Studio 111 Architecture

JP is a well-respected architect who provides knowledgable advice, is easy to work with and willing to make adjustments as needed until the project is complete. While we haven't built our deck yet, we know that the drawings and materials list JP provided will serve us well in the project, and that he will be available should we have questions or concerns as we go. JP has a wide range of design experience and can also recommend GCs.

JP worked with me over the course of nearly a year as my project (a powder room addition) was conceptualized, designed, and began to be built. Unfortunately, due to a dispute with a neighbor, the project was unable to be completed, but JP remained a great (and patient) source of counsel on both design and construction up until the project closed. While I can't speak to the outcomes, I can say that when I mentioned his name folks from whom I was planning to buy my flooring, fixtures, and finishes, there was universal praise for his work.

The project went great. JP helped us come up with some great options and alternatives that didn't compromise the design while saving us some extra cash. We were out of town a lot during construction, so JP served as a project manager for us, keeping us updated on progress, verifying the work done was to the specs, and keeping everything roughly on schedule (we had some unexpected but unavoidable delays due to weather and materials not being in stock). We'll definitely give him a call the next time we need some help!

It went very smooth from beginning to end. He was very helpful with design, permit submission and during construction when questions would arise.

My wife and I were considering adding a new bedroom onto our house and weren't exactly sure where to start. We had a basic idea of what we wanted, but didn't know how to go about hiring professionals, the permitting process with the city, or what project issues that might come up that we hadn't thought about. Studio 111 (more specifically, JP Donohue) organized a meeting schedule for us to review our project ideas, personal tastes, financial constraints, and overall project goals. He was very helpful in navigating administrative requirements with the city and led a competitive bidding process for a general contractor. We actually ended up hiring the contractor that he had worked with before and recommended. JP also gave us ideas for our project that we hadn't thought of that definitely added value to our home and improved our housing design. We would definitely recommend JP to those seeking architecture services.

JP was very efficient and responsive. He helped interface with the contractor and was able to provide oversight during the construction. His prices were fair and the results worked out well.

Great value for the money. Always top notch service and quick to respond to design/ construction questions throughout the entire project lifecycle.

I found Studio 111 Architects on Angie's list just as I was about to give up on rehabbing a house. When I called to inquire about service, I found that the person who contacted me right away was no other than JP Donohue. After the first couple of minutes of our conversation, my mind was at ease and I knew I found the right man for the job. JP met me at my house and, after I expressed to him what I wanted he went to work on a project that once seemed impossible. I would describe his professionalism as unwavering when I had to hire a new builder just before the job was to get underway. JP helped me find a man, who owns a company called Davario Construction. JP worked with Eric Davario on the details of the plans and together, they worked hand in hand to make every idea I had a reality. JP took the time to meet me at various places as I picked out all of the little details of my home and, was quick to help and advise me on things if I was making a bad choice. I found JP Donohue of Studio 111 Architects to be professional, intelligent, warm, funny and most of all, caring. You can actually see and feel, just how much JP Donohue cared about his work. He stayed with the project start to finish, showing up on the job site regularly to make sure things were going as planned. After spending roughly a year, working and planing designs and details with JP Donohue I will call him a friend. No matter the size of the project you desire, I would recommend this man to anyone who wants to achieve their goals.

