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Categories
Architects
Services & Specialties
Contemporary architecture; narrow beachfront and urban lot specialist
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RECOMMENDATION
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4.5]
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WORK QUALITY
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COST EVALUATION
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VALUE ANALYSIS
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ADD YOUR REVIEW
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FR Review:
Rather than show them pictures or talk about his designs, Dean Nota takes clients through one of his existing houses "as quickly as possible" in order to inspire them—"and inspire, he does." As the principal of this small firm of three, Nota is said to take great pride in the personal attention he gives each project and its owner. After extensive interviews to identify site issues of the home-to-be and lifestyle issues of its owners, Nota creates "contemporary homes with a distinct mid-century modern feel." These spaces feature open plans, creative level changes and abundant natural light, and are constructed with various materials, including concrete block, metal and wood.
Clients call Nota "gifted in his ability to collaborate" and say he is notable for having "clients who really like him and clients whom he really likes." Insiders admire his skill at packaging spacious floor plans in narrow beachfront lots or dense urban neighborhoods. We're told he enhances each location with deft incorporation of city and ocean views as well as outdoor living areas.
Nota established his firm in 1982 after graduating from the first-ever class at SCI-Arc, where he was one of the founding students. He went on to teach at his alma mater until 1988. A major player in the South Bay, Nota has also completed projects in Montana and Oregon. He handles four to five major projects each year, mainly residential commissions consisting of ground-up new home construction of 2,500 to 4,000 square feet and the occasional apartment build-out. Noted for his "sensitivity to budgetary constraints," Nota's modest to standard fee is based on a percentage of overall construction costs, hourly rates or a fixed price.
Representative Client Comments:
"I am from a family of artists and he listened to my needs for a studio/residence and responded with ideas that would serve me over my lifetime." "He creates intimate spaces that are livable and inviting, while staying true to the contemporary ideal." "Dean has a magnificent way with framing panoramic views." "Remains calm, even around stressed-out clients." "I was surprised by his diligence in solving design challenges and would do another project with him in a minute. The experience was truly one of the high points of my life."
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