moderna. We are so pleased this is the home of your dreams and you adore it. What a great compliment! I'm so glad you guys were able to get it before anyone else! > For those that want to see the video. Follow this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1LsC\_9JRXA > or check out pictures here in Houzz. **★ — Supriya Shekar, Aug. 2020** > It's so unfortunate to have been writing this but we had a horrible experience with Martin and Kristie in terms of finance as they said something and demanded something after the work was done and not releasing our edited documents after the historic approval, currently leaving us hanging without moving forward. > This team, agreed for a price and said if there is any changes they will get our approval before going forward, they came as a consultant charging every hour they worked, it was already so expensive. Just after our historic meeting, when they realized our work is been approved and they realized they wont be serving us anymore, they asked us to pay double the amount from the original cost, as they claim to put in extra hours. We asked them why they never consulted with us before adding extra billing as per the agreement, but they kept giving us hard time in every step and we still haven't received our updated version of the design for our next step, leaving us hanging. **Comment from Innovative Collaborations, Inc.:** > We have 20 years of impeccable record with our clients, sorry to hear you were unhappy. We tried to offer you a discount on your services but you refused to pay any part of your invoice. We are happy that Christie & Martin got your project approved by Historic Commission in Newton (in one session), after your previous hires could not in repeated tries. We understand that our services are not the dirt cheapest but our rates are reasonable industry standards; and we have excellent results always getting approvals with historic boards, ZBA, & Special Permits; We have never been denied in 20 years! **★★★★★ — Viktor Gyuris, Dec. 2019** > Innovative Collaborations was hired first to give a professional review of an out-of-state design of our proposed new medical building; and later to provide 3d renderings and design drawings the out-of-state company failed to provide. The architects at IC were professional, detailed and expressed detailed knowledge of the local codes and regulations. > > Soon we realized that the original design, with the necessary modifications, will not serve our needs, so we commissioned IC to come up with a completely new design. They navigated the mine infested landscape of working with our original providers (site engineer, manufacturer) with easy and infinite patience. They represented the project at the Design Review Board, Zoning Board of Appeal with great confidence. > > Finally, I would like to complement their patience and gentle guidance dealing with us, the owners who had zero experience in construction or architecture. **★★★★★ — John Gallagher, May 2017** > My business partner and I hired Martin and Christie to design a large addition on a historic 100 year old house located in Boston. Martin and Christie have met all of our expectations. After sitting down to a meeting to discuss our intentions for the property, the Innovative Collaborative team soon came out to begin measuring the existing space and the lot. Martin proposed three unique design options in a full architectural rendering. The detail was amazing and well thought out. We provided feed back and Martin quickly turned around a 4th design that we are moving forward with. I was surprised at how smoothly and quickly the process has been. Martin and Christie are professional, approachable, and work hard to explain all the nuances and details of zoning that often come up when developing a unique property. I have complete confidence in their ability to deliver what we ask for and I do not hesitate to recommend Innovative Collaborations. **★★★★★ — Alvaro A, April 2017** > We couldn’t be happier to have worked with Martin, Christie, and the rest of the team of Innovative Collaborations for our renovation project in Brookline Village, Massachusetts. They explained their services to us in a very clear, understandable manner from the very beginning, and we always felt very comfortable addressing our concerns, questions, and the occasional change of mind throughout the project. Martin is an amazingly creative architect who does something which we think is quite unique, especially when renovating and old condo --as it was our case—, where every inch matters: he presents a detailed plan with several options, each with a different price tag, from which to choose. After finalizing the design, Martin supervised the construction, but even at this stage he was willing to explain alternative ways of doing things, so we felt that in the end what was built was what we chose and for the amount of money we wanted to spend. Architectural services are not cheap, and Innovative Collaborations is not an exception in this regard, but once our renovation was completed, we felt that the money we paid for their services could not have been better spent. **★★★★★ — Newton Homeowner, March 2017** > The team at Innovative Collaborations (IC) has done a fantastic job with our project in Newton! With their guidance, we were able to maintain our house's traditional Victorian character while adding a major third-floor addition and opening up the interior to create a spacious, modern home. From the double-height entry foyer to the elegant balcony overlooking the back garden, every detail was carefully designed to look beautiful and to function well for our family. More than that, the overall flow of the house really feels and works great; it seems like a simple thing, but to get both right makes a huge impact. > > IC's excellent recommendations for interiors, including fixtures and finishes, helped us to give the house a modern day upgrade without losing its historic quality. It has a great transitional feel, balancing old world European elegance with simple, modern lines. This relationship carries throughout the house, from the hand-scraped dark maple floors to the simple silver Travertine marble walls. However, the master suite