Claflen Associates, Architects + Planners

I hired Claflen Associates to design a new rear window and door between the living room and the garden of my row house. We agreed that replacing the rear wall of the the row house with glass and sliding glass doors would be best. Over the course of the project the work expanded to include replacement of a deficient party wall, a new front stoop, and a new front door. Throughout this project I found George Claflen and his associate to be thoroughly professional and knowledgeable with terrific communication.. They guided the project through design, permitting, bidding, and construction administration including changes. Their leadership and management of the contractor, as well as their communication with me was thorough, highly professional, and vital to the project’s success. Basically, they turned the proverbial sows ear into a silk purse. I could not be happier with both the process and the end result of the project. No surprises with how George conducted himself or the project billing. Would use him again in an instant.

George and his team couldn’t be more professional. With decades of experience and great listening skills they are a great designers that are a pleasure with which to work.

We had a terrible experience with George Claflen Architects & Planners and would not recommend his services. We hired George to do our row home addition and renovation in January 2020 but ended up terminating his services five months into the project due to several inconsistencies in his billing methods. Despite his design fee of $23,600 (for an estimated project of $200,000) being significantly higher than others we decided to hire him because he seemed trustworthy. However, 5 months into the project, he sent us a first invoice for $21, 280 for 146 hours of work (even though he had estimated 51 hours for that phase!). The invoice included a separate charge for $6050 for a 3D electronic model of the house, that he had never mentioned was going to be an extra cost. The bill also included a 67% discount “from standard hourly rates”, even though we had never agreed to pay him hourly for his services. The total amount charged to us after the arbitrary discount was $9,000 (or 38% of the total design fee). We were flabbergasted! As not even 20% of the design had been completed at that point. After several stressful weeks and many unpleasant exchanges in which he never offered a satisfactory explanation, he reduced the bill to $5,600 but he included a clause in which we had to agree to not make or post any negative comments about his business or talk about the final settlement amount, which needless we rejected. At the end, we decided to cut our losses and terminated his services.

I worked very closely with George Claflen on my home remodeling project. George and his associates were totally invested in a successful project outcome, and often went "above and beyond" in addressing the inevitable issues that arise. George and his team brought many excellent ideas to the project, and they gave my ideas and opinions equal weight. We had a truly collaborative relationship and the end result gratified both of us. One key reason I selected George was his long history in the Philadelphia area and his familiarity with old row homes, such as mine. These homes pose unique challenges and the Philadelphia codes, permit rules, etc., can be complex and daunting. George educated me and guided me through the process, jumping in himself where needed.

Our condo was a complete gut down to the studs. Claflen Associates drew excellent plans, managed the GC and crew, and helped guide us thru the many decisions required in the process. We learned about electrical wiring, hvac systems and how a kitchen and bathroom should be designed to be both functional and beautiful. The one-year project only had 20 change orders! We were very happy with Claflen Associates throughout the entire process and highly recommend George Claflen.