Testimonials
What homeowners are saying...
I was intimidated by working with an architect, but Carlos was amazing and so easy to work with throughout the entire building process. Much to our surprise, hiring Carlos was more affordable than we originally thought. In fact, it was the best value in the entire design/build process and saved us money in the long run. Since Carlos was implementing environmentally friendly building techniques long before being "green" was popular, I knew we were getting the most experience possible in building that kind of home. It was very reassuring knowing that he was designing a home that could be built within our budget, met our lifestyle needs and that he was open to making any needed changes along the way. He designed for us a unique, beautiful home that is comfortable and amazing to live in.
Deneice Zeve
Carlos designed the renovation of my small home and converted a detached garage into additional living space. This was my first experience working with an architect and Carlos’ approach made the process easier than I thought it would be. He listened closely to my needs and created a design that is simple and elegant. Carlos was invaluable in meeting various challenges – including city restrictions for the historical district I live in, budget constraints, and a very small lot. His experience working with the city and the great contractor he recommended kept things moving forward past the occasional speed bump. Finally, Carlos and his associate Tom Sager are such calm, pleasant professionals to work with that they minimized the stress and made it a truly enjoyable experience.
Polly Hodges
When we decided to build a small beach house in Bandon a friend recommended Carlos. After our first consultation we were certain that he was the architect for us! He was a great listener and eager to help us fulfill our dream. After exchanging ideas and possibilities, Carlos met us in Bandon to help site the house. We had developed a binder of photos and ideas that we liked. Carlos artfully incorporated much that we shared as he began developing a plan. Because of the high wind factor at the coast, the foundation had to be engineered. Carlos effectively worked through this issue with our builder, the engineer, and the City of Bandon.
As with any plan, there were a few changes along the way. Our builder thoroughly enjoyed working with Carlos and found his openness and flexibility refreshing and respectful. We had a great time working with Carlos and couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Carlos is a genuinely nice person and a fabulous architect. We give our highest recommendation to anyone fortunate enough to work with him.
Ted Loftus & Katherine Mahoney
Carlos and Tom are fun to work with. They’re collaborative, flexible and super creative. They understood what Janet and I were looking for straight off. They worked very compatibly with our contractor always mindful of our budget. The project was to design a guest cottage that not only tied with the distinctive look of our house, but expressed a more up-to-date look and feel; they completely nailed it. The space is inviting and comfortable and includes all the features we’d asked for.
The innovative solution in the cottage is the “floating wall” - a birch plank wall that sits about two thirds of the way into the main room. On the living room side it anchors a loveseat and sitting area, on the other side there’s a vanity and sink. The ceilings are high so the wall stands in the room. It’s an absolutely beautiful solution for dividing space and maintaining an open expansive feel. Janet and I enthusiastically recommend Carlos and Tom.
Neal Schuler and Janet Vetterli
Though an old friend in Pennsylvania helped us design the house we are now building here in Ashland we chose Carlos to help see it through. The house is unusual in that it’s partially underground. Carlos guided us through critical decisions to make sure the design was completely waterproof. I have known Carlos for many years and appreciate him for his aesthetic and design sense; his integrity and his work ethic.
Diane Amarotico
I really enjoyed working with Carlos and Tom who were so friendly but at the same time serious about the work, even though it was a relatively small remodel and addition. They both listened to my needs and I particularly liked how Carlos encouraged me to make my own decisions. I only remember one time when they did insist, through a convincing argument, about a design choice. And now I'm glad they did. The option they recommended is safer and lower maintenance than what I originally had in mind. I loved working with Carlos and Tom throughout the entire project.
Sarah Paul
What business owners are saying…
In 2006 we hired Carlos to design six classrooms for our new Clay Street campus. As any good architect would do, Carlos interviewed the faculty to get as precise a picture as he could of our needs. And then, using his special gift, he intuited the rest! We asked for natural light, natural materials, and a feeling of space; he gave us…sanctuaries! He took our ideas and made art of them. Carlos is a pleasure to work with, always gracious, prompt, thorough, responsive, and attentive to staying on budget. But the ‘added value’ of working with Carlos comes from his ability to give form to imaginations, to manifest dreams. The buildings he built for us are stunning, and children and faculty relish living and learning in them every day.