takes the cake. We just love this the most…from the relaxing spa bathroom and very functional marble dressing area, down to the integrated cubbies in the white stained wood walls. What more could you want! > > It was also convenient to have IC run the entire project -- dealing with the Historic Commission, handling the permitting, and overseeing all construction project management. Their oversight of the many contractors and vendors involved with the project ensured that the construction and finish quality came out superbly. > > We could not be happier with the outcome. Many thanks to the IC staff! ## Selected projects - [La Casa Moderna - Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-casa-moderna-modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~6316688) - Location: Newton, MA - Photos: 9 - Description: Modern twist on traditional farmhouse charm, with an emphasis on the details 4 Bedrooms \| 4 Bathrooms. Dramatic double-height Living Room with chevron paneling, gas fireplace with elegant stone surround, and exposed rustic beams Sun-filled Dining Room with Shaker detailing, cathedral board & batten ceiling, and walk-out to Patio. Stylish Open Concept Kitchen w/ marble countertops, stunning Calacatta mosaic tile and shiplap backsplashes, top-of-the-line Appliances, and in-drawer charging station.… - [Boston's Best - It List - NECN - Boston Globe](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boston-s-best-it-list-necn-boston-globe-pj-vj~2468107) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 1 - [A Bit of Tuscany in Downtown Newton](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-bit-of-tuscany-in-downtown-newton-pj-vj~1523401) - Location: Newton, MA - Photos: 10 - [18 Units- The Residences at Adams St.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/18-units-the-residences-at-adams-st-pj-vj~4269028) - Location: Newton, MA - Photos: 7 - Description: Mixed Use building - 18 Unit Residential - with ground floor commercial and underground garage. Newton MA - [Newbury Street Penthouse Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newbury-street-penthouse-loft-pj-vj~1523320) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 14 - [4 Story Penthouse Loft - Over-looking Boston Harbor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/4-story-penthouse-loft-over-looking-boston-harbor-pj-vj~2594865) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 12 - Description: Combined two side by side 4 story condo units - by dismantling and restructuring a 4 story truss between. 7, 8,9, & 10th floors of Highrise Building in Lincoln Wharf - North End. Complete gut renovation and Addition- modern design with clean lines: includes glass floors, glass stairs, water elements, water features, indoor - outdoor converting space ,switchable privacy glass into stealthing walls that transform rooms and spaces for multiple/flexible use, resource furniture integration, 4 story u… - [Westwood Estate - Massachusetts - 13,000 SF - 4.6 acre site](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westwood-estate-massachusetts-13-000-sf-4-6-acre-site-pj-vj~2599288) - Location: Westwood, MA - Photos: 12 - Description: European Old World Inspired Luxury Estate- 4 Bedroom + Master Suite with Spa bathroom: his/her Jacuzzi, double sided fireplace, barrel vaulted ceiling silver leafed- looking into Master Sitting area and private Boudoir, Stone arched Port-cochere with covered drop off, Reception Hall with two story double flank waterfalls and a groin arched entry and surround. Library detailed throughout with intricate cherry woodwork and double arched doors, complete with wood burning fireplace and opening out o… - [Aburndale Queen Anne Victorian - Historic Distric](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/aburndale-queen-anne-victorian-historic-distric-pj-vj~2471498) - Location: Newton, MA - Photos: 3 - [Project Interiors Newton Misc.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/project-interiors-newton-misc-pj-vj~2471545) - Location: Newton, MA - Photos: 4 - [The Alexander House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-alexander-house-pj-vj~6473501) - Location: Newton, MA - Photos: 17 - [Misc. Project Pictures](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/misc-project-pictures-pj-vj~1624872) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Brookline - Chestnut Hill Renovation/Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/brookline-chestnut-hill-renovation-addition-pj-vj~2594805) - Location: Brookline, MA - Photos: 3 - [Chestnut Hill Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chestnut-hill-residence-pj-vj~2488318) - Location: Brookline, MA - Photos: 7 - [Newton Centre - Renovation /Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newton-centre-renovation-addition-pj-vj~2594819) - Location: Newton, MA - Photos: 7 - [La Casa Moderna](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/la-casa-moderna-pj-vj~6861005) - Location: Newton, MA - Photos: 22 - Description: New Construction Newton MA [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/innovative-collaborations-inc-pfvwus-pf~815173891) ## Ideabooks - [Elliot \#3 - \#4](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/172402352/list/elliot-3-4) — 16 ideas - [kids - children related design ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/134107415/list/kids-children-related-design-ideas) — 1 idea - [development brackets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120235114/list/development-brackets) — 28 ideas - [development surround](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120560832/list/development-surround) — 2 ideas - [Bolivar Exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/109551942/list/bolivar-exterior) — 13 ideas - [adams st newton](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90764467/list/adams-st-newton) — 3 ideas - [buisier](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68819645/list/buisier) — 2 ideas - [369 congress st](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68297925/list/369-congress-st) — 2 ideas [See all 8 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/martin-smargiassi) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*