ADC- Architects Designers Contractors Network

When we decided to have a custom house designed and built for our home we were confronted with a wealth of architects, designers, builders and ways of proceeding to put the project in motion. Not having done this before we contacted Robin Dorrell of ADC to learn about the options and details of pursuing such a project. We had a very pleasant interview with Robin where she explained several approaches we might pursue. She explained the different roles of architects, designers, and contractors. We also attended a class she offered through the Santa Fe community college to learn many details of building materials and styles along with the processes of working with the various home design and build professionals. Once we had a more thorough understanding of the various processes, such as design and bid versus design-build she then helped us understand the role of creating a program to guide our discussion with architects or designers. Through the interview Robin became familiar with our general needs and desires in a house. She then recommended a set of five architects we might want to interview. Accordingly, we were confidently able to make appointments and have detailed discussions with the architects and review various of their projects, both on paper and on site. After winnowing the selection to three we then followed Robin's suggestion to fund a competition between them to produce a design concept based on the program we had developed based on the information we had learned through discussions with her and with the various architects and builders we met through through her presentations at the community college.. The final choice (Archaeo Architects) then proceeded to design a much admired and award-winning home for us. We highly recommend ADC as a reliable guide to the processes and services available for anyone wanting to design residential space in Santa Fe or the surrounding area.

ADC was invaluable…” ADC was an invaluable resource when we were building our house outside of St. George UT. My wife wanted to build a hacienda style house and we did not see much of that style in the area. We thought about hiring a Santa Fe architect, but the challenge was we lived in Seattle and didn’t know anyone in Santa Fe. Also, there are a lot of architects in Santa Fe. How to sort through that was a quandary. That’s where ADC came in. I found them online, called and talked with the owner, Robin Dorrell. She asked all the right questions about what we were looking for, our sense of style, our budget and numerous other qualifiers that would help her direct us to the right type of architect. Then she set up meetings for us in Santa Fe with four outstanding companies. We touched base with all of them prior to visiting Santa Fe for in-person interviews. We spent a long day interviewing all of them (they were all excellent), and then went back the next day for follow-ups with our two finalists. We ended up hiring Jon Dick of Archaeo Architects and we couldn’t have been happier, with both the process and the house we ended up with as a result of working with Jon. If you’re looking for an architect or any of the other services that ADC offers, I strongly recommend that you give Robin and ADC a call. You won’t be disappointed. Ralph Buchan

Robin met us in Santa Fe when we decided to build a home in New Mexico. She asked us what kind or style of house we were thinking about. After our talks she provided us with names and descriptions of services provided by 5 architects. We met with all 5 architects and chose Jon Dick, Archaeo Architects of Santa Fe. Go to www.archaeoarchitects.com and see projects, then click Tandem House to see photos of our home.

After we lost our home, community, and surrounding forest in the Las Conchas fire in 2011, we had to make the decision – do we rebuild or do we move on. We had never thought seriously about building our own home. We needed to learn quickly about all the decisions involved. We happened upon ADC – Architects Designers Contractors Network online and gave Robin Dorrell a call. ADC had taught classes at the community college on the process of building but none were being presented at the time. Robin presented to us the material from one of the classes on the steps to a successful home building project and answered our many questions. She taught us about the typical types of contracts with building professionals and how to protect our interests. This gave us the courage to proceed. Robin consulted with us at length - got to know us and the kind of home we wanted. She set up interviews with several architects and designers until we found a home designer who could design the very high efficiency green home with a sense of the esthetics that we desired. She introduced us to several contractors and we decided to work with the first one we met, who was both skilled and enthusiastic about green building. Our designer, Michael Percy Grant of Percy Home Design, and builder, Danny Buck of Daniel Buck Construction, worked together to keep the project within our budget. The result is a beautiful light filled home of excellent efficiency (Build Green New Mexico Gold rating). Robin's teaching and her knowledge of her network of building professionals were instrumental in bringing us home.