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Categories
Architects
Services & Specialties
Harmonious modern architecture awash in space and natural light
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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:
Charles Bernstein offers happy clients "a real architectural experience" shaped by his sincere dedication to the integrity of his craft. His timeless, harmonious and balanced designs are very clean, somewhat minimalistic and highlighted by the use of natural materials, making them both contemporary and accessible. Presently Bernstein's talents may be flying slightly under the radar—clients say they have pointed out designs in magazines of what they wanted, only to discover that the designs in question were actually his.
Clients find Bernstein to be genuine and laid back, yet "nothing is lost on him." He's even been known to live in a space for three days to fully understand the environment and the project. Bernstein established his three-person firm in 1980 after working for such esteemed architects as Frank Israel and Steven Erlich. He has been practicing for 30 years and remains the "hands-on" contact for his clients, taking only a select number of projects at any one time. Bernstein holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois and a Master of Architecture degree from UCLA. He has also completed a master's in counseling, a skill he uses to help discover the client's inner interests.
Typically in 1,000 to 8,000 square foot custom ground-up single-family homes, the firm has also accepted renovations and historic preservation projects. Los Angeles-focused, the firm has also done work in Aspen and New York City. The company's fees are reasonable and can be structured to suit the client, or even to suit Bernstein's passion. We hear he approached one client about doing some special metalwork for the ceiling, saying "I'll reduce my fee, but you have to do this." Who can say no?
Representative Client Comments:
"I did not think I was a modernist but he said ‘Everything you show me is contemporary, so I'm going to do a contemporary house for you and you will love it.' He was right." "So likable, but not the expected." "For the amount of time he spent on my house, I'd be surprised if he made $.10 on the hour." "He's quite a deep person, with a real spiritual sense." "He's a very grand thinker and invested in his design but also understands it's a commercial enterprise. Once he's done trying to sell me on an idea, if I don't want to do it, he'll back down." "He is highly atypical LA—when he calls you for lunch he genuinely wants to know how you are doing."
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