Brower Architectural Assocs

I am associated with a landscape construction firm who recently worked with Brower Architectural Services on the preparation of plans and documents for a new house to be constructed. For the past 16 years I have worked in the field of Landscape Architecture and have dealt with many architects, engineers and other disciplines in the designing , planning and implementation of many projects.



Rarely do you find a firm with the knowledge, skill and attention to detail that Brower Architectural provides. Their knowledge of local requirements, as well as design aesthetic are second to none in my book. Although they did not provide a direct service to me, I know a good provider when I come across one, and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of architectural services.

It worked out wonderfully.  I did have the work done.  He was very thorough, took lots of time and asked lots of questions on what we wanted.  He came out to the property two or three times to confirm things before he put the plans together.  He was very thorough and just very pleasant to work with.  He was very polite and punctual too.

All aspects of our interactions with Ken Brower were outstanding.

Being new to the area I knew no architects.  I interviewed four and Ken was the most thorough during the initial visit to the job site.  Upon hiring Ken, he was very engaged in the process and stayed in touch asking for my comments and preferences throughout the design/drawing phase.  When I had questions he was very responsive.  As I was splitting my time between Florida and my home state, when the building department had questions, Ken handled them for me, speeding the process along.  We decided late in the game to change our design and Ken turned around the new plans very quickly so work could start as soon as possible.  His personality and manners were a bonus and made for a very enjoyable experience.

Bottomline:  Project exceeded our expectations in terms of not only great design and engineering details, but this project was on time and actually under budget.
Background:  We purchased a twenty year old home and in order to store vehicles on lifts in the garage we had to raise the ceiling height without modifying the roof or exterior appearance.  Several "experts" provided suggestions including rough cost estimates: all of which were much more extensive and expensive work than we anticipated.  
Then we contacted Mr Ken Brower who indicated he could review our project and may have some unique engineering solutions.  He stopped by one morning and spent a lot of time crawling around in the attic with his sketch pad and tape measure.  Next, rather than promise he could provide a good solution for us, he indicated he would prefer to develop a primary plan along with some alternative plans for us to review later in the week.  True to his word, by the end of the week we reviewed a few proposals and selected one recommended by Ken that would provide the best overall and cost effective approach to raise the ceiling.
Once the work started, Ken was on the job site three or four times during the week the structural work was started and completed - yes, started and completed in one week!  During his visits, Ken would consult with the foreman and the crew and provide direction and make some modifications as required.  The finished product met our expectations and provided a high quality and cost effective approach to the challenge we faced in raising the ceiling in the garage.
Needless to say, we are very satisfied with Brower Architectural Associates and would recommend their firm to others.

After coming to my home, where we discussed my tastes, likes and dislikes and taking photographs and measurements, Mr. Brower went back to his office to prepare some concepts for my review.  I choose to go visit his office in Palm Beach, FL. for the review.  I found his office and staff charming and had the opportunity to review photographs and drawings of some of his larger Palm Beach and elsewhere projects.  Thus gaining more confidence in his abilities and my choices.  He presented me with several options for my project, and what really impressed me is his thinking about not only updating a bathroom, but how I live and use my master bedroom including bath and closets.  He presented me with several options based on design and construction costs and time of construction.  Rather than ending up with a nicer bath in the same small space, I will be ending up with a modern spa bath and a much more well designed linen and clothes closets.  Additionally, he found a way to resolve an entry into the master bedroom issue that I have always had. Early contact with builders is indicating that for not much more than the cost of remodeling the old bath, I am going to end up with a spa walk in bath and  closet suite, a new entry and art display wall.  I have not started construction yet, but I am very pleased with the service, creativity and price.  The contractors that have seen the drawing have commented on how detailed and complete they are, thus making it easier for them to provide accurate quotes to me.

Ken gave me his opinion

Excellent design work based on my desires.  Design exceeded my expectations.  Management of the project through a challenging regulator process was also provided.  The entire project exceeded my expectations and came in on schedule and within budget.  I am in the process of implementing landscape and hardscape improvements recommended by Ken Brower that were in addition to the interior projects.