“Prior to working with Custom CADD. we have had the opportunity to work with a designer and a leading, renowned architect on 2 previous occasions – once when building a house and another time when planning a major addition. Having had the experience of working with the designer, the architectural firm, and with Phil at Custom CADD, we are able to draw some important conclusions that we can share with others when comparing our experiences with each.
First, neither the designer (who designed our first house), nor the architectural firm showed the same level of interest as Custom CADD. Phil provided more choices and expressed more valuable opinions than both the designer and architect combined.
Second, Phil offered more creative ideas. At times, the architect surprisingly was less creative and the other designer was essentially lacking any creative ideas.
Third, we were never made to feel uncomfortable with requesting changes and having numerous drafts done by Phil of key elements such as kitchen orientation, ceiling heights, bathroom configurations. Having a tolerant architectural designer is paramount in ending with a design that is exactly what you want. Having an architect or designer with a strong personality is less conducive to having you end up with what you want.
Fourth, expect changes to be required, even after the final plans are required. Dealing with a flexible, and caring person, such as Phil, makes this critical period less troublesome. Phil, on his own accord redid exterior elevations with our dormers, windows and chimneys, never once complaining, and in fact was quite sincere in seeing the finished product further improved.
Fifth, Phil handled all non-design details, such as getting information from the septic firms, the township, structural engineer, and builder.
In summary, we were extremely happy, especially since we did not have one situation where we felt we could do better with someone else. Building a home is a stressful undertaking and working with Phil actually reduced the stress load greatly. Thank you!”
– Mary Ann & Chris Christie
“Our experience with Phil and the other staff at Custom CADD has been exemplary. Phil listened closely to what our ideas and needs were for our custom home, then incorporated them into a design and style that genuinely reflects how we live. Throughout the design process were continually impressed with Phil’s willingness to incorporate our ideas and being flexible to inevitable adjustments that needed to be made.
Phil is very accessible and efficient: all work was completed and ready for our review in a time frame that made designing our own home a pleasure. Phil’s knowledge of building practices, products, and building codes have provided us with drawings that are so detailed they have made it easy for accurate and efficient quotations, engineering, and building.
It has become obvious to us how dedicated Phil is to the homes he designs. He is truly committed to creating a product that his clients are pleased to build and live in, by supporting his clients from the initial consultation, his attention to detail along the design process, then continuing to be available throughout the building stages.”
– Jenn & Al Cameron
“David and I wanted to express out gratitude for your involvement in the planning and development of our home in Cedar Ridge. We were impressed with your ability to use our Wish List binder consisting of magazine tear outs, line drawings and rough sketches of floor plans to create the blueprints for our new home. Also very reassuring was the knowledge that we could call on you with questions from our builder or the Township offices during construction. Hopefully we can do a repeat performance in the future.”
– David & Kim Smith
“We have been a Design-Build company for over eighteen years, during which time we have worked with numerous drafting service companies. Some of these drafting firms have done a reasonable job for us, however many have been a literal nightmare. We had the good fortune when we hired Phil and his team to salvage plans produced by one of these other companies. Not only did we get a much superior set of plans, in record time and at a very competitive cost, but we entered into a successful long term relationship.
The results of this relationship are numerous;
-no permit issues with building inspectors or their Townships
-considerably less time required on site due to the plan details provided
-material take offs are more accurate and efficient
-less questions from on site project managers
-professional and detailed presentations
One of the unique aspects of this firm is that they actually know how to build a house and are able to present clear and creative input, allowing us to have a superior end product. The bottom line is, we have had creative, interactive input from a very talented and supportive staff, the end result being that we have saved time, money and aggravation and we are always able look professional and organized to our clients
I would highly recommend Custom CADD to anyone looking for professional architectural services at a fraction of the cost of an architect.”
– Larry Harrison “Great Canadian Timber Frame” and “A Pineridge Timber Frame Dealer”
“I would like to take this opportunity to compliment Custom CADD on their professionalism and the high quality of the drawings that have been provided to me over the past several years. Phil’s structural knowledge and ability to bring my sketches to life has been a big plus in the design process. It is always a pleasure to deal with his company and the timelines are quite accommodating. I look forward to continue working with him on future endeavors.”
– John Axmith – Axmith & Company Ltd.