JP Donohue / Studio 111 rendered drawings and sent the proposal to "his construction manager" for pricing.  Price was HIGH, so we asked for an itemized construction estimate. We waited two weeks, then JP Donohue told us, ?I think, it is what is. You won?t get it itemized.? We felt forced to hire ?his construction manager? because Studio 111?s contract included clauses stating we could not take his drawings elsewhere.
Our home was built in 1905, we wanted a design/build firm to create a cohesive look throughout the house. We didn?t need an architect for the windows but because we were adding new (previously non-existent) windows and door, we wanted them to match the original windows in size and feel, inside and out. Neither JP Donohue nor his ?construction manager? supervised the replacement windows. In fact, JP Donohue / Studio 111 refused to have any involvement in the quality and completion of the replacement windows. Studio 111 / JP Donohue completely dropped the ball. The new windows are the wrong size! Installed differently, without window sills.
JP Donohue denies even measuring the windows.Several months later, when JP did visit, we asked if he wanted to see the windows, he said, ?no.? Studio 111/JP Donohue denied responsibility and flatly refused to even look at the work.We could/should have hired a replacement window company. The job would have been  completed six (plus) months earlier, 50% cheaper and no doubt a much nicer job.
In March 2015, JP Donohue / Studio 111?s ?construction manager? backed out of the job. JP Donohue said, ?we?ll just put it out for bids again.? When we pointed out that we were NEVER presented with bids in the first place, JP Donohue denied that, too, and informed us he was no longer a design build firm.
We approved JP Donohue / Studio 111 drawings for the addition. The drawing reflects the construction of a NEW common wall in the addition, which was not needed (or built). The dimensions of the addition became smaller and the positioning of the back door changed. JP Donohue / Studio 111 was not available before or during City Inspections. He never addressed our questions regarding the wall. Certainly the price of construction included this wall.
JP Donohue of Studio 111?s  layout of inside of the addition was awkward at best. According to JP Donohue, he "didn't like the layout either" but ?I?ll he would be here so we can work it out, once there was an actual structure.?Later, when my contractor needed specifics in regards to placement of electric and water lines, I drew the layout.Our contractor smartly suggested raising the ceiling in the addition. This made such a huge difference giving a spacious feel to the small space.
JP Donohue / Studio 111?s deck drawings reflected our desire for no railings. Structural issues arose during construction. The deck drawings showed 10 inch joists (you could land a helicopter) and lacked ANY elevations in the drawings. Because the elevations were not taken into account, the deck required railing around the entire deck!  
Our contract with Studio 111 states that elevations were included. By the time JP Donohue / Studio 111 got back to my contractor, the deck had been constructed. More unnecessary dollars spent.
JP Donohue of Studio 111 never showed for City Inspections. He was never here when the inspector was here.  We had clarified many times throughout the process that JP Donohue / Studio 111 would be present for ALL inspections.  JP repeatedly assured us he would be here.  However, JP Donohue / Studio 111 either looked over work before it was completed or long after it was covered by cement, drywall or flooring.
JP Donohue was rude and dismissive. He always had an excuse and never once admitted to a problem. More often than not, he was late. Studio 111 / JP Donohue drew up our contracts with ?his construction manager? using AIA (American Institute of Architects) Contract forms. He now claims no responsibility in those contracts.
The following is the ?Concept? page of Studio 111?s website;
?As a design/build company, we offer clients an opportunity to work with the same friendly, familiar, and professional team for the duration of a project. ... The ?traditional? flow of a construction project involves two separate entities; an architect and a general contractor. Both work for you, but are rarely in contact with each other. This means the architect draws up the plans, hands them over to you ? then the General Contractor takes these plans and begins the physical work, assuming no liability or responsibility for the structural or physical layout of the site. With a design/Build entity, however, we take complete responsibility for the planning, design, and practical execution of a project.?
This was NOT our experience.

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JP Donohue and his crew are extremely professional, dedicated and proficient.  They were patient with us during a period of uncertainty as we made painful decisions regarding a family property.  JP offered his support and professional opinions as requested which aided us in making the best decision for us at this stage.  I highly recommend JP Donohue and Studio111 and look forward to working with them in the future!

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They were great! They met with us, looked at the space, and gave us some initial ideas on cost. When we are ready for our remodel we will definitely bid to studio 111! They were professional and you can tell they take pride in their company.

