|
Categories
Architects
Services & Specialties
Innovative residential architecture and interiors
|
RECOMMENDATION
|
|
4.5]
|
WORK QUALITY
|
|
|
COST EVALUATION
|
|
|
VALUE ANALYSIS
|
|
|
|
ADD YOUR REVIEW
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FR Review:
This mid-sized firm has been a pillar of the Chicago architectural community for more than two decades. While Larry Booth approaches each project with the same guiding principles, he carries no preconception of style, believing that a structure's design should blend into, rather than impose upon the surrounding community. Booth and Sandy Stevenson lead the firm, along with William Massey and Rick Nelson in residential design. The firm's designs evolve from Booth's philosophy, which is based on "stewardship, connectivity and spirit."
Clients praise Booth's attention to detail in every aspect of the project, from selection of materials to execution of construction, and say he lives up to everything that "stewardship" implies. They remark he's always very receptive to their ideas, and proves a good collaborator. One delighted client goes on to tell us her project architect was still responsive "after three years."Booth's clients comment he creates spaces that resonate with a sense of peace and calm through his faithfulness to "connectivity" -- connecting past to future, building to surroundings. They are also impressed by Booth's efforts to capture the "spirit" of each individual project -- the excitement of the client's personal and creative experience along with the energy and history of the site. In the end, even those intimidated by Booth's reputation, experience and intellectual approach to building ended up loving the experience and felt that he was extremely down to earth.
Booth Hansen focuses on new construction or major gut renovations in and outside the city. About one quarter of its projects are residential and start in the $300,000 range at between $120 and $500 per square foot. Booth considers the practice of charging a percentage of the total construction cost unfair and believes it penalizes clients for using specialty materials. Instead he works on an upset/hourly fee. If billable hours fall below the maximum coverage fee, clients are charged the lesser amount. We hear this saves not only dollars, but also time and grief.
Representative Client Comments:
"Very, very good. Innovative, creative and easy to work with. Always has a fresh idea." "Gutted an old factory in the city. Booth managed to keep the feel but added warmth and serenity." "One of the best in Chicago." "Sense of calm and peace due to symmetry laid out by the architect." "In part, it was an intellectual process for us all."
|
|