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Categories
Architects
Services & Specialties
Open-minded, modernist architecture
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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:
Michael Kovac is known for his ability to "catapult past the obvious modern idioms," offering dramatic Cubist paradigms that reflect the special interests of his clients. There are strong multilevel planes, cantilevered spaces that seem to defy gravity and maximize views. The works are warmed with naturalistic materials like wood and stone. Many are green projects that use photovoltaic power components, recycled wood insulations and/or radiant heat.
Clients enjoy collaborating with Kovac, who they say is "good tempered" with a "non-ego." They also speak of his clout with the city when navigating the permitting process, saying he gets particularly energized when tackling challenging hillside sites. Kovac received his Bachelor of Architecture at USC, trained with Rockefeller/Hricak and regional modernist Jerrold Lomax, and established his firm in 1988. There are twenty people in the office, including six architects, and about 80 percent of the work is residential.
The firm works mostly on the Westside, but has taken projects from San Diego to Utah. Though Kovac has been at the beck and call of some of LA's highest-profile residents with eight-figure budgets, he is happy to take on a few rooms for new clients and do work as small as a mailbox for past clients. His average home runs 6,000 square feet, at $350 to over $1000 per square foot -depending on the client’s taste and budget- putting him on par with other high-mark modernists.
Representative Client Comments:
"His strength is his ability to understand the client's wishes, synthesize and create something really unique. Out of the box thinking." "Can run out of time when it comes to the day-to-day execution." "He was able to grab a bit of extra land beside the house for the HVAC to maximize our space." "We were extremely impressed." "More than reasonable for what they charge." "He met my needs, respected the environment and California architecture, all while making my home architecturally significant." "You can feel the strength of the design on the napkin rendering."
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