Davis Design

I purchased an ugly duckling, mid century, historic waterfront home and was at a loss on how to modernize it without loosing the character of the past. This firm was able to transform it, and navigate the challenges a project like this requires. The end result is a beautiful addition to historic St Petersburg.

Allen Designed the perfect addition to complete the existing style and architecture of our Mediterranean home. You cannot even tell where the existing structure started and the new space begins. Five Stars!

From the first meeting with Allen Vallerio at Davis Design, we knew we were in the right place and with the right architect to design our new home. We believed that from the beginning and are even more convinced now. Allen has a terrific vision and listens closely as you share your thoughts. He is creative and practical. He makes excellent use of the space. We simply love what he has done for us and would encourage anyone considering an architect to talk with Allen.

I have been in real estate development for 40 yrs. and have worked with Allen on numerous project. He is very knowledgeable and extremely talented. He is a pleasure to work with as well.

Davis Design did an outstanding job on designing and creating our custom Tuscan style home! We felt comfortable when we had to make changes as he would work with us and make every effort to not interfere with other plans and drawings in place that we had already approved and liked. It was a detailed and intricate process for us as we wanted many specific and "must-have" wants and needs when building this home. He has quite a creative and talented mind with all the engineering knowledge to back up why he could or could not fill a request ...however, he worked well with me to satisfy both myself and my spouse to meet our needs in all the areas that were most important. We not only wanted a home that was well built, but function, style and comfort along with a floor plan that flows nicely was "key" to make this home right for us. We have quite a few details in both the interior and exterior fo our home that adds the finishing touches that he originally knew would be part of making this home set apart from other similar designs...he was very specific on that part of the overall architecture of this home. Like any welll seasoned architect, if you have your own lot and building from scratch, he will make sure that you get the most out of your lot, your view, and how the home sits on the lot giving the homeowner the best idea and plan for that lot, but also what is the most aesthetically pleasing for "curb appeal". He also does renovations and remodeling on existing homes....very careful but extremely creative to make one's home flow and transition to make it appear that the "new" addition or remodel was all part of the original plan....again, very detailed and creative while meeting your needs for more space, updating, etc. He is extremely knowledgeable about all the engineering aspects involved, along with codes, laws, rules, etc. He is on the cutting edge creating a home that is "technology friendly" with all the state of the art ideas and what is new and innovative as well. I would highly recommend Davis Designs for any of your architectural needs for your next home.

I have had the pleasure of working with Davis Design in particular Allen Vallario for the past 20 years. Our house was a quasi-ranch/ modern two story home with approximately 2400 square feet built in 1959. The best way to describe the home’s appearance was as a large ugly box at the end of cul-de-sac sitting on a beautiful waterfront lot. Davis Design transformed our home from ugly to elegant. The house architectural style would now be classified as Mediterranean. Its classic beauty and unstated design has brought hundreds and hundreds of compliments by strangers whether they are in boats cruising by our home or people driving through the neighborhood. The genius of Allen Vallario is in the fact that our home went through seven renovations of which several were major. This process was not out of design but rather out of necessity. As our family expanded and income rose we added square footage. Looking at our home today you see perfect balance and scale giving no evidence that the home was built in various stages over the years. In fact, people are totally amazed that it is not a brand new home. Allen’s ability doesn’t stop at turning an ugly duckling into a swan, his use of space, color and detail is incredible. Every element is classic in design showcasing the craftsmanship by local artisans. Allen has been a tremendous asset when it came to furnishing the home. He stressed the important of picking the right piece at the best cost. Unlike interior designers who feel that your checkbook is like a magic money machine. The majority of Florida neighborhoods are post World War II homes. In the last five to ten years there has been a big push to tear down these older homes to be replaced by new homes. In my opinion many local architects in the area tend to borrow from each other by adding trendy elements to their design giving the appearance that the home was not well thought out. Your home should reflect who you are, so why would select an architect that would design a home that had the feel or look of one right up street from you?

Davis Design helped my husband and I renovate our 1923 historic Italian home. Quality design was essential in restoring the integrity that had been lost due to past renovations. Our home looks completely original, the designs are true to the time period but most importantly it fits our family's needs perfectly. Our home is truly a work of art thanks to Davis Design.

We worked with Allen Vallario at Davis Design. We purchased a 1959 house in St Petersburg which we completely gutted and added an addition. Allen was great to work with from concept to completion. He took the time to listen to our wants and needs, coming to our site during the process as needed. The initial design Allen presented only needed a few minor tweaks. We have been in our home for 2 years and can say that there is nothing in the design that we would change. Allen worked seamlessly with us and our contractor, Bright Bay Builders. We highly recommend Davis Design!

Designed our house literally from top to bottom and was at the job site as much as the darn builder making sure every detail was done to their high expectations! Have used them many times since and always expected and received the highest quality product.

Allen is absolutely AMAZING! He met with us and really listened to what we envisioned our home to be. He brought everything in our heads to life in the design of our home....only BETTER! He thought of wonderful ideas I never would have and his attention to design and detail is like no other. There is no one else I would use to design a home. Beyond pleased! Joey and Stephanie Chambers St. Petersburg, Florida

We have worked with Allen on two projects now, for two different houses and the results have been amazing. He transformed our one story ranch home into a beautiful Spanish style two-story. No one would know that the home wasn't originally a two-story. Our second project involved transforming a very large and dated home built in the 1930's. Again, the results were amazing. People literally drive-by slowly in front of our home and admire it. Passersby consistently comment on the amazing transformation. The investment in his services is worth every penny as both homes transformations have resulted in a significant return on our investment.

Allen did the architecture on my house, a substantial remake of what was a muted Greek Revival style home of 45 years old to a British West Indies style with a sleek, clean, modern twist. I was extremely happy with the results - the look was just what I was after - interior and exterior. We gutted the house but for the living room and the staircase - those remained where originally located. Most plumbing locations remained where originally located. Allen's floor plans took a 45 year old house which had an odd flow and redesigned it to a very efficient, more open plan that took full advantage of the waterfront views. Allen completed his designs on time, on budget, helped with interior design selections for lighting fixtures & kitchen layout, counter top selections, really, anything I asked or needed, he accommodated. Allen prices his services fairly, Is an interesting and creative man with whom to work - I would recommend him highly.