Home Renovation & Remodeling in Shannondale.

“I have been working with Tracy on designing a custom home for a property in Dickerson, MD. She has been an absolute pleasure to work with. She is very professional and extremely helpful in putting my ideas down on paper. She understands what the client desires and is able to offer suggestions that fit with their vision of the project. Tracy is also able to communicate well with the different parties involved with a project, from the structural engineer to the builder and everyone in between. I highly recommend her for any project!”

“I engaged Ashish of “RARA Designz” as designer for home improvement for small area extension in one corner to build prayer/Pooja room. Prior to his site visit, I had a plan in my mind to extend the area in both levels, ground and upper floors. His guidance and recommendation in the very first interaction, using the cost versus usable benefit approach, helped me to decide to go with only ground level improvement. This simple decision had a huge positive impact on right scoping of the project. During the course of detailing of drawings, his providing the drawings as options analysis helped me make choices for specific situations. He provided service in a timely manner, setting the expectations upfront. He provided statement of work, and transparent pricing based on expected hours of work. Overall, I am happy and satisfied to have contracted “RARA Designz” for home improvement design service.”

“Great company! That do wonderful work! Used them on a number of projects and over the last 16 years. Always happy. Love Al Barney as well. Extremely personable.”

“David was a pleasure to work with, he was organized, always on time, and very helpful. We were truly novices in the game of renovation and he explained all of it to us and walked us through the process.”

“This team did an excellent job with our renovation plans. The finished space exceeds our expectations and adds value to our home!”

“Scott was incredibly helpful, he explained a lot to me and gave me advice even after he knew I was not going to use him as an architect, he still took the time to make sure I was on the right track and told me things to ask the architect I was using instead to make sure my project was done right. The only reason I did not go with him was because the architect I originally got a quote from was less expensive because I was tweaking a design they had already created, versus starting from scratch. Otherwise I would have chosen Scott. He is a good person, very helpful and seems like an incredibly knowledgeable architect. I would recommend him for sure.”

“We used Todd on our house renovation, and we had a terrific experience. Todd was easy to work with and we liked and used most of his ideas on our final project. We also appreciate that he listened to our concerns and made adjustments to the plans based on our back and forth discussions. He was always on time for meetings and responsive to our requests and questions. We were impressed with the level of detail that was in our final plans. We feel his rates were competitive and we would use him again.”

“We have worked with Tom Gilbride, president of T.J. Gilbride Architects, on a few projects and are currently building one with them now. Tom's approach with the clients is excellent. He takes the time to make sure they understand the details of the project before it's being built. His knowledge of details and products available on the market is extensive. He makes clients feel informed and at ease during the whole design and construction process. From a general contractor's position working with his drawings, we have been pleased with the level of detail and clarity they provide. He's also involved on the construction side of projects from a construction administrative standpoint. Unlike some other architects we've worked with, he's helpful and available to the general contractor and the subs as needed throughout the project. He has a good understanding of the means and methods of construction demonstrated in his construction drawings. This understanding is also a refreshing trait for a builder that fosters a good relationship and communication throughout the project, ultimately leading to a well built project and satisfied clients. I would highly recommend T.J. Gilbride Architects to anyone looking to build or renovate as well as to builders looking to partner with a quality architectural firm.”

“I wanted to add an addition to the rear of my circa 1900 home and I wanted a skilled architect to design it (having seen way too many unaethetic "boxes" merely glued onto the backs of other houses). I had known John Heltzel for more than a decade, both personally and by professional reputation. John's design work was responsive to our needs and desires, imaginative, and was aesthetically impeccable. I'm so glad we have been working together on this.”

“Thoughtful designer who listens to clients, rather than following artistic ego. A pleasure to work with.”