Architectural Design & Construction

Aloha! My husband and I bought a lot in Maui to build our 'dream home' - I first looked online and then interviewed various architects and builders here on Maui by going to their offices and visiting job sites. I was drawn to this design-build firm since they not only design and build custom homes, but they also designed a line of homes for the first time home buyer - one way that they give back to the community - the aloha spirit. I was so impressed with the thought that went into the site plan - prevailing tradewinds and sunset locations at the various times of years were on the plan and discussed; as well as the necessary depth of the lanai (patio) overhangs so that we would not get too much sun in the afternoons nor too much wind. Perhaps I was naïve - but I didn't realize that architects went to this degree of site planning. Being a HOUZZ fan - and having clipped photos from various publications for years I met with Morgan Gerdel, our architect with the firm. He was so patient as I went through photo after photo of ideas - (OK, YEARS of clippings - poor guy!) later he reviewed my HOUZZ files as well - and sent me some ideas back via HOUZZ that he had found that he thought illustrated various ideas we had discussed. WOW. We went over the plans numerous times and I was gently reminded of our budget - "well... we could add that feature, however it probably isn't as cost effective as the other idea you had selected..." I got the hint without the architect being condescending or impatient, he even got bids on different options to explore alternatives for us. The permitting process and our financing had its ups and downs - outside of the control of the firm, {not a single red flag on the plans by the planning department of the county} - but they politely and patiently adjusted (and readjusted) their timeline to match ours. Once we got the permit they were on it! I was impressed that for our project we got the same project manager whom I had initially met as he worked on a multi-million dollar home and he used the same care and attention to detail on our little guest house! Very special. For example, I was a behind in selecting the wood flooring and since the framer was on site I called the project manager from the flooring store and told him the wood flooring I selected was 3/4 inch, when in fact it was 5/8 inch thick. When the flooring was delivered and it was not the correct thickness he noticed the difference and he cared. My husband and I were not upset by this -the sliding door threshold separates the interior and exterior we can't even tell the difference- but wow that 1/8 inch made a difference to the project manager and it wasn't even his error. The construction went smoothly - WHAT? - it's true, and finished on time WHAT?! Guys showed up on time (even when the surf was up - a challenge in Hawaii)- the project manager juggled schedules with weather and delivery of materials - no small feat when you are dealing with materials coming from the mainland to Hawaii - the most isolated place in the world! No way here to call around and get something trucked in from another city or state - so you really have to have your act together. I am trying to think of an example of what went wrong and how it was resolved, but I can only think of one small detail. I didn't like the look of the exterior seams on the siding, the architect came to the site the next day, suggested a trim piece to overlay the seams in a manner that went with the exterior design- viola- problem solved. Finally, once it was all done and the cleaning crew was finished, they had their own special extra step punch list "Queen of Details" come through and do a punch list for anything the project manager may have missed, this included such tiny details such as a little drop of paint that had been missed on a window sill.... really. And when it was done we were thrown a little celebration and they walked through the entire place with us and gave us a book with the appliance instructions, paint colors, contractors etc. What a good feeling. Be on the look out for step two - our main house construction will start soon - Thanks HOUZZ for having this review process - to all you readers - HIRE THESE GUYS!

We hired Kamaaina Homes and Morgan Gerdel after getting the run around with another company. Morgan and his construction crew did a good job and we would work with them again. They took care of the permitting process for us much faster then we would have been able to on our own. We all know that building a home will have issues along the way and when problems arose they were handled in a professional and timely manner. When the job was completed there were somethings we would have done differently but that's part of the learning process. We recommend Kamaaina Homes and Morgan to any prospective clients, you will get a good product. We love our home!

We contracted with ADC for both house design and construction. During the design phase, they listened to what us when we described the features we wanted incorporated into the home. The design process went smoothly and after 4 or 5 design iterations, we had our house plans. My wife was excited because her dream home was becoming a reality. Four years later we had the money to begin construction. ADC picked up right where we left off and never missed a beat. They were professional, knowledgeable, and cost-consciences where they needed to be. After construction, ADC visited us on several occasions to make sure all in the house was well and functioning as advertised. They handled punch list items in a friendly and timely manner, and more importantly, to our satisfaction. Would I use ADC again on another project? ABSOLUTELY!

We purchased a vacant lot in Pineapple Hill Estates in Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii. A year later we decided to build a new 3 bedroom house on it. After interviewing several architects we decided on Architectural Design & Construction. The project was assigned to Morgan Gerdel. He designed the home to fit our special requirements. We requested extra large Bedrooms, Kitchen and Garage. Designing the house with a very open atmosphere. As project manager, he was instrumental in negotiation with the home owners association to have some minor changes made. He acquired quality materials, and craftsman that perform the quality workmanship we required, within our budget and they finish the home on schedule. We would highly recommend this firm to design and oversee your project. Norman and Florence Shotts 232 Crestview Road, Kapalua

What an extraordinary team of professionals. Every member of the ADC team were very responsive to all of our questions, ideas and concerns throughout every phase of the design and construction process. The coordination and monitoring of the various trades by ADC to ensure our timeline for construction were met was amazing. The ADC team were also very well respected by the various trades and the quality of the work by the trades reflects ADC's ability to work well with the trades. We love our new home and would highly recommend ADC to design and construct your dream home.

Hawaii Land Design has had the opportunity to work with the ADC team on many custom residential projects and we always enjoy their collaboritive spirit and desire to exceed the clients expectations in every aspect of the design. As the project landscape architect, we appreciate their attention to interior and exterior relationships and how the architeture relates to the surrounding landscape, hardscape, and water elements both in the design and installation.

I worked with Morgan on a project together. Their company was highly professional, very responsive to questions and did an excellent job for the clients. Architectural Design & Construction was a pleasure to work with and I would definitely recommend them.