Arocordis Design

We at Sticks and Stones Construction LLC have had a great experience working with Arocordis Design on a number of projects! In our experience, what truly sets Arocordis Design apart is their collaborative spirit. They foster a partnership between architect, builder, and client. When working with them we solve problems together as a team, sharing insights and solutions to achieve the best possible outcomes. The collaborative approach that they foster creates a positive work environment and leads to successful projects. Arocordis brings a strong understanding of building science and project costs to the table. Before diving deep into the design, they help assure that the project is financially feasible for their clients. The details are thoughtfully considered to ensure that the plans are practical, buildable, and within budget. Their knowledge prevents costly surprises and makes the construction process smoother for all involved. We find that drawings and 3D models from Arocordis are accurate and detailed, which is helpful for both budgeting and building. The information provided allows us to confidently estimate costs and execute the construction with precision. This helps ensure that all parties are on the same page. On a personal note, Stephen Frey (principal architect and owner at Arocordis), is a great listener who values input from both the builder and the client. At Arocordis they creatively design solutions that balance functionality, beauty and comfort. They are always focused on keeping the client's vision and practical needs in mind. The results are spaces that not only look stunning but also work well for those who use them. It is a pleasure to work with Arocordis and I highly recommend them to anyone seeking an architect who is accurate, collaborative, practical and creative. Our projects together have been successful because of their dedication and skill, and I look forward to working together on future endeavors. -Greg Wallace owner of Sticks and Stones Construction LLC

Steve was wonderful to work with as we took on a big project for us: an addition to our 1940s home. He listened to our wants and needs and was able to create visions for connecting a gambrel roofed foursquare home to a more modern styled addition with a large deck. He supported us throughout the design process and worked well as part of the team with our builder and interior designer. Steve brought extensive architectural experience and beautiful artistry to the project. We wouldn't hesitate to work with him again!

Stephen Frey is an amazing architect that did fantastic work designing a home for us in Vermont. If you need someone who will collaborate with you, listen, seek to capture your creative vision, coach you on consultants and the process, site engineering and home design work, he's the right architect for you.

Steve helped us with a garage addition to our property. He really listened to what we wanted out of the project, the functional goals, but also considered the general design theme/elements of our current house and property and our likes and dislikes. The first draft was near perfect. He was able to put on paper exactly what we were wanting. He was very easy to work with and the flexibility of virtual meetings and discussing the project while manipulating the plans in 2D/3D in real time was very efficient and helpful. He has offered his input with small questions along the way and is always very thoughtful to the whole project and goals. We were very happy with his services and the whole process.

Arocordis was the perfect design firm for our project – a modest ranch house renovation on the edge of a family farm with picture window perfect views of the Connecticut river watershed and farm fields. What started as a renovation discussion led to a creative rethinking of the New England ranch house design appropriate for the lifestyle choices we are making, creating a simple home that is easy to care for and delightful to live in. Stephen Frey was also the perfect person for the project. He listened to our thoughts about the purpose of the house, our relationship to the land around it, and our long-term plans for enjoying the space. Steve quickly understood our vision for the renovation and transferred our ideas to a simple and attractive design. He was always positive in our discussions and an easy person to have a conversation with. While starting a building project during the pandemic was a challenge, especially with labor shortages, shipping delays and price increases (!!), Steve coached us through these challenges and was helpful in rethinking some of the original architectural features in order to meet constraints with the building site and process. We highly recommend Stephen Frey of Arocordis as a talented architect who is a pleasure to work with.

I recently had the pleasure of interacting with Steve of Arocordis Design for a small home expansion project. The experience was great; Steve provided drawings, 3-dimensional views of the design and easy-to-read specs. Steve is also an exceptional communicator that made the process move forward with little effort. I would highly recommend him for architectural planning on your project.

