Full disclosure, I am a local Home Builder. I've worked with numerous Architects over the past 20 years, so I have a unique perspective of reviewing Architects. I absolutely KNOW most successful projects are the result of a team effort. The "team" is usually de facto directed by the Architect. It requires a positive approach, a can-do attitude, and the requirement of total honestly. Selecting the right Architect, IMO, is the Homeowner's most important decision. I'd select Laura Juarez Baggett and here's why...
Over the past 10+ years or so, I've been fortunate enough to be involved in some fantastic houses that Laura has designed. Laura has designed/remodeled numerous houses that have been selected to be on various Home Tours, won Dallas Preservation Awards, and selected for other regional and National awards, She's so respected with other Architects, she was selected by her peers to head the AIA Home Tour Program. Laura's award-winning work stands on it's own. That you can look up and see.
What you can't see, but what I can tell you "from the other side" that you will get with Laura is an Architect who has the confidence and willingness to set aside ego and put the client's wishes first! While many Architects "build it their way", I've found Laura very willing to work with clients on THEIR needs and wants, to design a project that can be built, at the budget the client wants.
On many of Laura's projects I have been involved in, I am brought in very early, while the project is still in the design process. She likes to have pre-construction group meetings, often including me, the engineer, some key subs (like maybe windows or a cabinet maker). This assures the project design isn't getting away from reality (can it actually be built), your wants are incorporated, or other items important to you are being designed. As simple as it sounds, collaborating on the process, at every step along the way, is something I rarely see done. This is especially critical with the truly unique, homeowner involved projects.
Another thing you're going to get with Laura is brutal honesty. She will be up front and tell you when things will take longer than you want, when they cost more than you expect, or will look bad when constructed. If you are informed when you still have choices how is that not good? If we have the inevitable mistake occur, she will be upfront with me and the client on the mistake and she'll offer her opinion of what needs to be done, and by who. As a Builder, I appreciate the honest "3rd Party" approach which keeps the job moving in a professional manner.
I appreciate the way Laura stays engaged in the project every step of the way, checking on the construction, being available for questions (and even quick site visits or on-the-spot redesign when we run up on the unexpected), and she even reviews construction draws to assure a client's interest is protected. I've texted/called her on weekends, at 9pm, before 7am... she may not always answer but if I really need her, she always contacts me back! Things like that keeps subs happy, info flowing, and the project moving forward!
With Laura and her team, you won't get that cookie-cutter, fit into "our design" approach (I can give you those phone numbers later). She's down to earth, not afraid to be bold and push design, yet willing to listen to people before and during the project and incorporate what works. Choosing an Architect is the first, and probably the most important decision you will make in a build/remodel. If you like the sound of working with a down-to-earth, amazingly creative, honest, project-engaged team (headed by Laura), I can't more highly recommend LJB Studio for your project!
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