Felhandler/ Steeneken Architects

Landscape Design: This firm designed our hardscape and general planting areas for the 10,000 square foot lot upon which our modest 1925 bungalow sits. Due to the bungalow's size, we needed great outdoor space to expand our living area. We could not be happier with the final product: walkways, 3 sandstone patios, grill area as part of the house patio, and beautiful raised deck design in the Craftsman style off of this patio (to capture mountain views). Both masonry/rock veneer and dry stacked sandstone walls pulled local elements into the overall feel of the yard. Boulder groupings were added. The architects also incorporated raised vegetable beds into the design at our request. Porch Restoration: We also consulted extensively with these architects when remodeling our front porch to restore it to its original look, based upon an old photograph taken before the house was moved to its current location in the 1940s. Using their extensive knowledge of Arts & Crafts architecture, they were able to guide us as to column proportions and materials. They completely redesigned a front stairwell entryway, all the while having to work within guidelines promulgated by our City of Boulder historic Landmarks office. Drainage: We asked for a drainage plan to capture all water running from the house downspouts, as puddling had been a problem in the past. The architects designed a plan for around the house, garage, and another outbuilding, using pvc pipes (solid and perforated) and 4 drywells (one in the front stairwell, 3 in the back alley). We also asked them to design a detailed plywood/metal flashing barrier around the base of our garage (along with gravel and French drain), to remedy wood rot from prior water penetration and to prevent future damage. During our recent flooding (500 year!), the system worked perfectly and we had no penetration water in any structure. Aesthetics: We consulted them on the smallest details: house paint colors, cabinet hardware style and placement, porch railing, and numerous questions (large and small) that came up during our remodel. They were extremely helpful at every turn. Responsiveness: This firm provided us with answers at every step during our remodel! They were always incredibly responsive and professional. If a question about the best approach to a construction issue arose, they advised us thoroughly and in a timely manner. We could not be happier with their work. Architectural Fees: The firm gave us a price and stuck with it - no surprises. Overall: 5 stars for these people. They have a vast knowledge of design and construction elements, a great aesthetic sense, and are pleasant and professional. You will be very happy that you hired this firm.

Sue Steeneken and Elaine Felhandler transformed our crumbling 1920 shack on eastern Long Island into an elegant, modern cottage. In retrospect, the house should've been a teardown, but the architects proved nimble at dealing with existing conditions and maneuvering through local zoning ordinances and stringent energy and resiliency codes. Our goal was to create a distinctly personal home, but one that nestled quietly into the area's vernacular (gables and shingles). A small house seeking a lowkey, minimalism relies on perfect detailing. F/S Architects are masters of old-world craftsmanship, proportion, and finesse, which is why we entrusted them with the task. The boldest design move was our choice of pushout, casement windows (Marvin)—horizontal lites, black trim. Again, the architects composed the right proportion and scale for the dominant experience—views out, sunlight in. Passersby have been photographing the exterior, apparently approving of F/S's refreshing interpretation of the country cottage. Props to our talented contractor, Brian Radigan.

I've worked with Elaine Felhandler and Sue Steeneken on several projects over the last twenty years. The fact that I've turned to them repeatedly in very different circumstances should speak volumes. They've understood what I want and need even when I didn't. And knew how to fix the mistakes I made on my own without batting an eye. Example: when I made a poor choice on a kitchen floor a few years ago, I asked them what to do...their solution thrilled us has brought dozens of compliments. When an accident forced a master bath remodel, Sue and Elaine supervised the design from a distance of 1500 miles and resulted in a room we'd have never envisioned on our own. Our home is classic yet contemporary, comfortable but beautiful - and we thank Sue and Elaine every single day.

Elaine Felhandler and Sue Steeneken are an exceptionally gifted, knowledgeable and comprehensive team. They have done two major renovation/restorations for us -- one of a Colonial Revival house in Connecticut and the other of a Manhattan brownstone -- still ongoing -- that had to be completely gutted and required a new facade. On all aspects of the job, from conception to design to implementation, they are precise, accessible, tremendously creative and always anxious to consider the clients' aesthetic parameters. Their work is uniformly exceptional.

My partner and I hired Felhandler/ Steeneken for both interior design work for our home's re-model and for structural work in our basement and crawl space areas. They have the rare ability to offer impeccable design suggestions which are able to take our very different tastes fully into account. Additionally, their knowledge of structural engineering challenges for creating a structurally sound and elementally safe environment have been a great comfort. They can source exciting design products and work with the most technical of tradespeople. We have recommended them to friends and most recently their landscape architect design abilities that included massive drainage planning and execution oversight resulted in our friends not suffering any floodwater damage during the Colorado flood.