We called Steven while in the midst of a building project that was moving along quickly. He responded to our call the very next day and despite being a Holiday weekend, made an appointment to meet us at the camp we were renovating. He listened to our concerns and wishes carefully and made some very valuable suggestions. His drawings were delivered within the week and were a good frame of reference for communicating with our contractor. As our building plans we're changing rapidly, Steve was able to adjust just as quickly. He met with us again about a week later and shared his 3D drawings which were so instrumental in helping us visualize the building project. He was flexible when deciding how many hours we felt we would need and could afford. When we had completed the number of hours work we requested, Steve gave us more of his time at no additional charge. He was easy to communicate with, very professional and knowledgeable.

I feel horrible that it has taken me so long to write a review for Arocordis Design. So many challenging things happening one after another, some of which Steven, actually helped us through! I felt like he really listened to what we wanted, he really took the time to figure out what would work for us, considering my significant other's opposite style. Building a relationship with clients, I give Steven an A++! Level of skill also an A++, we were giving beautiful drawings that completely encompass our vision of a dream home! I would also give him an A++ in caring, community and patriotism. Steven, took it upon himself to research the Wounded Warrior Project and various accessibility options for us based on my disabilities I sustained while in the military. As well as different options for my autistic son. That really means something! Due to medical and financial reasons we did not finish the project we started with Arocordis Design, but that's on us. I would absolutely recommend his business to anyone!

We're working toward a dream, and I didn't even know where to begin. Steve at Arocordis Design has obviously been there and done that because of all that he did for us! Although we are just in the early stages of this process of planning for our retirement property, the Arocordis Design survey helped us (and him) to hone in on our long-term wants and needs. The questionnaire that started our conversation was like an answer to a prayer because originally, I wasn't even sure where to begin; that can be an overwhelming feeling. Steve was great! He kept checking back in, discussing the various stages of the process and the project itself, and step by step, placed us on the path to putting form to our nebulous dreams. We have a long way to go, but I am really grateful that Steve and Arocordis Design will be there with us at journey's end.

We wanted to work through two potential future projects: 1) A separate design/work studio away from our main house 2) An expansion of the existing home to meet our home business needs Steve was fantastic, and we enjoyed working with him. He effectively guided us to better define the function of each space we were considering and helped us come up with realistic costs for the projects. I felt like it was a true collaborative effort. Having someone there to ask the right questions and help shape an idea into a doable plan is incredibly important. It has been a pleasure working with Steve. We now have detailed plans and a much better idea of what it will take to implement them. We would recommend Steve without hesitation.

Steve Frey of Arocordis Design worked with me through a year and a half of hard decisions and amazing outcomes. We began by discussing plans to build a home out of shipping containers. He researched and incorporated green building techniques to keep within my low budget of 150K-200K. When the designs were in their first stages, he shopped them out to a couple known shipping container builders. He gently broke the news to me that getting the containers to Vermont was cost prohibitive used too much energy, defeating the purpose. We moved onto a simpler wood construction and through a few sit-down meetings we collaborated on the design, wants and don't really need kind of stuff , to establish a full blueprint. During this time he found my Realtor and set up interviews with 3 builders (newer guy into green building, established middle of the road kind of guy, and a top green builder). The only hitch was not being able to find a reasonable bit of land for the right price in the right spot. Steve was great at letting me know when it was time to take a break, give it time, and move on the next opportunity. I eventually decided to buy an existing home, an 1840's farmhouse, that need work, but had great bones. Steve went back to the drawing board and did 4 elevations, an addition design, and reworked the interior for more open concept. Since I had decided to partner with Jacob Rogen at Rogen Design Build initially, Steve graciously handed the reigns over to Jacob, who has done a masterful job during the 1st phase of renovations. I thankful for Steve's support and professionalism throughout this process. He knows his industry and is constantly looking to learn more and keep on top of new discoveries. Our time during the design phase was so productive and he listened to what I needed. He took what I had to say and interpreted it in the designs with perfection.