I knew JP Donohue personally before working with him on our office in Old City.    I am a partner in a small architecture firm in Old City, and I recommended to my partner and colleagues that we use JP to do the work to our Old City office.  The project involved re-using some old doors salvaged from a project site.  The doors were covered with a new laminate, and installed over a rather complicated steel bracket system manufactured by Studio 111.  The project turned out to be more complicated than predicted, but JP rolled with it, and never asked for additional fee for the work. 
Studio 111 also rehabilitated our office front door, which was a typical Old City exterior door -- leaky, hung poorly and heavy.  He fully replaced the weather seals and hardware on the door, re-hung it in place, and refinished it.  It now works perfectly.
I have recommended Studio 111 to other people.  At least one of the projects listed on this site (under his reviews) came from my recommendation, and I would do so again.  JP and Eli are very ethical and hardworking people.   These qualities combined with their experience and knowledge of construction makes them an excellent choice for any prospective homeowner (or office upgrader).

They spent several hours doing a complete survey of the property and taking measurements.  This is a large building and the four units are not identical, so this was quite a bit more than the average set of drawings.  They provided great sets of drawings and were very responsive regarding some minor modifications to the drawings.  I also learned quite a bit about the construction of the building and possible modifications from discussions while they were there.  I highly recommend them.

Great experience overall. Working with Studio 111 Design Build was a great experience from start to finish. Their work looks fantastic, they were professional and punctual. They are truly a first-class operation. Working with JP was a pleasure. He is smart, professional and really knows his stuff. I would highly recommend them and would work with them again if the need arises.

I  had used Studio111 in the past for small emergency work, and so when I wanted to build a screened-in patio addition I knew I wanted to work with them again.
The process started with plans and drawings, which JP very considerately enlarged to compensate for my poor eyesight. Once I?d approved the plans, the guys set to work; cutting, framing, building and roofing through some of the hottest days of the year. It was a pleasure seeing the addition come together from my seat by the patio door.
The workers were always clean and considerate, and I felt completely at ease.
Since the addition has been completed I?ve found great joy sitting outside, protected from the harsh sun and insects.
The cost was remarkably low considering the size and quality of the project. Even hurricane Sandy was unable to budge it!

19103Everything went well. When there were problems, they consulted with us and never moved forward without our permission. This was a BIG commercial renovation. So see their work please come to Yellow Juice Bar located at 2046 Sansom St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

Overall the project went very well. The entire project was completed on time and more importantly on budget. Studio 111 did an excellent job in making sure everything was done the way I wanted. I especially liked the fact that I was so involved with the purchasing process. I wanted to upgrade to granite counter tops in the bathrooms and Studio 111 did not disappoint. They were able to source countertops to fit the budget without cutting corners. They turned out fantastic. The laundry area is probably caused me the most stress. The stacked unit was being replaced by two single units. I did not think it was going to fit. I was assured that it would fit based on the dimensions. It turned out great and looks amazing. Everything turned out great and I can enjoy my new home.  
Studio 111 was very honest and upfront with everything. We had some problems with the plumbing and they were very responsive. They did such a great job in managing the situation that my building now has them in the approved contractors list. The building manager was very happy with their responsiveness to resolve the problems with the other tenants.  
The project started out great and ended even better. I?m just sad there isn?t more work to be done.

Our experience was very positive with Studio 111.  We are proud of the roof deck that JP designed, and we greatly enjoy the outdoor space.  I recommend Studio 111 for their work quality and excellent service.

Both Eli and JP were very prompt, professional, and courteous.  They diagnosed the problem quickly and provided multiple options for follow through. i will definitely take advantage of their services in the future!

What differentiates JP and his team from the many other contractors we have worked with is their absolute professionalism, which extends from reliability (always showing up on time when they were scheduled to work) to work quality to clear and frequent communication of status.  Further, on many occasions JP went above and beyond -- meeting with us in the evenings or on weekends when necessary, helping us deal with various suppliers, and otherwise making this complex project run much more smoothly than we might have imagined.  I would recommend Studio 111 to anyone -- in fact we already have with several friends and neighbors.