Catherine Rhazi, Administrator - The Siskiyou School
I’ve worked with many architects in the past, and have found Carlos to be one of the easiest to collaborate with, in addition to being exceptionally talented. He’s assisted us with several additions to our restaurant in an endeavor to create more seating. What has been most appreciated is his willingness to capture and reflect what we were looking for, rather than push in his own direction. Carlos has been particularly helpful when working to move plans through the permitting process as well as sorting out the special requirements needed for an upcoming historical renovation. He has also gone out of his way to work within our timeline. Once when we came up with an 11th hour change to our design, Carlos immediately met with me to come up with a solution that would work. I always look forward to working with Carlos on any kind of design project.
Alex Amarotico, Owner - Standing Stone Brewing Company
Carlos puts his heart into his work. We’ve been so privileged to have his help in the design and construction of Kagyu Sukha Choling's New Center. We wanted to go with a green sustainable model so we decided against a “conventional” heating and cooling system. Of course, the environmentally friendly approach meant a lot more work because we had to basically design a whole new system from scratch. Carlos has been so instrumental in research, decision-making and problem-solving along the way. He has such a flexible, creative and forward-thinking approach to design. This has been a community project from start to finish and Carlos has worked well with everyone involved in the project. It’s been a real pleasure working with Carlos over the last six years, we’ve always found him to be kind, upfront and very generous with his time.
Lama Pema and Lama Yeshe, Resident Lamas – KSC Center
What contractors are saying…
Carlos and Tom really stand out in their profession because of their open approach and willingness to listen to tradesmen on design solutions. They don’t ever walk away from the job – you can count on them to provide the right level of support throughout the entire project. I appreciate the service they extend to the homeowner as well. They’re open to the clients’ ideas, while gently guiding them to the right decision. They’re excellent designers that provide concise prints that are easy to work from. Carlos has a lot of experience in sustainable construction – we worked with him on the first home in the Rogue Valley to achieve a LEED for Homes Platinum certification. My staff and I have always found both Carlos and Tom easy to work with and professional.
Gary Dorris
Gary Dorris Construction
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Carlos on new construction and remodels for over seven years. As a homebuilder, I appreciate the flexible, problem-solving approach that Carlos brings to every project. Homeowners also value his creativity and design sensibility, especially his excellent sense of space and proportion. His willingness to be open and collaborative, with myself and the homeowner, means we always end up with a better project and happy clients.
Sean Downey
The Downey Company
As a building superintendent I’ve worked with Carlos and Tom on two new residences that utilized their expertise in sustainable design. One of the homes was recently highlighted in the Solar and Green Home Tour. Carlos and Tom make a great team and I find that in working with them the exchange of information and ideas is very fluid. Because they’re local, I can quickly meet with them in person or pick up updated plans without delaying the project. They’re really great guys and their responsiveness and hands-on approach makes it easy and productive for me to work with them.
Lance Adams
Superintendent - Gary Dorris Construction
I’ve been a landscape contractor for 30 years and have worked with many architects and designers. When I first met Carlos I found his openness refreshing. He is a good listener and able to truly hear his clients’ ideas. I appreciate his depth of knowledge and his easy way with people, whether he’s dealing with engineers, builders, sub-contractors or city officials. Carlos is also careful not to overbuild; he works to create a sustainable design that ties into his client’s budget.
Ted Loftus
Ted Loftus Landscaping
Working with Carlos and Tom made me realize the value of working with an architect over a designer. Their attention to detail, follow through, and ability to make every project a perfect match for the homeowner is outstanding. I feel they have the most complete design through construction service because of their excellent attention to detail, a strong feel for customer and contractor needs throughout the whole process, and most importantly, the drive to make each project a success. They are always available when I have a question, from the first shovel of dirt, to locking the door on the way out. They impress me with their consistent ability to design a project that meets the customer needs at a price range that makes all parties comfortable – without sacrificing quality or style. A real bonus is that both Tom and Carlos are fun and easy to work with, which can help a lot on tough projects. From start to finish you know that they really care about making the project a long standing success for the homeowner and contractor.
Dan Jovick
Jovick Construction LLC
As a contractor that specializes in remodels, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Carlos and Tom on several projects. In addition to an exceptional talent for design, you can expect stellar communication when you work with Carlos. During remodels homeowners often request changes while the work is in progress. This can be challenging, yet Carlos always responds quickly to any concerns the homeowner may have and we work together to come up with a satisfying solution. The open line of communication between myself, Carlos and the homeowner contributes to great results and happy homeowners.
Bret Snyder, Snyder Construction