ecomodern design

We bought our house 3 years ago. It was a 1920's house, with a terrible kitchen remodel from 1990. Everything about it was problematic - the awkward layout, the mismatched appliances, the pink formica countertops with matching pink tile floor. We knew this was going to be a gut job because nothing was worth keeping.
We had worked with Henry before on a smaller scale project. He designed a deck off the side of the house, and replaced a set of windows with sliders. It went really well, so we decided to get his help with our kitchen.
We knew bits and pieces of what we wanted in the kitchen. We picked out a nice stove, knew we wanted to use green materials, and and we love mid century modern design. Henry turned our bits and pieces into a comprehensive design. There were many small things we didn't even think about (the placement of lights, the depth of the counter, etc) that he thought about and ensured were well designed. We couldn't be happier with the outcome. Not only was Henry's design perfect, he included a lot of extras: recommending the contractor to use and working with the contractor during the remodel to ensure the designs were executed perfectly. This included making design tweaks during the remodel, ensuring the right materials were used, and helping make sure we stayed on budget and on schedule. One of the best parts of our kitchen is the custom designed upper cabinets. Henry designed them based upon our needs, and they give our kitchen a special uniqueness that we love.
Being a repeat customer is the best recommendation. We've worked with Henry twice, and would not hesitate to work with him in the future.

Being one's own general contractor is not for sissies. Yes, I made some errors but luckily no deal-breakers or costly flubs. I was fortunate and grateful to receive the value for our money which I did, working both with bids from sub-contractors in the trades and with talented builders who worked on time and materials. I diligently scoured Craig's List and ranged over the entire Bay Area and found excellent components of our project at good prices. I am retired and had the luxury to make this endeavor my occupation for six months or so and I can say with certainty that I couldn't have done it had I needed to hold down a regular job at the same time. The most vexing phase was obtaining permits, although my experience compares well with others I've met who are still in quagmires and discouragement.
The delay in obtaining permits caused anxiety because we were moving into the rainy season and when you have demolished the back wall of your house you find yourself in an uncomfortable spot. On several occasions Henry Gutman was a helpful resource and assistant in meeting challenges. We, at this writing, are still finishing odds and ends of things, much of which I am doing myself, and we are yet to fully furnish and move in. Close enough, however, to testify that Ecomodern was a terrific asset in pulling this off. Should I endeavor another project like this, he will get my call.