Vollertsen Architecture

Don't recommend at all. Overpriced and designs are horrible and useless - didn't listen to what we wanted to prioritize. Doesn't care about the project and really lacking knowledge around our type of project and incentive programs like MassSave. All about the money and no passion. Tried to double charge us and didn't stay on budget. The worst mistake ever to hire him for the design.

We started in 2012 to provide architectural services for a kitchen remodel and to relocate it to the other side of the house. He provided several choices and a solution that met all of our needs. However, all the suggestions,and add-ons, and the solution were outside of our budget. Not to say that the design wasn't nice but it didn't fit what we could afford. He is best suited for those that don't need to be as tight with their budget. Many people really appreciate his work and designs. But my experience wasn't exactly the same as those reported before. I feel our trust was breached between us and I'm not a person to say something unless it's really detrimental. I tried to negotiate and reason with this person over a bid (the only bid I might add, as others dropped out after meeting with him, the contractor was personable but was suggested by him and the bid was not-too-exceed, which you know is padded) that came in 70% more than our highest budget and I felt incredulous, realizing that he wasn't looking out for our interests at all so the project was cancelled. I never understood why he would even suggest the items he did when he knew we only had half of the highest budget to realistically work with - why push the budget way, way over - 70% over the highest ceiling? A complete waste of money and he wouldn't provide anything electronic to us to help us start again - such as the existing floor plan. His contract stated and he frequently reiterated that the drawings are his property. He has done great work before and my advice is that if you do engage, make sure everything is in writing and don't allow him to do any changes that increase the scope of the project without checking with you and putting it in the contract before making the change. Also it would be wise to understand the pros and cons of having a contract based on % of construction costs vs fixed cost. Generally, a % of construction costs only benefits the architect and provides impetus to increase the scope.

Things went really well. We are very pleased with his work. We had some bad experiences with another architect so I was apprehensive about working with another one but things went great. I felt that he looked out for our best interest and continues to be involved even though the construction is completed.