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Bruce Sternberg Architect, Inc.

Architects, General Remodeling, Interior Design and Decorating

About us

Architect, interior designer, planner, construction (under Build, Inc.)

Business highlights

28 years of trusted experience

Services we offer

Providing both "Brainstorm" sessions (low cost consultation with design sketches) and/or conventional refined and developed design/construction documents and services. Master plans, feasibility studies, cost estimating, construction administration, construction management, construction. Single family new and remodelled houses, multi-family market rate and affordable, commercial.

Services we don't offer

Construction sub-contracting.

Amenities

Free Estimates
Yes


Accepted payment methods

Check

Photos of past projects

Reviews

4.915 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
87%
4
7%
3
0%
2
0%
1
7%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.9
value
4.6
professionalism
4.9
responsiveness
4.7
punctuality
4.8
Showing 1-15 of 15 reviews

K C.
08/2018
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
Bruce did a wonderful job of laying out a kitchen that feels generous, light and has good flow. He even figured out how to get the second sink in--a challenge in a small, 1920 Craftsman home.
Description of Work: Kitchen design for a small, 1920 Craftsman home

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Tom A.
06/2018
1.0
architect
  + -1 more
I called and set up a time to meet with Bruce. He agreed to meet with us a couple weeks out only to call and leave a message a week later cancelling our appointment and telling us our work was too insignificant for someone like him to work on, that he had "other more important things that came up". Very unprofessional.
Description of Work: Kitchen, carport, and front porch remodel

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0


Response from Bruce Sternberg Architect, Inc.
To cancel an appointment because your office is too busy to service a client is the professional thing to do. [Member Name Removed] also misquoted me as i said I had a large job that just came into the office and could not provide service for his job. I did not use the term "more important things that came up".

James S.
12/2015
5.0
architect, remodeling
  + 0 more
unknown
Description of Work: Bruce met my wife and me at a house we were thinking of purchasing and signicantly remodeling. He spent several hours inspecting the house and sketching out some ideas/preliminary plans based upon our input. | |Ultimately, Bruce uncovered structural deficiencies in the house that a home inspector and a structural engineer failed to spot and that were prohibitively expensive to fix based on our budget. | |Because of his thoroughness, knowledge, and professionalism we chose not to proceed with the purchase of that house. | |Our only regret is that we won't get a chance to work with Bruce on this project!

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$500

James P.
10/2015
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
Bruce is awesome! He came out and took a look at the place, including crawling around in the attic, measuring everything and listening to all my ideas. I really appreciated the time he took to make additional trips out to the site, and the several phone calls to walk through ideas and clarify priorities. I felt I could be completely direct and candid without offending him, which is important to me. In the end, he helped me see what was possible with this place, by providing several sketches detailing some great solutions (that I hadn't even considered) to many of the issues I encountered, and an overall "plan" with a very detailed cost estimate. I am taking my time working on this house, but I intend to engage Bruce throughout the process whenever I need to call in an expert.
Description of Work: I bought a "project" house in 2014. This place was stuck the 70s and every single room needed a makeover. I saw this place as an opportunity to to take a "blank" canvas and make it into exactly what I wanted. I figured it would be fun to develop my handyman skills in the process. As I started going through the house, I kept getting more (and more ambitious) ideas. Many of which depended on one another or required a feasibility analysis from an "expert". That's when I called Bruce to come in and help me get all my ideas organized through one of his "Brainstorm" sessions.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,000

Brian F.
09/2015
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
Fantastic! Bruce came up with some wonderful ideas to fit our lake house lot. We have views on 3/4 of our lot and Bruce was able to maximize ALL the views. He is very creative!
Description of Work: On site drawings of house ideas to fit our unique building site.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$875

MARK M.
04/2014
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
We have used Bruce before in our major home remodel and he saved the day. We selected him once again because our experience working with him was not as an architect who designed alone at table but as an architect who was part of the team. Here's what we liked about Mr. Sternberg: His understanding of the client's needs, his expertise in solving problems, his style and taste, his ability to accomplish our goals under the restraints of the given budget, and his many years of hands-on design work and actual construction experience that takes what's on paper and makes it actual and livable and real.
Description of Work: Assessed existing kitchen for a remodel to meet a projected budget of $25k. Conceived ways to make a small kitchen more stylish, more operable, and with more space to accommodate our needs. Delivered sketches and then final plans including construction details and thorough specifications for this DIY to serve as his own contractor.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,700

