Duo Dickinson, architect

Shame I can’t pick 6 stars. Duo and his team are amazing to work with. Nothing fazes them or him. He holds your hand through the whole project, (especially important if this the first build for you), taking on the role of bad guy if needed with glee. He helps you realize your dreams, and designs according to what you want, not what’s “in” at the moment. He is enthusiastic, joyful even, as the project takes shape. He finds a way to get it done no matter the delays that may cause stumbles.

I read about Duo in Metropolitan Home magazine years before I ever dreamed I would need his services and thought to myself, "If I ever needed an architect, this would be my guy." When my husband and I moved to Connecticut and bought a piece of property, we had Duo come out to discuss the possiblity of tearing down our old farmhouse and rebuilding. At that time, the project was a bit out of our reach so we decided to try to renovate. Our renovation project did not end well. In fact, there was so much hidden damage to the structure of the old house that we had to knock the whole thing down. Left with no more than a hole in the ground, we called Duo and he stepped in to save the day. Ten years later, there isn't a day that I don't find something to love about the house he helped us build and design. Because we were taking down an existing structure, we were only allowed to build on the original footprint of the old house. Despite this limitation, Duo helped come up with a layout that didn't waste a square inch of space. While mindful of our budget, he helped us build a house that is filled with creativity and personality. The final step in our experience with Duo came almost 10 years after our house was built. We tore down a remaining outbuilding and built a studio/garage that better fits our needs and the design of our property. Like our house, it is a wonderful, light-filled and usable space that feels much larger than it is and like our house, is a pleasure to spend time in. Duo is a consummate professional (as is his staff) and an all around fun guy to work with.

Incredible creativity, a driving force in the shoreline architectural community with a passion for doing the right thing. I'm looking forward to hopefully working with Mr. Dickinson again.

There should be no other choice. Duo is, without question, a consummate professional, extremely creative, and as nice as they come.

We first worked with Duo Dickinson @12 years ago on a renovation and creative reorganization of space within the existing footprint of our 1910 tudor brick colonial. Duo is very conscious of the balance between livability and good design, As clients/homeowners we have always found Duo responsive to our aesthetic and practical preferences, and as a consequence have never felt that we were living in someone else's "idea". That said, Duo proposes lots of creative ideas and solutions, with an emphasis on natural light and efficient use of space. An added endorsement - we are currently working with Duo again on a gut-rehab of a 19th-C farmhouse.

Duo and his team did a wonderful job designing the renovations required for my new business location in Madison, CT. He is a pleasure to work with, offers creative and effective design solutions and is on top of all details of the process. I highly recommend Duo Dickinson to any new business owner in the area. - Courtney Gibbons, Owner School of Rock, Madison, CT

The Job: Remodel living areas of home directly on the CT shoreline. House had good "bones" but little imagination. Duo is an amazing professional. Creative, present, thoughtful. A great listener (not such a usual characteristic), We can in within budget. and with GREAT results (yes, I am yellling!) Your home is where your soul finds peace when your work and the world is crazy. Home renovations -- done well -- really matter. JMG

Duo is a brilliant visionary. He is able to understand his clients' desires, wants and needs. He then takes these dreams and marries them to the structure within which he is working. I have interviewed several architects, and seen the work of many others in properties of friends, and business associates. When I look at something that Duo has designed, even if it was an addition, the entire structure is seemless and flows as if it was created and designed as a whole. For all of this creativity and genius, I would be willing to put up with attitude, but the joy of working with Duo is that he is genuine, with no airs. He is the guy next door, but with an incredible gift. He is respectful of everyone on the job. He has recommendations on all types of resources, and his staff is polite and knowledgeable. I actually brought him to a home that our family was considering purchasing before we bought it, to make sure that it was right for our family and that Duo would be able to turn it into our dream home. We met Duo, several years ago on the recommendation of a Realtor, who told us to find out who did an addition in our neighborhood. She said it was the most incredible transformation she had ever seen. We asked the homeowners who was behind the renovation. That is how we met Duo.

Duo has insightful ways of creating pleasant, useful space. Great with light, both artificial and natural. He also spends time to be sure areas are properly accessable

We live on a beautiful site overlooking a river and salt marsh. My wife and I are senior citizens that want to update our 1960"s ranch style time capsule house and make it handicap accessible so that we may remain here as long as possible. We read the book by Duo "Staying Put", were impressed with the work he has done, attended a talk he gave at the local library, interviewed him at his office here in town and hired him to do the design. He and his staff have been very helpful with some innovative design ideas and suggestions on how to minimize costs. The plans are now ready to go out for bids. I am very pleased with Duo"s knowledge of the mechanical and structural aspects of the project as well as the aesthetics and layout. He and his staff have been timely, accessible and work well with us. .

Duo is a high-energy architect with concrete ideas on how to maximize the value of your investment in new or renovated/repurposed buildings. At the same time, he has great project management skills. Highly recommend.

Duo and his crew are superb; imaginative, professional, articulate, enthusiastic. If that weren't enough, add civic-minded and, dare one say it these days, running a socially-conscious, ethical practice.