Sam Kachmar Architects

We worked with SKA on remodeling and restoring our single-family home in Brookline and had a great experience! We started the process with very loose ideas of exactly how we wanted to use the space and the scope of the project that we wanted to undertake. The schematic design process was extremely useful for exploring alternatives and ultimately deciding on the project’s scope. The 3D renders and VR walkthroughs were extremely useful as we refined the design and greatly increased our confidence in the project we were getting underway. The team (and in particular, our project manager, Karina) were extremely communicative by e-mail, zoom, and in-person. Minutes were taken and shared from each meeting, which was extremely useful when only my spouse or I attended a meeting and had to catch the other one up. Our feedback was always carefully listened to and reflected in revised designs. As we got further and further into the design process, we often had less and less feedback to give, as we were presented with designs and renders that did exactly what we wanted, in ways that we couldn’t have otherwise expressed as requirements. When we had to appear before the Brookline Preservation Commission, SKA’s expertise and prior planning made our project look easily approved with little discussion. It was clear to us that this only went so smoothly, thanks to the significant amount of prior planning and conversations that the team had had with the town planners over the months that we were developing the design. We did not already have a relationship with a contractor, and found SKA’s support in the construction bidding and selection process invaluable. Throughout the construction process, our team at SKA was not only regularly on-site checking and double-checking construction progress, but also documented the project with some 4,700+ photos in a shared album. This included, among other useful shots, the interior of every wall that was opened and the progression of work by trades. Our contractor and their subs never had to wait for a construction drawing, and the entire permitting process went smoothly. We have now lived in our new home for six months, and we still wake up every morning in disbelief that this project went so well, given the many moving pieces. If you are looking for an architect in the Boston area, we would wholeheartedly recommend SKA.

We had Sam and Ian help us with our year-long gut renovation of our victorian house. Given the intensity of the project, the challenge of building at the peak of Covid supply chain concerns, and with the unending zoning and town procedural processes, I cannot recommend SKA enough. They were, by far, the most reliable partner in our project. Their ability to help with the architectural work, navigating policies of our town, and project managing an extremely complex project, and providing fantastic design guidance, singlehandedly made this project a real success. I would happily recommend SKA to any of my friends and family, and have been a huge advocate of the team. I would particular recommend Ian for his fantastic attention to detail, prompt response, and ability to navigate complex situations. Thank you team!

We have been fortunate enough to collaborate on numerous projects with the SKA Team. Sam and his awesome team not only provide our clients with a beautiful vision for their home, they also bring expertise and guidance to the whole process. From pre-construction and planning, through construction and completion, they stay on top of changes and work with the clients to find creative solutions. It is so crucial to have a good design team when customizing a home; this is why we continue to recommend SKA to our clients and friends. We look forward to more successful collaborations with them!

Sam and his team were true partners in designing our home, exploring what it could become together and ensuring it came to life as designed. Their use of virtual reality technology to visualize the home pre-construction helped us make quicker and better decisions throughout the process.

Sam is an architect's architect. While he has the skills to build a house with his own hands and tools from the ground to finish carpentry, it's his vast architectural database that sets him apart. I've worked with dozens of architects. Sam stands out in his ability to design big picture, creatively solve intricate details, massage the zoning process, and guide contractors with a veteran eye. I recommend him without reserve for both preservation and modern projects.

Sam helped us design our front porch entryway, as part of a larger landscaping project. His design was creative, crisp and perfectly matched our aesthetic. I would recommend his services to anyone.

Excellent; professional, practical and fully customer oriented. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Wonderful to work with and will energetically pursue their customers' wishes.

Hiring an architect for the first time felt intimidating and scary but as soon as we met up with Sam one on one we were convinced that we were in great hands. Sam's approached was personable, laid back and his creativity was clear. His awesome team was unbelievably thorough, precise and easily accessible for the whole time we worked with them. The workplace office is modern and we were able to use the virtual reality room to walk through the proposed design before we executed. I highly recommend Sam and his team, we are so happy with everything from A to Z.

As a subcontractor, communication is key to our ability to successfully complete a project on time and within budget. Sam and his team were right on top of providing us answers with either immediate feedback, or at least a commitment when we will receive the pertinent information. Sam personally follows up to assure we have all we need to move the project forward. His proactive approach greatly assures we can execute our work on a timely basis, creating a successful project for all. ~Ken Bertram

Axel from SKA is a true professional. He listens to want you want and is able to turn it into an actionable plan that meets your vision.

Sam Kachmar is a true professional, an incredibly talented and knowledgeable architect. He sees each project through a keen lens of what is best suited for the client and the site. Sam Kachmar and his team bring an informed perspective to every project - Sam's experience as a builder makes budgeting and understanding cost's easy and comprehensive. I have known Sam for several years he is creative, thoughtful and has a great sense of humor! I highly recommend Sam Kachmar Architects.

I lived in a house that Sam remodeled and I can easily say Sam is the most talented home builder and architect that I have ever met. Sam is the extremely rare combination of ultra talented craftsman with amazing design abilities. The level of detail that Sam builds perfectly into the designs separates him from all other builders I have met. If I was building a new home or remodeling a home in Cambridge then I would use no one else besides Sam and his company.