MONA M.
10/2013
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
It went very well. Bruce was on time, a clear communicator, very efficient and knowledgeable. We have had to put the project on hold, but plan to re-start it later.
Description of Work: Bruce consulted with us about adding a 3-stop home elevator to a 1985 tri-level house. He listened well to our ideas, understood mobility issues, carefully and thoroughly measured the entire structure, researched elevators and materials, and drew up detailed plans of his design. He proposed creative use of space from closets and bathrooms to open up the flow of the house with minimal loss of usable space.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$8,000

Betsy B.
01/2013
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
When we originally met with Bruce, we had only vague ideas about what we wanted -- more space, more light, and more of "us" in the house. Similarly, my husband just knew he wanted a space to paint and display/store completed artwork. Bruce spent a lot of time with us to understand our sense of esthetic and how we would use the spaces. He also looked a lot at the exterior of our house and was committed to making the interior beautiful and functional while also respecting and enhancing the integrity of the exterior. We had met with other architects but none "got us" like Bruce did or offered such a beautiful, comprehensive plan. We also really appreciated the fact that Bruce would also serve as general contractor and would be on site throughout the construction. Like all projects, this took a bit longer than we would have liked and there were a few hitches along the way as would be expected in an older home like ours. However, that was all forgotten when the work was completed and exceeded our expectations. We truly couldn't be happier with how both projects turned out. A good friend of mine regular reports that she has "bathroom envy" when she visits and looks at the two skylights and beautiful wood and tile work in the bathroom Bruce designed. I get similar oohs and aahs about the two huge closets in the master bedroom. Bruce added two new windows to the second bedroom and designed lighting that makes the space perfect for a relaxing reading room, display space for more art, and a wonderful guest bedroom when family and friends visit. We are equally thrilled with the studio building. Fellow artists and clients who come to see my husband's art, always note what a wonderful space he works in. The way Bruce sited the building created different outdoor spaces for us - with a dog run on one side of the studio and the entrance to our garden on the other side.
Description of Work: Bruce Sternberg designed and served as general contractor for two major projects for us: a complete renovation of the second floor of our house and the design and construction of an art studio building on our property. The second floor of our 1912 bungalow was dark and had much unusable space and no closets. Bruce's design opened up the space to include two good size bedrooms, with huge closet space, and larger completely renovated bathroom. We have additional windows and skylights, and the space is now bright, functional, and truly beautiful. The studio is a freestanding building designed to capture the light and provide all that is necessary for the large paintings and mixed media pieces my husband does. The studio has electricity, heating and plumbing, and Bruce designed it so that it could be converted to other uses (including a guest house) in the future.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$100,000

Elise S.
11/2010
4.0
architect, remodeling
  + 0 more
He had ideas, he was imaginative, and he was thorough in checking into the structure of the house. I thought the price was a bit high for what he did but I didn?t compare the price with anyone else. I couldn?t really use what he provided.
Description of Work: Sternberg Bruce Architect did a sketch for our remodel. It was a broad, conceptual design.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$350

Elise S.
04/2010
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
It was a fast architectural consult. He spent a couple of hours and drew up some alternative sketches. The work was good; it wasn?t a full plan but that was not what we had hired him for. He was good and we liked him.
Description of Work: We used Bruce Sternberg to do a quick design sketch for a kitchen and family room remodel.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$400

Tim C.
02/2010
5.0
architect, remodeling
  + 0 more
Our remodel started in Late April 2009 and was scheduled to be finished the end of July - due to an issue with a subcontractor it was finished in late September. Despite the longer time-frame (which was no fault of Bruce's) we were very satisfied with Bruce's work as our architect and general contractor. We felt that his dual role of architect and general contractor made him more committed to fixing small errors or oversights of the subcontractors. The quality of the final product was excellent. Bruce did a great job providing a light and airy new 2nd floor. Our neighbors are all jealous! All in all from what we've heard about remodel nightmares ours was very smooth and the results were exactly what we wanted!
Description of Work: Complete remodel of the upstairs of our 1910 Craftsman home with large extension of an existing dormer. The space was completely re-floorplanned, turning our master bedroom into a master suite with sitting area, walk-in closet, and master bath. A guest room and bath was also added.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$90,000

