ArcDesign

We initially picked this company because they were friendly and very responsive which was something we were having trouble with. They were much more expensive than other architects but we figured that their responsiveness was worth the extra money. We worked with the architect on our design and loved what we came up with. When we finally got a contractor on board the contractor found multiple mistakes in the drawings. We also had some issues that the contractor felt in their experience was bad design. When the contractor tried to make changes to the design after the plans were approved and permitted by the city, archdesign took a long time to get back to them. Then it seemed that there was argument which delayed the project by at least two weeks. I was brought into the argument by archdesign and was told that I didn't really know what I was talking about. After that I had another call from archdesign where I was told I should call another contractor and was told mine was in competent and over priced. I've used the contractor previously without any issues and they were cheaper than the other bids. I felt belittled by archdesign during this argument. At one point during the whole debacle, I asked I was being involved again because it would require additional charges which I thought it would because the contract reads so. I was told no. However a week or so later when the contractor picked up the plans I was informed archdesign was billing me. When I called to settle the issue, archdesign became very agitated and told me that any good contractor would be footing the bill. I politely informed archdesign that because I asked if I would be charged and was told no and because I was not sent any sort of billing, I was unwilling to pay for the additional services. After much heated conversation, the individual at archdesign on the phone said they would be waving the charges and hung up on me. About in hour later, I received an email saying that this individual was unable to wave charges and that I would be charged. The issues we're dealt with totally unprofessional. The bill was only $360 or so and archdesign was unwilling to admit any fault in the situation and suck up the costs. The next day after paying (yes, I had to pay a portion of the bill), I received an email from the individual causing the bulk of the issues blaming the contractor for the entire fall out of our whole "relationship" and that we should consider using archdesign in the future. After the drawings were picked up, I was told politely by my contractor that archdesign has had similar problems with designs and processing design changes in a timely manner with him and other contractors. Again later, on as the project is continuing, I was told by the framer that there were multiple places in the design that didn't make sense and weren't what he sees on a normal basis for the type of job. The whole experience has been a mess...never again will I use them.

While the people I have dealt with have been personable I do not believe I would go this route again when planning an addition. The price seemed more then reasonable at the time, however, there are pieces I did not realize were missing since this was my first home remodel/addition. A designer, certified building planner or contractor/designer would be worth the extra money. As the web-site suggests, bring your ideas and they will put them into plans, however my experience has been to expect the minimum. I had and continue to have concerns, here are a few: I asked for a hallway change, which was done, when I questioned the fact that the air conditioning duct system branched out there and what to do, I was informed that the contractor would make that decision. When I asked for a shower in the master bath instead of a tub, I got this small 3' X 3' shower instead of using the full space that would of been the tub. The door into the bath swung in, requiring closure to maneuver inside the bath, I had to suggest a pocket door. I inquired about the electrical, I was informed that the electrical would be to code and that anything additional the contractor would take care of. When I picked up the plans last week, the wrong address was on the plans. Becky assured me City of St Petersburg would just white through and correct it, and Randy blamed mistake on someone else. I will be getting with the contractor this week. I am required to check yes or no if would hire again, I chose no, that my be unfair, I will update as I go through the process. I will change it if I find my response needs to change to yes.

The design process with Randy went very well. Randy is efficient with his work, and his design did not have any issues during the permitting process with the City or the construction process with the Contractor. We would plan on using Randy on our next project.

unknown

This is the fourth time our firm has hired Arc Design. They are a great company to work with. They met us out at the jobsite along with our client. We reviewed the existing structure as well as what we wanted to create with the new addition. They are very knowledgeable and made suggestions along the way. After our meeting, we collaborated to achieve the final plans that the client's were happy with. Overall, the experience was fantastic. Randy and Julius are a pleasure to work with.

The work was good. I was happy with their service.

I phoned this company on 05/20/11 to set up a visit in order to have them evaluate our home for a remodeling job. We set up a time for between 9 and 9:30 am on 5/23. He never showed up. I phoned him to inquire about this. He had not remembered the appointment and attempted to reschedule. I respectfully declined his offer. Metro did indeed attempt to contact me and did apologize for the incident. I appreciate that. I have amended my grading accordingly.

Randy was the ONLY architect of the many in the St. Pete area that we contacted who actually returned our call. In fact, he actually answered his own phone and was very prompt in returning emails. He was very willing to work with us on price, came out to see the project, was patient in explaining FL building code issues to a northerner, and generally was a very nice, pleasant guy to work with.

Fine. He was very prompt and professional. I did not go through with the project, but if I did I would use his services.