Our complicated 2nd floor addition / home renovation was located in Toronto West End. After working with another architect from Richmond Hill (not familiar with City of Toronto's by-laws and requirements), where we had a horrible experience, wasted our money and ended up with unfinished work, we decided to cut our losses mid-way and change consultants.
We were referred to Marin from another talented architect who we wanted to engage based on positive neighbor referrals, but she wasn't available to do any work at the time. She therefore, referred us to Marin at Contempo Studio and had vouched for his work and confirmed that our style for our home reno would fit well with Marin's previous work and experience. From initial contact to first introduction, Marin was pleasant, knowledgeable and professional. He is punctual and has a very calm demeanor which is appreciated during a stressful time. When we first met at our home, he quickly understood our vision for our home and was able to grasp the scope of the complicated renovation / 2nd floor addition very quickly. He was very cognizant of our budget and given the scope of work we planned on doing he was able to manage our expectations as well as timelines in undertaking a project of this nature and scope. Marin was always frank in providing guidance in the design process and kept us apprised of where our city approvals were at. His office being located in Toronto's West End also provided us comfort that he is very familiar with the neighbourhood and the City of Toronto process.
We engaged Contempo Studio to complete all our drawings (architectural, structural, and HVAC), submit our permit applications and coordinated with the City as needed. We are currently still in construction / renovation mode, but until now, we are very pleased with Marin's work thus far and the continued service / expertise he provides to clarify issues as needed throughout the renovation. Because we are so happy with Marin, we even referred him to a neighbour for their renovation project which they engaged and he's also completed with complete satisfaction.
Thank you Marin and Contempo Studio, from our family to yours
~ KW