MARK M.
09/2008
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
See above. It went great.
Description of Work: This was the second phase of a master plan house remodel design by Bruce involving rehab of an existing 2nd floor storage space over a garage into an office. (The 1st phase involved rehab of main house) Bruce in his usual way was responsive to adjusting his original plans to conform to some revised ideas I had. The project was very tricky involving an existing building which was already precariously structured. He came up with a way to add a dormer without comprising the original structure. Additionally, numerous water proofing issues were involved including integrating and disposing of ground and roof drainage behind an existing rock retaining wall that formed the side of the garage. Bruce s design solved these issues effectively and with minimal costs. On the interior, he incorporated a small powder room in an unbelievably tight space, while maximizing office area and storage capacity. The interiors are light filled and cheerful. During construction he also was quick to respond to any field questions (using his dual expertise as an architect and contractor). This was particularly important to me as I did the remodeling myself. I almost sorry that I have no more projects in the near future, as it is such a great creative/construction experience working with Bruce.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,000

Susan W.
09/2007
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: They drew up the plans for the addition to our house.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

BILL R.
07/2006
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
What a fantastic experience. Bruce listened to our wants and then created a design that matched perfectly. When we were ready to build, he was right there as the general contractor. A really smooth, well coordinated effort! We love the results!
Description of Work: Bruce Sternberg designed and provided blueprints for an addition to our house and a complete demo/renovation of our kitchen. He also served as the general contractor for the actual construction.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$75,000

MARK M.
07/2006
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
By his own admission, not the cheapest rates in town, but you get what you pay for, and here we got great architectural style and meticulous attention to detail. Bruce was exceptional in his grasp of what we were looking for, his ability to execute it, and as talented as he is, never exhibited an overbearing ego. While not ''lightning fast'', his 35 years of design and building experience, his willingness to work with the client, and his generous ongoing advice made the remodel a lot less traumatic than it could have been. To sum up Bruce he was conscientious, innovative, and never trendy.
Description of Work: Bruce produced comprehensive plans for remodeling and major structural repair of our old and not very well put together house. His conceptions and solutions are helping transform a summer cottage pieced together over the years by too many ''handymen'' into a superbly designed and very substantial home.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$20,000

    Contact information

    P.O. BOX 82416 ., Portland, OR 97282

    www.realarc.com

    Service hours

    Sunday:
    11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Monday:
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Tuesday:
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Wednesday:
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Thursday:
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Friday:
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Saturday:
    11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Licensing


    Eco-friendly Accreditations

    LEED Accredited Professional
    Yes
    Energy Star Partner
    No
    EPA Lead-Safe Certified
    No
    Use Green Products or Work Practices
    Yes
    State Contractor License Requirements

    All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

    *Contact business to see additional licenses.


    Service Categories

    Architects,
    General Remodeling,
    Interior Design and Decorating

    FAQ

    Bruce Sternberg Architect, Inc. is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5.

    Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

    Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Bruce Sternberg Architect, Inc. accepts the following forms of payment: Check
    Yes, Bruce Sternberg Architect, Inc. offers free project estimates.
    Yes, Bruce Sternberg Architect, Inc. offers eco-friendly accreditations.
    No, Bruce Sternberg Architect, Inc. does not offer a senior discount.
    No, Bruce Sternberg Architect, Inc. does not offer emergency services.
    No, Bruce Sternberg Architect, Inc. does not offer warranties.
    Bruce Sternberg Architect, Inc. offers the following services: Providing both "Brainstorm" sessions (low cost consultation with design sketches) and/or conventional refined and developed design/construction documents and services. Master plans, feasibility studies, cost estimating, construction administration, construction management, construction. Single family new and remodelled houses, multi-family market rate and affordable, commercial.
    Construction sub-contracting.

    Contact information

    P.O. BOX 82416 ., Portland, OR 97282

    www.realarc.com

    Service hours

    Sunday:
    11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Monday:
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Tuesday:
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Wednesday:
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Thursday:
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Friday:
    9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    Saturday:
    11:00 AM - 5:00 PM