Design Matters, LLC

If you are looking for an architect, which can be most time consuming, and are having doubts about who to choose, do yourself a huge favor and hire Daniel Moreno-Holt and Design Matters. We all know how important an architect is, right? I mean this is your home or the future home of a loved one. Notwithstanding this we tried to save money by hiring designers. After meeting Daniel, we kept repeating “I wish we had hired you a year ago.” The review you are about to read is straight from our hearts and we promise you that every single line is true. We live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Suffice it to say, architects are unbelievably expensive so initially we opted for designers. We did not make this mistake once or twice, we made it thrice. Finally, we found Daniel on the other side of the country; yes, clear across the country. Daniel was a Godsend, and we suggest that you use our mistake to save some serious coin. Hire Daniel! Alternatives If you want someone who nods when you nod or changes when you change do not hire Daniel because your shadow will do fine. Alternatively, Daniel offers opinions and suggestions which is important because his alternatives were always bottomed on practicality and cost. We wanted a simple ADU built to live in, and we had a design, but Daniel offered three different alternatives, keeping our design in mind with suggestions that would save us money. We provided our design and immediately Daniel showed us a design that changed things from right to left and front to back; we had never considered this. Deadlines We never provided deadlines, in fact we were not in a hurry, but Daniel always told us exactly what he was going to do and when he was going to do it; he never missed a self-imposed deadline. Moreover, when you call or text him, he answers immediately or returns the message promptly. On one occasion he sent a text simply to say he was extremely busy but was aware of our inquiry. It was less than a week between our initial conversation and delivery of a draft set of plans with three variances. We knew then that we were in good hands. Prices Daniel will give you a fair price with no hidden fees. If you make a change that costs more, you will be told. He also allowed us the option of billing hourly or by the project. Team Play The most refreshing aspect about working with Daniel is that he does not have an ego problem and works well with others. We needed a structural engineer and Daniel communicated his thoughts and recommendations in a nonthreatening manner. He worked hard and diligently with the city planning department and when he was uncertain about anything he asked the requesting party for specifics. Daniel is approachable and keeps his eye on the prize which he views as an approved permit. He would not say “this is how I have always done it,” he would say things like “can you give me an example of what you feel would solve this problem?” Most of the time Daniel would ask for a teleconference and provide the planner with a list of concerns in advance. We have first-hand knowledge that the planners appreciated Daniels’s competence, diligence, and respect for their time. The planners also knew that Daniel expected responses within a reasonable amount of time, and he held the planners “feet to the fire” like a seasoned pro. In sum we feel Daniel rescued us from three total incompetent designers but more importantly, Daniel is a stand-up guy who will tell you exactly what he intends to do and then follows up. Do not let distance dissuade you. If you want the job done you will not go wrong with Daniel. We are forever in his debt.