Get matched with top architects in Amherst, MA

"Our house was a 1955 ranch-style house with 3 bedrooms, one bath, kitchen, and living/dining room that we moved into in 1995. We had been looking to add a second bathroom and had originally worked with an architect from NH to do a modest front and rear bump out to give us more room to fit in a second bathroom. This architect had to withdraw from the job and recommended David Kinsella of TBC. David initially made some modest changes to the plan that made sense. After somefurther discussion, in which my wife and I raised the possibility of a larger scale project to modernize the style of the house, David developed a plan that essentially rebuilt the house except for our previously remodeled kitchen and original foundation. This new plan converted our house into modern design with a more open floor plan, completely new roof line, loft space, re-finished basement (and the second bathroom). David was able to fit this into an only slightly expanded footprint in order to comply with town regulations. Throughout the process, David kept our budget in mind and would typically present different price options for us to choose from to allow us to come up with a reasonable comprise between price with style. In addition TBC worked with the town to make sure our design stayed within our zoning and conservation restrictions.
After deciding to go ahead with the project, we interviewed several contractors and decided that TBC brought us the best value for our money and would also allow David to oversee the project as needed. We started the project in June 2011 and completed the project in May 2012. The project did take several months longer than expected, but did stay on budget. The major problem that occurred that delayed the project was that in the summer of 2011, the original subcontracted framers were being sent to other jobs by their boss even though TBC was told they would be coming to our job. Hence, instead of working full time on our job, they were working less than half time. Eventually TBC had to fire them and find a new contractor to step in. At the time we felt that TBC should have replaced them sooner, but perhaps this was difficult due to contractual obligations. (We also found this first group of framers were slobs who did not have much regard for the fact that we were still living in the house.) By the end of summer 2011, the house was not completely framed and roofed and number of rain storms (including hurricane Irene) slowed down progress further. In mid-October we were still living in the part of the house and we agreed at this point that we would move out to allow for a more efficient work flow. From this point construction generally proceeded ahead, except for a few delays do to weather and scheduling conflicts that arose for other subcontractors, no doubt due to the significant delay caused by the no-show framers.
In the end the house is beautiful and works for us better than we could have imagined. While the house has not expanded much in
terms of square feet, the open floor plan and high ceiling/roof line combined with increased natural lighting gives a much more expansive feeling inside. From the curb, the house has modern angular green metal roof with cedar siding and one has to look hard to find any resemblance to the original house.
At the completion of of the project, TBC was very responsive to completing punch-list items and other minor issues that have arisen over the past year. While my wife and I certainly had stressful times during the renovation (and certainly did a lot of second guessing our decision to renovate rather than move), we always felt that David had a personal interest in getting the job done correctly and making sure that we were happy in the end. In that regard, David was very accessible by email or phone before, during, and after the work. In summary, David Kinsella provided the creativity to design a renovation plan that was truly transforming for our house and TBC was then able to see the plan through to successful completion."

"I hired Jose to design and draw our kitchen remodel. He used his experience, knowledge, and creativity to come up with a great design for an old house. He was available when questions came up and changes were needed. He was with us for the entire project was complete and inspections complete."

"To be honest Im dealing with a complicated district and I was kind of frustrated that my project was handed off to a new person but Raegan Hammon was the most patient, kind, professional and efficient Architect I have ever had the pleasure 🙏 of doing business with. Thank you for placing my project in her very capable hands. Forever grateful Leilee Keppard [*** Link removed ***]"

"I can not imagine a better architect to work with. Seth was attentive, detail oriented, exceptionally knowledgable, and prompt with his responses to every change we made. He went above and beyond, making calls on our behalf to engineers, getting pricing on windows and trusses. On top of all of that, he was extremely affordable, and I am certain he put in more hours than he charged us for. I can't imagine having done this project with out him."

"Amazing and efficient work. Looking forward to my next project with them."

"Great Contractors to work with very professional and efficient."

I am both a registered architect and licensed construction supervisor. Accordingly, my company Third Dimension is able to provide architectural services, construction services, or design build services depending upon a client's needs for a project. Stand alone architectural services are provided as Vaughn Associates. \n\nIn addition I am a practicing Construction Law attorney in Massachusetts with a specialization in preparing and representing clients for Zoning and Special Permit applications.

"Jason did an excellent job power washing my roof in two locations. Informative, efficient, professional and courteous. The cost was very reasonable."

"They're service was really excellent. I highly recommend them to others."

"Dave was awesome. He worked thru the changes we requested in no time. During the initial design he explained why he chose to design and construct our new home with specific materials. He explained all the design criteria in words we understood and spent countless hours discussing windows. His recommendations were spot on!"