Home Renovation & Remodeling in Reading.

“Nancy Leary did a beautiful redesign on my 1850's VT farmhouse. She seamlessly incorporated all my needs, in a fashion that was respectful of the original character of the house, but which also managed to incorporate all the conveniences of the 21st century. The project included: restoration of original front porch, design and installation of a new, modern kitchen, total LR redesign including: creation of stove fireplace and appropriate flanking built-in bookcases, design and installation of new windows and exterior door in LR, relocation of front door, and realignment of beams under original pine plank flooring to eliminate serious buckling and slant. Besides doing a basic basement rehab, a including a new concrete floor, new windows and insulation, upstairs Nancy also did a new insulation of many exterior walls, and in the master bedroom, the installation of new gas fireplace and incorporation of old mantel . Her attentiveness, humor and care throughout the project made her a pleasure to work with. I recommend her highly.”

“Paul Rovinell and I first worked on a project together over 10 years ago. Paul hired me to design a kitchen. He has since hired my firm to collaborate on many more kitchens throughout New England. I always admired his restrained aesthetic and his efforstless falir for modern spaces. When it came time for me to transfrom my UGLY 1960 time capsule Paul graciously accepted the challenge. We had so much fun designing it! He listened and delivered. My husband and I were THRILLED with the result. Paul is an architectural force. So orignianl and creative - I cannot say enough - Paul is a true talent.”

“Smith & Vansant is a phenomenal architectural firm. In fact, working with them renovated not only my house, but my life! After 15 years or so of living with the property more or less as I found it, my tiny 1850 Cape needed long-overdue renovations -- including improvements to all major systems, solutions to a big water problem in the basement, a new kitchen, a new roof, adding working and living space, and a home office, along with extensive site work and landscaping. From a design perspective, they are simply brilliant. They have a fantastic aesthetic sense; know how to integrate old and new in a way that is pure genius; and are skilled problem-solvers. I wanted the house to be more liveable and comfortable, while still honoring the antique details that had drawn me to the property in the first place. Pi Smith and Stephen Branchflower in particular not only listened to me all along the way, but heard me. They gave me exactly what I had hoped for. From a practical perspective, I needed to live in the house while this was going on, and they were sensitive to my need to carry on amidst the upheaval. They worked closely with the contractor, Lud Leskovar, to assure that I was comfortable and inconvenienced a little as humanly possible while the work was being done all around me. Smith & Vansant, Lud Leskovar and I worked closely as a team. The kept me informed as to costs all along the way and helped me make decisions that took into account my both budget and my dreams. They were endlessly patient and always kind. Everyone in this close-knit firm is a pleasure to work with, operates with the highest integrity, and knows what they are doing. I can't recommend Smith & Vansant highly enough. For photos of this project, see "Houzz Tour: Beautiful, Hardworking Cape Renovation" on this site.”

“Greg and Cliff did a spectacular job from start to finish. Greg's design of the mud room addition and garage brought out the best of the original house and provided a very functional, inviting and warm curb appeal. They were always punctual and met deadlines. Attention to detail and follow up was phenomenal. Having the architect oversee the job in every phase of the build is tremendously valuable.”

“We took on a big renovation project in Vermont, while living out of state. We hired Pricilla Cotton as our designer and David Cotton as our Architect . From the get go we knew this was a very wise decision! Together they were able to help us envision what the home would look like and were able to make our dreams a reality. They were creative, with a terrific eye for detail, color and overall design. They always presented several options and were willing to work with our suggestions. They frequently checked on the project in our absence and sent pictures, allowing the project move along at a better than expected pace. In addition, they were mindful of our overall budget, making tactical suggesting along the way to contain costs. Overall, we are thrilled with the final project and both David and Priscilla terrific help along the way!”

“Ramsay is a consummate professional- he is a pleasure to work with. We collaborated with Ramsay on some customized table lamps that he designed. He was practical, respectful of our time, willing to listen, thorough in his research and knowledgable regarding design and manufacture challenges- we would be thrilled to work with him again. Ramsay is invested in his work beyond what is simply required- he is motivated by passion and personal integrity which makes for challenging collaborations and beautiful results. Respectfully submitted Michael Krauss/ Maria Peragine Owners -Authentic Designs inc.”

“Chris brings a brilliant approach to home design. He quickly delivers a plan by capturing the desires of the owner. His design signature is unique and a breath of fresh air to the custom home market.”

“Designed an apartment addition to an existing home. Completely and responsibly green with good taste and a sensible approach to design. Listens well and seeks to determine clients desired goals. Endeavors to meet clients needs within their budget. Communicates well.”

“We had Randall Mudge & Assocs. design an extensive new master bath and closet for our existing home. Construction has not yet been undertaken, but we were very pleased with their work. It was innovative and carefully thought out.”

“Studio Nexus designed an interior renovation of a large part of our home (kitchen, baths, living areas, master bedroom), as well as an outdoor deck/roof overhang. I would strongly recommend them. They are highly qualified architects whose range of experience encompasses thoughtful renovation of existing residences. One of their great strengths was interpreting our goals for the house renovation into creative design solutions. Studio Nexus understood the bones of the house and what design concepts we found important. We wanted as many windows as possible, and as open a space as possible. They designed a kitchen/living area that met these requirements elegantly and fit within the modern lines of the original home. It is the true heart of our home, and the space that we spend most of our time as a family. Studio Nexus uncovered our house’s potential, creating a light, bright and welcoming living environment. They accomplished all this while being mindful of our budget.”