GDA design & architecture, inc.

Umberto is very professional and an excellent architect. Going into the project we did not know what to expect but Umberto walked us through the entire process and we enjoyed working with him very much. His step by step approach and methodology made sure that our project went smoothly.

Fantastic. Umberto was very collaborative with my partner and I, taking the time to get to know us and help us figure out a design plan. He then helped us through 2 rounds of bidding to get to a scope that was within our budget. He then helped with the construction as lots of issues came up. The end product is a living room that is amazing, bright, fresh and modern and no regrets. I’d recommend him to anyone.

When we started the process of expanding and modifying our home, we thought that the generation of plans would be nothing more than a quick meeting with an architect, measurements, and some blueprints, amounting to a business transaction to meet the minimum criteria for what we were asking for. With GDA’s process however, Umberto made a point of getting to know us, and that has led to a house beyond what we ever imagined possible. Through the discovery process, Umberto was able to identify our passion for medieval architecture and blend it into a design that also enhances the house as a whole, which we thought impossible for a Cape house in Massachusetts! What started off as half a joke about castles and towers has become a beautiful stonework tower element and updated take on an old-world library that both complement and enhance the house. We could not be more delighted with the finished result. The personalized approach that Umberto takes is so refreshing. He did not just see our house as a building to modify, but as a home that real people live in. The attention to detail cannot be overstated. From the echoes of Old World elements down to thoughtful storage space, Umberto and GDA truly added immense value with the discovery process. Waking up in our new home is like a dream. We are so grateful for this client-based approach and what it has led to.

I hired Umberto to design my kitchen because I wasn't liking any of the designs from the kitchen places and I wanted a fresh perspective. Umberto had me fill out a survey with lots of questions and then took the time to really get to know me and design a kitchen for my tastes and lifestyle. He did four different designs and I chose the one I liked best. He then went to three different kitchen places to have them bid on the project. I love my new kitchen! Some of the more creative elements of it had to be removed from the design to get the cost within my budget, but it still came out lovely. I highly recommend Umberto for anyone doing a home improvement renovation.

The house turned out to be very spacious and larger than we coud imagine and anticipate, although Umberto designed to our specifications and desired dimensions. His ability to enhance the perceived size through the use of large windows is very skilled. The spaces Umberto designed for us are great, and the shape, size and relationships between areas in the house are exactly what we wanted. Two of the best rooms, filled with lots of sun, especially in the morning hours and with windows on two sides are the breakfast nook on the first floor and the second floor room just about it. This room was used as a playroom earlier on when the kids were younger, and now it could be used as a very good office space or sun room for reading. Everything turned out just the way we had asked and wanted.

We met Umberto back in 2006 when we started to plan our remodeling project. He had been recommended to us by one of our neighbors. He took the time, week after week, to sit down with us and listen to our ideas and “needs”, trying to combine pre-existing structures, practical aspects and a new modern design. When he presented us with his first drafts, he already had several variations in mind, giving us the chance to explore various options. He was always open to suggestions and special requests. During the permit process, he collaborated closely with our land surveyor and structural engineer and represented us during hearings in front of the zoning board and building department. Umberto really facilitated the whole project, always keeping track of the necessary steps and communicating the progress. Unfortunately, it turned out that remodeling was far more expensive than we had thought, and despite “value engineering”, a complete new construction would be cheaper and more energy efficient. Aware of our concepts and “special needs”, Umberto was able to come up with a completely different plan for a brand new construction in record time. Limited to the pre-existing foot print, we had to make some concessions, but Umberto talked us through the options and made adjustments along the way. “Our” house could not have been built without Umberto’s diligent work ethic, his aptitude to listen and incorporate ideas and concepts into solid architectural designs, his communication skills and his flexibility to allow for last minute changes. Thank you Umberto for all your help. We couldn’t have done it without you!