SWZ Architects LLC (merging with LFA)

We had the pleasure of working with both Shelley and Malvina on our Kitchen and Mudroom renovation in Winchester, MA. I would (and have been) recommending SWZ to my friends in the area contemplating various renovation and construction projects. We found their knowledge, attention to detail, and thoroughness invaluable across all stages of our project. Living in an older house, they were able to help us massively improve the flow and utilization of our space to more comfortably support our growing family. They listened to our wants, and ideas, incorporated them into plans and proposals, and saw them executed and delivered accurately for us. They handled changes and setbacks easily and competently as the project progressed from pouring the foundation to final appliance installation. I would happily work with SWZ again!

We had the pleasure of working with SWZ Arquitects for the renovation project of our house. This was the first time we did such a large renovation and we were overwhelmed with the complexity. Project included a merging two bedrooms to create a master bedroom/bath, finishing an attic with a dormer added, moving walls to create access to the attic from a hallway, total redesign of the kitchen and dining room, in addition to a mudroom conversion and a deck added. Additionally the project was challenging because we were looking to maximize space without making any additions to the property. We are so grateful that we worked with Malvina from the beginning till the end of the project. Her vision, expertise and experience helped us design a beautiful and functional space in every room touched. By changing the layout of walls, windows, flooring, and other spaces, our house looks bigger, open and it is functional! Being an almost 100 year old house, Malvina also ensured that the architectural design matched the style and original character of the house. She was attentive to details, light, flow of movement and everything between. SWZ also gave us contractors’ recommendations and helped us choose the best quotes, and coordinate with other experts such as the structural engineer. We decided to work with Express Remodeling Group contractors which were also amazing and did great teamwork working with Malvina and Shelly. Additionally, Malvina kept very close to the budget we had set and provided valuable advise when we had to make decisions between materials, location of lighting, doors opening for max space usage, windows, etc. always keeping continuous communication, providing us updates and playing a key role so we could finish the renovation and move to our house in the timeline planned. We highly recommend SWZ Architects. Erika and Mark Faulkenberry

We hired SWZ Architects to help with conceptualizing and implementing an addition on out 1950's ranch. As a design professional, I appreciated the partnership with Malvina and her expertise. She was able to bring in a fresh perspective on our design. We were able to develop the perfect solution for our addition and could not be happier with the final spaces.

Working with Shelly (SWZ Architects) has been a great experience for many reasons. First and foremost her professionalism and attention to detail is top notch! SWZ Architects are very organized, which is super important and helpful no matter what size project. Also, they are very knowledgeable and creative and were a great resource for both myself and the client. I look forward to working with them again, and I recommend them highly.

We engaged SWZ for a kitchen addition for our 1920's Colonial and worked primarily with Shelly Ziegelman. We are now happily enjoying our new space and so glad we hired Shelly! We did a prior project with a design build firm and had a not great experience. Having an experienced architect guide this project made all the difference for us. We ended up with a kitchen we are thrilled with rather than regrets. Shelly listened and created a design that was better than anything we had imagined. For example, we moved our basement entrance to the side of the house, creating light in the basement and and a much better plan for the kitchen addition since all the available space could be used for the kitchen itself not basement ingress. The plans that Shelly created perfectly complemented the style of the house. The addition made the house look better from the outside - a hard thing to do. Moreover, Shelly's detailed designs made the construction process easier for the contractor and us because there was little about which to be confused. We picked colors and style for the kitchen ourselves but we knew Shelly would tell us if we were making a mistake. We trusted her design sense to look to Shelly for guidance on these decisions and were able to quickly move on without second guessing which made the process painless. Shelly made sure the contractor kept to the plans but in such a way that a positive team spirit prevailed. You will be in good hands with SWZ!

In the Fall of 2017, two deeply naive but enthusiastic homeowners set out on a mission to convert their quaint, classic 1930s home into a modernized space that would work for a growing family in the 21st century. We interviewed 4 Architects and confidently moved forward with SWZ after our first meeting, primarily partnering with Shelley. From the beginning, Shelley was warm and open, but direct in a way that allowed us to establish realistic expectations and plan a timeline and approach that worked for us all. She was completely respectful of our reasonable (though tight) budget - including design recommendations that allowed us to save massively so we could spend the balance elsewhere. She beautifully incorporated our vision into the final design and walked us through the process of hiring and working with a contractor (also her recommendation - and he was fantastic). The finished product -an almost entirely gut renovated first floor with a 400 sq. ft. addition - is seamlessly integrated into the rest of our home. Beyond being bright and lovely - every inch is used meaningfully, and the flow allows us to simultaneously spend quality time as a family while going about the necessities of life. We honestly wouldn't change a thing. We've already discussed our next project, and can't wait to work with SWZ again!

Working with Shelly was the best decision I made in my kitchen renovation. From her great list of contractors to her attention to detail regarding the many aspects of creating a kitchen from the studs in an 1890 house about which I knew only a fraction, I value her expertise, her breadth of experience and her network of resources on which we could draw, and yes especially her design aesthetic. When you spend the kind of money that a kitchen/bath renovation demands, it is imperative that you have the right information to make make good choices. I highly recommend Shelly, Malvina and SWZ architects.

Malvina was everything one would desire in an architect: very smart, visionary, cooperative, knowledgeable, conscientious about and prompt in meeting deadlines, appropriately humorous, empathic and successful in meeting our goals through her talents! She approached our classic Bauhaus-era home in Cambridge with respect, imagination and confidence. She helped to transform it into an unforgettable dwelling place. We were grateful for her time, talent and the beautiful results.

I previously worked with Malvina (previously with LFA) when I was building my home in 2004-2006. The total cost of the project was about $1 million. Malvina was professional and easy to work with. She is organized, detailed, who came up with great ideas. One of the best things also about Malviina is that she gets back to you promptly with any questions or concerns i had. I did not hesitate to contact her again for my next project for my business. Shelly was also excellent to work with.

We hired SWZ Architects to design a master bedroom suite and more open concept first floor living space. Shelly did a great job with drawings and presenting the plan. She also recommended wonderful contractors, one of which we used to complete the project. We are thrilled with the overall outcome.

We hired SWZ Architects to help us design and plan renovations to our master bedroom and master bathroom. Given the layout of our home, the job was very complex. Shelly Wood Ziegelman did an excellent job listening to our hopes for the particulars of our new space and developed a plan that was much better than what we imagined was possible. She is very creative and collaborative with her clients. Shelly responded immediately whenever we contacted her with questions. We always felt like we were in very good hands. And, most importantly, Shelly is a genuinely good person. We highly recommend her and will definitely ask for her help on our future projects.

We hired Shelley to design a family room/mudroom addition to our house and integrate it with an existing kitchen and bath which would be remodeled. Shelley created a fabulous, open concept design with a great eye toward detail to ensure that the addition blended with the architectural style of our brick home built in 1927. We absolutely love the finished product!