Wakako Tokunaga Architecture

We added a large screened porch and deck with a built in bench. Both the process of working with WT Architecture and the outcome we got were excellent. The architect's designs were beautiful, balanced, modern, and efficient. She responded openly to feedback from us in terms of design and cost. We worked together to source sustainable materials whenever possible. She worked hard to stay within our budget and the result is an excellent return on our investment. The architect functions as the general contractor, so she manages the project from start to finish. Our screened porch and deck are more than a place to sit on a warm day, they are an architectural work of art. We are the envy, and inspiration, of the neighborhood!

In early 2016, Wakako undertook the renovation of our house. Hiring Wakako was the best decision we made. The scope of our renovation was rather extensive, from layout to structural, to finishing work. This was our first home and we didn't know the first thing about renovations. Wakako guided us through the process with patience, creativity, and discipline. In the process of laying out the scope she came up with multiple options for how to use the space to its maximum, often proposing very creative options. She has an uncanny ability to make the most of any space. Throughout the back and forth she never tired of answering our questions and continued to come up with excellent solutions to problems that would arise. Along the way, she explained the process clearly with regards to permitting, contractors, construction details, structure specificities, even finishing touches. Her attention to detail and ability to manage all the moving parts made this as painless an experience as a renovation could be. Her aesthetic is elegant and understated, but more importantly she listens to what the clients want and advises on what is possible and provides a variety of options rather than forcing her own preference. We felt she spent the time listening to us and understanding what we wanted to achieve and made sure we got it. The project finished on time, on budget, and more importantly the house looks how we envisioned it. All in all, excellent experience!

We hired Wakako Tokunaga, the principal at WT Architecture, to help us realize a major remodel based off of some rough sketches. Our original plan was to hire her minimum services and to contract out the work ourselves. Fortunately we had the good sense to contract for her full project management services, including a general contractor she recommended, and we are glad that we did! We could not be happier with the end result - it is beautiful, and we highly recommend WT Architecture.

We spent a lot of time researching renovations, architects, and studying projects on houzz. This is where we noticed a photos on a renovation we were impressed with in our extended neighborhood and learned that Wakako was the architect. We wanted someone who shared our values for sustainable contemporary architecture; easily understood our needs, wants, and preferences; and who we felt connected with us. Wakako excelled for us in all areas, and demonstrated a lot of patience working thought the different ideas of my husband and I to develop a plan that made both of us very happy while staying in budget and working with our schedules. As a local architect who understands the area and community ( and the county regs) she was very responsive and easy to work with. Her design seamlessly integrated into the house while transforming it into what we envisioned: our home. A home that is brighter and more open, and far more useable. Wakako's professionalism and personality made the overall experience enjoyable. Having now lived and enjoyed the end result for several months we are able to fully appreciate Wakako's nuanced understanding of architectural and design details that make our home comfortable, functional, and visually appealing.

Wakako was terrific throughout the entire process of our project. We built an addition and moved our kitchen to another side of the house. The design is great both functionally and aesthetically. There are wonderful details that we would have never thought of. Wakako was professional, patient, and communicative in going back and forth over the design. She was also very effective in managing the construction process. But the proof is really in how much we enjoy the end product. We're happy with it every day and we have received countless compliments.

Wakako transformed the second and third floor of our Victorian house. It had been dark and depressing with small and inefficient spaces, and now it is light- filled, spacious and beautiful. She was able to preserve the historic detail, while creating a open, modern feel. We loved working with her. She is creative, patient, thoughtful, prompt, and a great listener. We would use her again and again!

As a contractor I feel she is the absolute professional that I can refer to my clients. Patient and thoughtful with the entire process. People always rave about her when I refer her. Her plans are always on point and if I have had any questions she always responds in a timely manner.

My family contracted Wakako Tokunaga Architecture to design a new front porch for our 1952 Rambler home in Takoma Park, Maryland. Wakako carefully listened to our family's various needs and desires -- a space for lounging with company, a safe place for bicycles, an stage-like area for our children to "perform" and play -- and delivered a beautiful, unique and stunning front porch. Our new porch has completely changed the feel of our home's visual presentation and we have received numerous compliments on Wakako's work from friends and strangers alike. When there were small structural engineering challenges during the construction, Wakako quickly adapted the design to meet the physical requirements while also maintaining the original, modern aesthetic. We had a very positive experience with Wakako and plan to work with her again in the future.

Wakako did a fantastic job on our project from start to finish. The biggest problem we had was making a decision on which of the two design proposals to choose! She understood our needs, from design and budget perspectives, and skillfully balanced both to get us the results we wanted. Her attention to detail during design and execution was something we particularly appreciated, and I never felt that anything went unobserved. Wakako communicated with us continuously throughout the project and did a great job managing our contract. The real testament is in the final product, though, and we are truly thrilled with the result that Wakako delivered and happy that we get to live in it every day.

We were thrilled with all aspects of Wakako Tokunaga’s work on our renovation. She has a wonderful aesthetic and worked closely with us to develop a beautiful plan within our budget constraints, including several iterations, patiently making modifications when we changed our minds. She also worked very hard to advocate for us throughout the span of the project, and often went above-and-beyond, suggesting fixtures and color schemes. It has been more than a year since our renovation was completed and every day we are happy with the results.

Wakako was always sincere, patient and genuine in finding solutions to numerous requests and issues during our home building journey. We were confident not only in her high design skills and aesthetic, but also in her strong communication and leadership skills to lead this project into reality. We have been in our dream home designed by WT Architecture for more than a year now, and we have received so many compliments from our guests. We are excited to grow as a family in our new home for years to come. Thank you for our dream house, our treasure, Wakako!